Full frame camera - The Photo Forum

plastii · 03-20-2008, 08:12 PM

Hi.

I have a quick question. Do I need a special lens for full frame digital camera?

Thanks
Marek

Socrates · 03-20-2008, 08:16 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by plastii

Hi.

I have a quick question. Do I need a special lens for full frame digital camera?

Thanks
Marek

Kinda. You do NOT want to use the special lenses designed for use with DX sensors. A "full frame" camera requires the same lenses that are used with 35mm film. The reference to "full frame" is the 24X36 frame on 35mm film.

MarcusM · 03-20-2008, 08:25 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Socrates

Kinda. You do NOT want to use the special lenses designed for use with DX sensors. A "full frame" camera requires the same lenses that are used with 35mm film. The reference to "full frame" is the 24X36 frame on 35mm film.

I've noticed a lot of people who call all APS-C-sized sensors "DX sensors". The DX designation only applies to Nikon as far as I understand.

Is this another proprietary eponym, similar to Kleenex instead of tissue or Band-Aid instead of bandage?

Socrates · 03-20-2008, 08:26 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by MarcusM

I've noticed a lot of people who call all APS-C-sized sensors "DX sensors". The DX designation only applies to Nikon as far as I understand.

Is this another proprietary eponym, similar to Kleenex instead of tissue or Band-Aid instead of bandage?

Yeah, DX is a Nikon term but the Canon APS-C sensor is almost as large. I suspect that the terms are proprietary but, personally, I don't care.

MarcusM · 03-20-2008, 08:35 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Socrates

Yeah, DX is a Nikon term but the Canon APS-C sensor is almost as large. I suspect that the terms are proprietary but, personally, I don't care.

Oh, ok. Well I just know that for myself it's already hard enough to learn and understand all the technical jargon of photography, so I like to know the correct terminology.

Big Mike · 03-20-2008, 09:12 PM

APS-S comes from 'Advanced Photo System'...remember those 35mm film cameras that could take normal or wide 'panoramic' photos? Basically APS was smaller than 35mm film...about the size of modern 'crop' sensors.

I think that's how it goes...

Back to the original question...lenses designed for 35mm SLR film cameras will be OK for 'full frame' digital. (Any Canon "EF" lens...but not "EF-S" lens)

plastii · 03-20-2008, 10:17 PM

Thanks for the info guys.

Village Idiot · 03-21-2008, 08:45 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by Socrates

Yeah, DX is a Nikon term but the Canon APS-C sensor is almost as large. I suspect that the terms are proprietary but, personally, I don't care.

But the term describes lens mounts as well.

Canon's 1.6 sensor uses EF S mount lenses while their 1.3 FF and some older 1.6 cameras use the EF mount. It really helps because most people considering a FF camera are considering a Canon.

Socrates · 03-21-2008, 08:58 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by Village Idiot

But the term describes lens mounts as well.

Canon's 1.6 sensor uses EF S mount lenses while their 1.3 FF and some older 1.6 cameras use the EF mount. It really helps because most people considering a FF camera are considering a Canon.

"DX" does not describe a lens mount. I don't use Canon gear but I never heard anyone use the term "APC-C" to describe a lens mount. My understanding is that Canon lens mounts are described as "EF" and "EF-S" but I could be wrong.

Village Idiot · 03-21-2008, 09:11 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by Socrates

"DX" does not describe a lens mount. I don't use Canon gear but I never heard anyone use the term "APC-C" to describe a lens mount. My understanding is that Canon lens mounts are described as "EF" and "EF-S" but I could be wrong.

Maybe I should have phrased that differently. But there are DX designated lenses but not APS-C designated lenses. Canon uses EF and EF S to describe which mounts are for what cameras and since you can't use an EF S mount lens on an EF mount camera without breaking things, then it is important when talking about FF cameras.

Socrates · 03-21-2008, 09:20 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by Village Idiot

But there are DX designated lenses..

That has absolutely nothing to do with the lens mount. The "DX designated lenses" WILL mount on Nikon film cameras and Nikon FX sensor cameras without any problem. Of course, the lenses won't properly illuminate the film or sensor frame but that's an entirely different issue.

Quote: Originally Posted by Village Idiot

Canon uses EF and EF S to describe which mounts are for what cameras and since you can't use an EF S mount lens on an EF mount camera without breaking things, then it is important when talking about FF cameras.

Obviously, "APS-C" is NOT a designator for a Canon lens mount.

Village Idiot · 03-21-2008, 09:49 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by Socrates

That has absolutely nothing to do with the lens mount. The "DX designated lenses" WILL mount on Nikon film cameras and Nikon FX sensor cameras without any problem. Of course, the lenses won't properly illuminate the film or sensor frame but that's an entirely different issue.

