I suppose you need a Nikon Canada version? I know where there is a US Version coming up for sale soon

Neil,
I'm not a Nikon guy but I assume the 24-70 you're referring to is the F2.8 and the 70-200 is also the F2.8 VR model. Those are very nice lenses and on a D300 will give you everything you could need certainly in the short term.

I'm not aware of any Nikon mid-range zooms with VR but if there were, that would be ideal. But the two you mention are two of the very best. Keep in mind that the combination of camera/grip and zoom lens is pretty hefty for one-hand shooting if that's your portrait style (I know; I use the Canon 5D or 30D with battery grips and the 28-135 IS) and it can be a handful after a 1/2 hour or so.

Nice choice. I hope that Julie chimes in on her E3. She gets some really nice action shots with her gear.

Jim

I use the D300 without the associated grip; for pet portrait work, the shooting speed is more than adequate for me. I like the lighter body without the associated grip for pet work because it is much lighter and allows extensive work without fatigue

I believe the new 70-300 is VR and I know the 200-400 is.

I want to see my ad!! Glad it looks ok. I was worried it would be too dark.

My E-3 is great for the pet work. I loved my E-1 too, but, this makes shooting much easier. It locks on and does a great job.

What would make the Sigma not work for pet portraits?

Julie,
I'll send you the issue of Dog News. Send me your mailing address by PM and I'll get it out to you today. Page 157.

Jim

Neil,
what type of "action shots" do you anticipate shooting? Moving shots of dogs in the show ring? Shots of dogs at Agility or other Performance events? Dogs running around in the dog park?

I ask because for some activities, you should be using the equivalent of the Canon 1D MKIII but for others, any good camera -- and the D300 and E3 are excellent -- would work just fine.

For most of the static shooting, the Sigma should not only work well but give you very nice color.

Jim

That is too bad about the buffer of the SD14. I have heard such good things about its image quality. Waiting on a buffer to clear is annoying

I shoot lure coursing with the E-3 and its accuracy in CAF is awesome. I wish it had more than 5fps, but, I don't make my living with action stuff needing it, so, it is more of a want than a need.

I love the sooc color output of my Oly cameras. I rarely rarely have to fool with my color. As long as I nail the WB, it is all good. I may punch it up with actions, but, I am going for a specific look then