Beagleman Loc: Indiana

I've seen any number of discussions on Full Frame and Crop Sensor cameras and lenses on this forum, and I understand the equivalancy of crop sensor lenses on crop sensor cameras eg. 1.5X or 1.6X to full frame. I also understand that crop sensor lenses cannot be used on full frame cameras due to the proximity of the rear of the lens to the mirror. HOWEVER, what about putting full frame lenses on crop frame cameras? I haven't seen that discussed. Sorry if I have missed it somewhere. Can or should this be done?

1. What is the effect on the image?
2. Is there any advantage to doing that?
3. Is it "wasting" a good lens (and money) on a smaller sensor Camera?

I was thinking that if it is compatible, that this would avoid starting over with new lenses when the photographer "ugraded" to full frame. Or am I just "chasing my tail" here? Thank you for any clarification you can give me!

---Beagleman

hangman45 Loc: Hueytown Alabama

One think about using FF lens on a crop camera is the fact that a lens that is soft at the edges will be sharper on crop camera because it is using mainly the center of the lens.
I do not know of any disadvantages from using a FF lens on a crop camera I only own 1 crop lens all my other will work on a FF or crop.
A lot of Pentax users have been buying lens that are for a FF just in case Pentax ever does bring a FF to market they will be prepared.

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

Nikon DX (crop) lenses CAN be used on FF bodies.
I never have used them that way, but I could.

Wellhiem Loc: Sunny England.

I think if you did, you would get some vignetting. As has already been stated, there's no reason why you can't use a FF lens on a CF camera.

JR1 Loc: Tavistock, Devon, UK

ALL of my cameras, 7d, 60d etc have FF lenses on that way I can also use them on my 5Ds

Years ago people did fall for the sales pitch, and buy lenses JUST for crop sensors then later realised what a CON they were when they wanted a FF camera and had to buy again, many of US didn't and only bought once.

Beagleman Loc: Indiana

Thanks for your responses! Very helpful.

---Beagleman

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

FF Nikons go into to a crop mode.

Wellhiem Loc: Sunny England.

I didn't know that. Would that result in fewer pixels?

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

Yes- there's always a catch.
The full-frame 36 megapixel D800 goes to about 15 megapixels with a DX lens on it. (15mp is more than most people normally need)
I've seen tests showing some of the DX zooms will cover the full frame image at the longer focal lengths, but the lenses weren't intended to cover that area, so you're not going to get the same quality as a full-frame lens.

Beagleman Loc: Indiana

So then, a follow up, and somewhat related question, would be: Would an excellent (expensive) F.F. lens on an older, inexpensive camera like a Nikon D40 or a Canon XS produce a better photo than a cheap, crappy lens on an expensive Full Frame camera? Sorry guys and gals, I am just full of questions today!

---Beagleman

Danilo Loc: Las Vegas

1. What is the effect on the image?
None. Your image still "is what it is".
2. Is there any advantage to doing that?
The real advantage is you can use FF lenses on a crop-sensor camera while preparing for an eventual upgrade.
3. Is it "wasting" a good lens (and money) on a smaller sensor Camera?
The real waste would be in having a FF lens sit on the shelf while you stock up on DX lenses. The noticeable difference is mostly with your "ultra-wideangle" lenses: they won't be as wide with DX cameras.

Screamin Scott Loc: Marshfield Wi, Baltimore Md, now Dallas Ga

Absolutely...The bulk of image quality is in the glass used, not the camera body...Plus the higher megapixel FF cameras are going to show the deficiencies of a below average lens more readily than a camera with fewer megapixels

Beagleman Loc: Indiana

Thanks Danilo for addressing my original questions as to the effect, if any.

---Beagleman

Beagleman Loc: Indiana

Thanks Screamin Scott, I suspected as much.

---Beagleman

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

Beagleman, absolutely, good(read expensive) glass is always better than cheap glass. But with today's software some of the minuses can be somewhat corrected. For example a cheap lenses tendency to fringe or vignet can be corrected in PP. Most old glass is manual, ok in many situations, but a pain with action shooting.
The crop lenses are designed with economy in mind not necessarily low quality. Some crop lenses may/are better than L glass. Since the crop sensor is smaller everything about the crop lens can be smaller, hence less cost. Also the average person spending three to four hundred dollars on a camera is probably not demanding super high end glass and quality. I realize they want the most they can get for what they spend, just like all of us, which is why they make lenses like the $99 plastic fantastic. It's not for everybody but Canon probably supports its self with that lens. Also do you know how many photographers buy the Canon 24-105L for their crop cameras cause someday they may get a FF? They limp along with this completely I'll suited lens for years befor they finally get a FF. get the correct lens for the current job at hand, you will have much more fun.
But, Beagleman, keep in mind that although all the fancy stuff is great, but you can win a Pulitzer with a cheap camera set-up. It really is not about the lens and how much you spend on it or whether it's full frame or not.
Go out and get great shots, it's about the light not the lens.