Which is stil semi-relevant to the OP's question. If he is talking about the D3(correct model yes?) he really does need a "special" lens or else he won't be utilizing the full capacity of the camera.

Socrates · 03-21-2008, 09:55 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by Village Idiot

Which is stil semi-relevant to the OP's question. If he is talking about the D3(correct model yes?) he really does need a "special" lens or else he won't be utilizing the full capacity of the camera.

I responded to the OP many post ago. However, too many newbies get needlessly confused when incorrect semantics are used. The point that I was making to you is that DX and APS-C are NOT, in any manner, shape or form, lens mount designators.

Tennessee Landscape · 03-22-2008, 09:28 PM

You can use the lenses, the camera will automatically crop down the image though. at least with Nikon, a D3 with a DX lens attatched will crop the image down to 5.5MP from 12MP

03-20-2008, 08:12 PM	#1 (permalink)
plastii Been spending a lot of time on here! Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Mt. Prospect, IL Posts: 220 My Photos Are OK to Edit	Full frame camera Hi. I have a quick question. Do I need a special lens for full frame digital camera? Thanks Marek __________________ "Best wide-angle lens? Two steps backward, look for the 'ah-ha'.." Ernst Haas

03-20-2008, 08:25 PM	#3 (permalink)
MarcusM TPF Junkie! Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: St. Paul, MN, USA Posts: 1,217 My Photos Are OK to Edit	Quote: Originally Posted by Socrates Kinda. You do NOT want to use the special lenses designed for use with DX sensors. A "full frame" camera requires the same lenses that are used with 35mm film. The reference to "full frame" is the 24X36 frame on 35mm film. I've noticed a lot of people who call all APS-C-sized sensors "DX sensors". The DX designation only applies to Nikon as far as I understand. Is this another proprietary eponym, similar to Kleenex instead of tissue or Band-Aid instead of bandage? __________________ Canon EOS 300D 18-55 mm kit lens 50mm f/1.4 USM Speedlite 430EX These walls are paper-thin Where everyone hears every little sound... Everyone's a voyeur as they're watching me watch them watch me right now... -Modest Mouse My Photography: http://marcusmayo.blogspot.com 1.20.09

03-20-2008, 08:35 PM	#5 (permalink)
MarcusM TPF Junkie! Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: St. Paul, MN, USA Posts: 1,217 My Photos Are OK to Edit	Quote: Originally Posted by Socrates Yeah, DX is a Nikon term but the Canon APS-C sensor is almost as large. I suspect that the terms are proprietary but, personally, I don't care. Oh, ok. Well I just know that for myself it's already hard enough to learn and understand all the technical jargon of photography, so I like to know the correct terminology. __________________ Canon EOS 300D 18-55 mm kit lens 50mm f/1.4 USM Speedlite 430EX These walls are paper-thin Where everyone hears every little sound... Everyone's a voyeur as they're watching me watch them watch me right now... -Modest Mouse My Photography: http://marcusmayo.blogspot.com 1.20.09

03-20-2008, 09:12 PM	#6 (permalink)
Big Mike I am Big, I am Mike Site Moderator Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Edmonton Posts: 17,618 My Photos Are OK to Edit	APS-S comes from 'Advanced Photo System'...remember those 35mm film cameras that could take normal or wide 'panoramic' photos? Basically APS was smaller than 35mm film...about the size of modern 'crop' sensors. I think that's how it goes... Back to the original question...lenses designed for 35mm SLR film cameras will be OK for 'full frame' digital. (Any Canon "EF" lens...but not "EF-S" lens) __________________ Edmonton Wedding Photographer Blog

03-20-2008, 10:17 PM	#7 (permalink)
plastii Been spending a lot of time on here! Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Mt. Prospect, IL Posts: 220 My Photos Are OK to Edit	Thanks for the info guys. __________________ "Best wide-angle lens? Two steps backward, look for the 'ah-ha'.." Ernst Haas

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03-20-2008, 08:16 PM	#2 (permalink)
Socrates Banned Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Exit #5 Posts: 1,182 My Photos Are NOT OK to Edit	Quote: Originally Posted by plastii Hi. I have a quick question. Do I need a special lens for full frame digital camera? Thanks Marek Kinda. You do NOT want to use the special lenses designed for use with DX sensors. A "full frame" camera requires the same lenses that are used with 35mm film. The reference to "full frame" is the 24X36 frame on 35mm film.

