FX vs DX Lens
Dec 28, 2016 18:16:24 #
Other than cost, size & weight . . . is there any downside to buying FX lenses for my Nikon DX camera?
I was thinking that maybe I should buy an FX lens for my next lens purchase in case I ever decide to get a FX body.
I was looking at the Tamron 150-600 and I see that there is one listed for about $899 and another for about $1399 . . . I guess the pricer one may be FX and the less expensive one DX . . . is that correct? or is there another reason for the price difference?
I recently upgraded from my D3300 to D5500 which I really like a lot more due to the built-in wifi and vari-angle touch screen display.
Thanks for your help . . .
I was thinking that maybe I should buy an FX lens for my next lens purchase in case I ever decide to get a FX body.
I was looking at the Tamron 150-600 and I see that there is one listed for about $899 and another for about $1399 . . . I guess the pricer one may be FX and the less expensive one DX . . . is that correct? or is there another reason for the price difference?
I recently upgraded from my D3300 to D5500 which I really like a lot more due to the built-in wifi and vari-angle touch screen display.
Thanks for your help . . .
Dec 28, 2016 18:24:16 #
AK Grandpa wrote:
Other than cost, size & weight . . . is there ... (show quote)
If you can wait and save the money to buy FX lenses, I think this is always the best choice. If you ever decide to upgrade and all you have is DX lenses, then you will always choose a dx body. If you have invested in FX lenses, then you will always have the option to upgrade to a full frame body without loss of investment in lenses. FX lenses will work well on DX bodies, DX lenses will not work as well on FX bodies. If you build a serious interest in photography, you will own many camera bodies, but you should never need to reinvest in lenses if you choose wisely in the beginning.
Dec 28, 2016 18:24:59 #
No disadvantage, especially for longer lenses. That, and as far as I know, there aren't any telephotos of that length / range in DX only anyway.
Dec 28, 2016 18:26:33 #
Dec 28, 2016 19:05:08 #
AK Grandpa wrote:
Other than cost, size & weight . . . is there ... (show quote)
The Tamron 150-600 are both full frame lenses...the difference in price is that Tamron has upgraded the 150-600...so there are two versions available.
Dec 28, 2016 19:21:02 #
AK Grandpa wrote:
Other than cost, size & weight . . . is there ... (show quote)
Lens selection for DX is limited, and generally slow. If you want fast, long, prime, etc. then you have to buy FX. Going wide, however, is limited because of the crop factor.
The Tamrons are all FX. Price difference can be due to model difference, used vs new, grey vs US.
The advantage, you are imaging the center and best part of the lens. The disadvantage; as you said, weight, size, cost.
Do not, however, buy an FX lens because you "might" want an FX camera in the future. Buy lenses that you need/want/use.
Dec 28, 2016 19:43:32 #
twr25
Loc: New Jersey
The Tamron 150-600mm is a fantastic lens at a bargain. There are two versions. The second is the updated version ... the G2 and is a substantial upgrade well worth the difference. Both are full frame. The same goes for the two Sigma 150-600mm lenses ... two versions; the first being an earlier model. The second is the new Sport model which is built like a tank for heavy use. Both are full frame too.
Dec 28, 2016 22:19:48 #
AK Grandpa wrote:
Other than cost, size & weight . . . is there ... (show quote)
Something to consider:
FX lens on DX body - impact on aperture not just field of view
Until I saw these videos, I believed that the only impact on using an FX lens on a DX body was the apparent reduction in the field of view (crop). This video suggests that the aperture is also impacted - meaning a 2.8 becomes a 4.2 on a Nikon DX body.
UPDATE-It does not affect exposure, just depth of field.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f5zN6NVx-hY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YDbU...WTY6O&index=81
Dec 28, 2016 22:30:15 #
par4fore wrote:
Something to consider:
FX lens on DX body - impact on aperture not just field of view
Until I saw these videos, I believed that the only impact on using an FX lens on a DX body was the apparent reduction in the field of view (crop). This video suggests that the aperture is also impacted - meaning a 2.8 becomes a 4.2 on a Nikon DX body.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f5zN6NVx-hY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YDbU...WTY6O&index=81
FX lens on DX body - impact on aperture not just field of view
Until I saw these videos, I believed that the only impact on using an FX lens on a DX body was the apparent reduction in the field of view (crop). This video suggests that the aperture is also impacted - meaning a 2.8 becomes a 4.2 on a Nikon DX body.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f5zN6NVx-hY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YDbU...WTY6O&index=81
It does not affect exposure.
