FX-DX format question

[off-roader]

Lost Canadian,
I am not referring to the sensor when I refer to DX vs. FX lenses. I am referring to the glass itself, more specifically the main pro lenses. I do not even consider the lower end FX lenses when I speak of high end glass, because they aren't even worth mentioning. Aside from primes, FX lenses will generally be sharper since they are pro quality. The 17-55 is a sharp lens for a DX, however the 24-70 is still sharper. Then we have the 14-24 and 16-35 compared to lenses such as the 12-24. While the 12-24 is a great lens, it does not compare. The 70-200 is much sharper than any DX lens in it's range, and there is absolutely no competition there. Same goes for 200-400, etc.

You can't even get started on Macro's because the 105mm Nikkor is sharper than any 3rd party lens, let alone a DX lens equivalent.

The 35mm 1.8 DX lens is sharper than any 50mm 1.8, FX or otherwise. The 50mm 1.4 however is sharper than the 35mm.

Like I said, there are exceptions, but as a general blanket statement you can easily justify saying FX lenses are sharper than DX lenses.

Interesting. FWIW most of my 'pro' glass are FX lenses even though I shoot with a DX sensored D300.

 

[Wander]

I looking at what is on the market that will work on both format the FX targeted lenses appear to be mostly pro glass which indicates to me that the pro market is the target for the FX for now-a few years down the road that may all change.

As for 70-200 f2.8 being sharp there is also the old 80-200f2.8 still out there at a really nice price point that is a legendary lens for sharpness all the way through the range-tripod or monopod is a must but that is kind of a given at the range anyway.

 

[Safado]

Matt,

I've read a couple of your threads now, and understand your dilemma, but realize that every move you make now doesn't have to align to "perfect setup" down the road. I recently moved from a DX to an FX body (D200-D700) and went thru the scenario you're fearing.

I had a D200 with an 18-200 VR (fantastic all around lens btw, on the camera 80% of the time, low light sucks), a 50mm 1.4 (to make up for the low light(FX)), and a 10.2mm fisheye. For me it was the perfect setup as I had coverage in most areas, and I could still be creative when needed. I bought all my gear used and had a good experience overall. When I sold it all minus the 50, I was able to recoup most all of my original costs, plus had the usage for 2 years. Lenses don't depreciate nearly as fast as bodies, and if purchased right, you loose nothing.

My advice would be to stick with the DX body and purchase some of the great DX lenses that are out there. If down the road, there is a compelling reason for you to move to an FX body, cross that bridge when you get there. There's always something cooler and better out there to buy/finance.

 

[Wander]

Thanks Safado,great advice and your right I do need to relax a bit and just get a good lens for now and worry about later-later.

The 18-200 is one I was thinking about as it looks to be a good walk around lens. Yeah it has it's limits but that's to be expected from any lens with that amount of zoom. If I can find a good one used from a place I can trust that would be even better. A big part of my hesitation is that I have set it in my mind to expand my photography and take the time and effort to learn. I have bought things in the past that where fine for now but I soon found the limits of. I don't think that will be the case with the D70s anytime soon and if so I can always trade up. I do want to invest in good glass either way.

It's about damn time I started posting some images rather than worrying about making the right choice!

 

[HB 4X4]

Interesting. FWIW most of my 'pro' glass are FX lenses even though I shoot with a DX sensored D300.

Your post is a bit arbitrary so I am unable to discern whether you are agreeing with me but this is exactly my point. All pro level glass is FX.

You can use FX lenses on a D300 perfectly fine (D300 is what I shoot). You can use it on any cropped sensor for that matter. You don't, however, want to use a DX lens on a FX sensor.

 

[Safado]

Good, hope you pull the trigger on an 18-200 then. It's great for that all around quick grab lens, like I said, I only mounted the 50 or 10.2 for specific ideas. I picked up most of my stuff on Craigslist locally. You get all types, but you get to hold and test it before committing. And let's face it, there are a lot of people that put a lot of money in DSLR equip that never get out and shoot and are looking to dump their stuff. Don't be hesitant to walk away if it doesn't feel right, but when dealing in photography equip I've tended to run across a better group of people.

Good luck

 

[DiploStrat]

We just hate it when our dying interferes with you guys having tea.

It's not the tea, it's the paperwork. Or, if I might be serious, for just a moment, I would just note that the telephone call to the family, or inventorying the personal effects, is never fun.

Sorry for the thread HiJack! Have a good, safe trip! (And take lots of pictures - FX, DX, or P&S)