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Lenses and FX/DX Dilemma


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5 replies to this topic

#1
Ric0rama

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A few years back I purchased a few FX lenses from a family member who was getting out of her photography business. I got all three for $500 and used them for about a year with a D3100 that I have since gotten rid of. The lenses have been in a Pelican case for the last four years and were recently dug out of the garage a few days ago. When I checked to see what they went for they were still in the $1200-1999 range. They are older lenses and do not appear on any of the "pro" lists on YouTube or even on a Google search. This is probably because there are newer versions that have since replaced these lenses.

 

My question is this:

 

Should I purchase a full frame D750/810 to accommodate the fact that I have 3 FX lenses, or should I just pick up a DX camera like the D500 and build my setup around a DX system? I am not a professional and really just want a system to take landscape, portrait, and street photography as a hobby. I already have these lenses so the common sense thing seems to be to buy a full frame body and just use them. On the other hand, selling the 3 lenses could probably help pay for an awesome DX system.

 

These are the lenses:

 

Nikon 17-35mm f/2.8

 

Nikon 80-200mm f/2.8 AF-D Review

 

Nikon 35-70mm f/2.8 AF

 

Thanks.



#2
Del g

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It sounds like you would be happy with the DX system. I use several FX lenes with my D7200 and D70.

 

Good luck.



#3
TBonz

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All three of the lenses you listed above can be used with FX or DX bodies so choose whichever body that you listed which fits your needs best.  



#4
Ron

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All three of the lenses you have are pretty nice and, assuming they're in good working order, should make a good kit. Whether or not you should build your system around them is another matter. They work equally well on both DX and FX bodies with the exception of the D3xxx and D5xxx bodies with the two non AF-s lenses.

 

The question is whether you want to build a DX system or an FX system. There are pros and cons to both systems and, with Nikon currently in a state of flux, I'm reluctant to make suggestions on new gear. As TBonz said, it all depends on what you want to do.

 

--Ron



#5
Jerry_

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As mentioned before FX lenses can be used both on DX and FX cameras.

However the high pixel density of the D810 could put some challenge on some older lenses - I can't exactly tell for the lenses you have.

As you mention that you want to make portrait, landscape and street photography, there is a small favour for FX: portrait because of the better bokeh and landscape because of the wider angle of view and extra pixels on the D810. As for street photography a more discrete body and smaller (new) lens would help.

So, difficult to give you a specific advice.

However my preference, if I was in your situation, would likely go to the D500. It is an extremely powerfull camerabody with high low light capabilities and a splendid sensor system. (I can tell because I have one along a D610 - and while the one is having a DX sensor and the other an FX sensor, I have often a difficult choice which to pack).

Whether to keep all lenses is to be seen (depends if you want to use the money to invest in annew system) - however I would definitely add one or two recent lenses at the wider end (for landscape) including a 35/1.8 for street photography.
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#6
Merco_61

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With street as one of the main uses, I wouldn't hesitate in selling at least the 35-70 and the 80-200, get a D7200 as stocks last with a 16-85, 10-24 and maybe the 70-200/4. The 17-35 is a wonderfully sharp and fast 28-50 equivalent on DX, even if it is a bit large and intimidating as a street lens.

 

If you feel comfortable with a large camera for street use and can swing the cost, the D500 is a very useful tool, but it is large and expensive compared to the D7200. It might be worth looking outside Nikon at something mirrorless if street is to be your main focus.


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