This misinformation pops up fairly often.
Not that I need verification, but I read Tony Northrop himself commented that people misunderstood his explanation. I've shot film cameras up to 8x10 and digital. Never did I have to compensate the exposure based on what format I was using. Hand-held light meters do not have a compensation setting for that either....because it's not needed..
Dec 28, 2016 22:42:03 #
GoofyNewfie wrote:
It does not affect exposure, just depth of field.
Thanks, good to realize.
Dec 29, 2016 06:06:05 #
AK Grandpa wrote:
Other than cost, size & weight . . . is there ... (show quote)
I used to think that the lens type had to match the camera type. Then I heard that FX lenses are always better. Then I heard that the lens type had to match the camera type.
Some links -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YDbUIfB5YUc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f5zN6NVx-hY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YDbU...WTY6O&index=81
More on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=dx+body+with+fx+lens
Dec 29, 2016 06:53:20 #
AK Grandpa wrote:
Other than cost, size & weight . . . is there ... (show quote)
I try to ONLY buy FX lenses for my Nikons. A: they will easily accommodate both my FX and DX camera in each's native mode. If you put a DX lens on an FX camera it will either shift automatically to DX mode or give an image that is circular covering ONLY the DX portion of the sensor. FX lenses will cover the sensor on both FX and DX cameras and DX cameras will not use the extra info of the FX size. It's like exposing an 8x10 sheet of print paper on an enlarger. The full image may be 16x20 but you are only using an 8x10 portion of the image.
Dec 29, 2016 07:31:01 #
billnikon
Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont
AK Grandpa wrote:
Other than cost, size & weight . . . is there ... (show quote)
The Nikon 200-500 is a FX lens. It is the lens you want for your NIKON. Cause Nikon made it for their bodies and it is much much sharper than the Tamron, and will stay sharp though out it's life, unlike the competition. It also has a better build and it is a NIKON. What else do you have to say than that.
Dec 29, 2016 09:37:26 #
The FX lenses fit your DX camera but you will often have a conflict with the focal length of the lens and let me explain it.
Let's assume you buy a 24-70 f2.8 lens for your D5500. While 24mm will be very useful with a full frame camera for wide angle shots with your DX body it will only be 36mm. If 36mm is enough wide angle for you then the "digital factor" will not affect your shooting. On the other hand, if you buy a 70-300 VR lens now your 300mm in your DX body becomes 450mm and that begins to look good for wildlife photography.
A FX lens is not necessarily heavier, larger or more expensive than a DX lens one exception just to mention a particular lens is the 24-70 f2.8 that as a professional lens is very well built and weights a ton.
As I said, you can use FX lenses with your D5500 but keep in mind its limitations when used with DX bodies.
Let's assume you buy a 24-70 f2.8 lens for your D5500. While 24mm will be very useful with a full frame camera for wide angle shots with your DX body it will only be 36mm. If 36mm is enough wide angle for you then the "digital factor" will not affect your shooting. On the other hand, if you buy a 70-300 VR lens now your 300mm in your DX body becomes 450mm and that begins to look good for wildlife photography.
A FX lens is not necessarily heavier, larger or more expensive than a DX lens one exception just to mention a particular lens is the 24-70 f2.8 that as a professional lens is very well built and weights a ton.
As I said, you can use FX lenses with your D5500 but keep in mind its limitations when used with DX bodies.
Dec 29, 2016 09:37:57 #
Hi guys,
I shoot both FX & Dx Nikon cameras and always purchase FX lenses. When I'm on a shoot, there is no will-this-lens-work-on-this-camera consideration when I'm about to use it - they all work. Take care & ...
I shoot both FX & Dx Nikon cameras and always purchase FX lenses. When I'm on a shoot, there is no will-this-lens-work-on-this-camera consideration when I'm about to use it - they all work. Take care & ...
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