pbradin Loc: Florida

I have been playing with photography since 1962 (Daytona Continental 3-hour sports car race), and have shot everything from races to rodeos (cowgirl daughter), yacht races and tons of nature stuff. I only have "full frame" Canon "L" series lenses, one left over from my film days. I used my lenses on my first digital camera, the original Canon Digital Rebel when it first came out. I only buy "pro series" lenses which are all full frame. Like others have posted, when you are using a "crop sensor" camera (DX), you are not using the full diameter of a "full frame" lens. You are only using the center 50% of the lens, which is the "sweet spot". It is the "sweet spot" because the light coming from the center 50% of the lens is not "bent" as much to reach the sensor (Physics 101), so your image is a tiny bit sharper. I have gone through several iterations of "crop sensor" cameras from Canon from the original Digital Rebel, through a 20D, 40D, 7D and 7D II. My lenses all worked great on all of them. I have upgraded all of my lenses along the way and now shoot with three basic lenses, all professional "L" series lenses, and not just because of the wonderful color saturation, contrast and sharpness of them, but they, and the 7D II, are also weather-sealed, which is great if you shoot in a dusty environment like I did (rodeos and sports car races) or in places where you cannot get back to shelter in a hurry or if you actually are crazy enough (like me) to enjoy shooting in the rain. Nikon's Pro lenses are all weather-sealed too, but I am not sure if your current camera is. It is unfortunate that Nikon's 200-500 5.6 isn't weather sealed but if it was a pro series lens it would be (and it would probably cost $3,000+). There are many ways to get the best pro lenses at a reduced cost. Not one of the lenses, teleconverters or extension tubes I have was bought new. I buy refurbished directly from the manufacturer (in your case go to Nikon's website, and look under "deals") or used from B&H in New York or KEH in Atlanta. I've never had a problem. My current inventory allows me focal lengths that cover from 17mm to 560mm (before the 1.6X Canon crop sensor conversion) using combinations of 17-40mm f4.0L, 24-105mm f4.0L IS, and 70-200 f2.8L IS in combination with 1.4X and 2.0X teleconverters (no teleconverters on the 17-40). For 560mm I have to use the 70-200 with both TC's stacked on the back and the autofocus is a bit slow (no sports car racing, rodeos or birds in flight) and at the long end there is a little bit of softness, but you expect that with that light passing through all those pieces of glass, and you do NOT shoot hand held. I would stay with your "crop sensor" camera and slowly upgrade to all high-quality (pro) lenses. Then if you want to go full-frame, you already have the lenses and you can take advantage of shooting in dusty or wet conditions (since most full frame cameras are weather sealed). The primary reason for going to full-frame is noise and smoother and a little "cleaner" color gradations. If do a lot of telephoto work, you get extra "reach" with your long lenses (it is actually just a "cropped" image) on your current "crop sensor" camera. I wish you luck in whatever decision you make and keep enjoying your shooting.

JoAnneK01 Loc: Lahaina, Hawaii

When I started shooting with a DSLR camera (D200) I knew that I would eventually go to a full frame camera. I later purchased a D7100 and used my FX lenses with it and was satisfied with the photos I was getting. I had no problems with the results. A few years ago i went with the D810 (FF) and was already set with my lenses. Totally surprised with the difference I was getting with my FF camera and lenses. All of my FF lenses are of pro quality.

jackpinoh Loc: Kettering, OH 45419

For the pricer of those two TCs, you can buy a Sigma or Tamron 150-600mm lens that will produce much better image quality!

GrandmaG Loc: Flat Rock, MI

I was in your same situation when I owned the D7100. I had been tossing around the same questions...full frame or crop frame. I already had a few excellent full frame lenses, my favorite being the 24-70/2.8

Then the D500 came out. I bought it with the 16-80/2.8-4. Similar coverage as the 24-70; but much lighter and smaller for “every day” use. This camera is so awesome that I have decided against a full frame camera, especially now that I am retired and don’t have the extra funds coming in the door.

I wanted the 400/1.4 or the 200-500 but opted for the Sigma 150-600 instead.

I see someone suggested the 24/1.4. This is also on my wish list but my other favorite lens is the Sigma 17-35/1.8 which covers 24mm although the prime at 1.4 would be awesome for low light

Hope this helps

royb_36-cox.net Loc: Phoenix

I know that most of you reading and/or replying to this Post know that Canon DSLR FF cameras cannot use crop frame EF-s Canon lenses because they do not fit. Just saying.

Silverman Loc: Michigan

Someone here will correct me if I am wrong, Please, but I think a Full Frame Lens will work fine on a DX camera ( ex. my D3300 ) although a DX Lens will NOT produce a proper image on a F.F. Camera, something concerning F.O.V. and Vignetting.
I have a Nikon 50mm 1.8g lens on my Nikon D3300 DX Camera and it works great, of course I must consider the corrected 1.5 crop factor F.O.V. on my D3300, the 50mm lens will = a 75mm image. And this "Crop Factor" applies to all Lens on a Nikon DX (Crop Sensor) Camera.

papo76522

👍👍

drmike99 Loc: Fairfield Connecticut

You are exactly correct.

Georgeski

What you said is right--I've tried it both ways--the FF lenses work fine on DX cameras, but not the other way around!

NathanG Loc: Atlanta

Thank you for your thoughtful response. I believe I am leaning to do exactly what you have indicated here. Get the best FF lenses first and then decide whether to go FF body plus provide me more time to look at the results on my current camera with FF lenses (plus , more time to save up some money)

NathanG Loc: Atlanta

Much appreciated your thoughts. Thanks!

NathanG Loc: Atlanta

Thank you for taking the time to respond and i appreciate your thoughts. I believe i am leaning to go after the best FF lenses first and then decide after seeing the results decide about the FF body

NathanG Loc: Atlanta

thanks for your thoughts

NathanG Loc: Atlanta

you are correct i meant the 200-500 5.6