FAQ: What differences between an FX lens and a DX lens on an FX (Full Frame) sensor and a DX (APS-C) sensor?
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There have been repeated posts concerning 'cropped-sensor' (DX) lenses giving a different view than full-frame (FX) lenses, when used on a cropped-sensor (APS-C) camera.
The actual focal length of all lenses are measured the same way, whether it be P&S, bridge cameras, APS-C, Full Frame, medium format, or large format. Where they differ is the area captured by the sensor. Even though the magnification is the same, the image circle projected by a full-frame lens needs to be larger than that of the APS-C lens, in order to project all the way to the corners of the larger sensor. Bridge and P&S cameras commonly use a full-frame equivalent, but the actual focal length is listed in the printed specs.
If you use a cropped-sensor (APS-C) camera and put a cropped-sensor or full-frame lens of the same focal length on that camera, you get the exact same angle of view, and the exact same capture on the sensor.
I shoot Nikon, so for this example, Im using the term FX for Full-Frame and DX for 'cropped-sensor' (APS-C). For the following test, I used a Nikon D200 (DX), Nikon D800 (FX), Sigma 50-150 DX zoom lens set to 50mm, Nikon 50mm 1.4 FX lens.
DX 50-mm lens on a DX camera
FX 50-mm lens on a DX camera
DX 50-mm lens on an FX camera in DX mode
DX 50-mm lens on an FX camera in Full Frame mode
FX 50-mm lens on an FX camera in Full Frame mode
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