03-20-2008, 08:26 PM	#4 (permalink)
Socrates Banned Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Exit #5 Posts: 1,182 My Photos Are NOT OK to Edit	Quote: Originally Posted by MarcusM I've noticed a lot of people who call all APS-C-sized sensors "DX sensors". The DX designation only applies to Nikon as far as I understand. Is this another proprietary eponym, similar to Kleenex instead of tissue or Band-Aid instead of bandage? Yeah, DX is a Nikon term but the Canon APS-C sensor is almost as large. I suspect that the terms are proprietary but, personally, I don't care.

03-21-2008, 08:45 AM	#8 (permalink)
Village Idiot TPF Junkie! Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Shepherdsturd, WV / Almost, MD Posts: 1,989 My Photos Are NOT OK to Edit	Quote: Originally Posted by Socrates Yeah, DX is a Nikon term but the Canon APS-C sensor is almost as large. I suspect that the terms are proprietary but, personally, I don't care. But the term describes lens mounts as well. Canon's 1.6 sensor uses EF S mount lenses while their 1.3 FF and some older 1.6 cameras use the EF mount. It really helps because most people considering a FF camera are considering a Canon.

03-21-2008, 08:58 AM	#9 (permalink)
Socrates Banned Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Exit #5 Posts: 1,182 My Photos Are NOT OK to Edit	Quote: Originally Posted by Village Idiot But the term describes lens mounts as well. Canon's 1.6 sensor uses EF S mount lenses while their 1.3 FF and some older 1.6 cameras use the EF mount. It really helps because most people considering a FF camera are considering a Canon. "DX" does not describe a lens mount. I don't use Canon gear but I never heard anyone use the term "APC-C" to describe a lens mount. My understanding is that Canon lens mounts are described as "EF" and "EF-S" but I could be wrong.

03-21-2008, 09:11 AM	#10 (permalink)
Village Idiot TPF Junkie! Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Shepherdsturd, WV / Almost, MD Posts: 1,989 My Photos Are NOT OK to Edit	Quote: Originally Posted by Socrates "DX" does not describe a lens mount. I don't use Canon gear but I never heard anyone use the term "APC-C" to describe a lens mount. My understanding is that Canon lens mounts are described as "EF" and "EF-S" but I could be wrong. Maybe I should have phrased that differently. But there are DX designated lenses but not APS-C designated lenses. Canon uses EF and EF S to describe which mounts are for what cameras and since you can't use an EF S mount lens on an EF mount camera without breaking things, then it is important when talking about FF cameras.

03-21-2008, 09:20 AM	#11 (permalink)
Socrates Banned Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Exit #5 Posts: 1,182 My Photos Are NOT OK to Edit	Quote: Originally Posted by Village Idiot But there are DX designated lenses.. That has absolutely nothing to do with the lens mount. The "DX designated lenses" WILL mount on Nikon film cameras and Nikon FX sensor cameras without any problem. Of course, the lenses won't properly illuminate the film or sensor frame but that's an entirely different issue. Quote: Originally Posted by Village Idiot Canon uses EF and EF S to describe which mounts are for what cameras and since you can't use an EF S mount lens on an EF mount camera without breaking things, then it is important when talking about FF cameras. Obviously, "APS-C" is NOT a designator for a Canon lens mount.

03-21-2008, 09:49 AM	#12 (permalink)
Village Idiot TPF Junkie! Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Shepherdsturd, WV / Almost, MD Posts: 1,989 My Photos Are NOT OK to Edit	Quote: Originally Posted by Socrates That has absolutely nothing to do with the lens mount. The "DX designated lenses" WILL mount on Nikon film cameras and Nikon FX sensor cameras without any problem. Of course, the lenses won't properly illuminate the film or sensor frame but that's an entirely different issue. Which is stil semi-relevant to the OP's question. If he is talking about the D3(correct model yes?) he really does need a "special" lens or else he won't be utilizing the full capacity of the camera.

03-21-2008, 09:55 AM	#13 (permalink)
Socrates Banned Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Exit #5 Posts: 1,182 My Photos Are NOT OK to Edit	Quote: Originally Posted by Village Idiot Which is stil semi-relevant to the OP's question. If he is talking about the D3(correct model yes?) he really does need a "special" lens or else he won't be utilizing the full capacity of the camera. I responded to the OP many post ago. However, too many newbies get needlessly confused when incorrect semantics are used. The point that I was making to you is that DX and APS-C are NOT, in any manner, shape or form, lens mount designators.

03-22-2008, 09:28 PM	#14 (permalink)
Tennessee Landscape I spend too much of my life on TPF! Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Seymour, TN Posts: 580 My Photos Are NOT OK to Edit	You can use the lenses, the camera will automatically crop down the image though. at least with Nikon, a D3 with a DX lens attatched will crop the image down to 5.5MP from 12MP __________________ Nikon, D80, AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D, AF-S Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 VR, Promaster XR EDO 17-50mm f/2.8, Nikon Speedlight SB-600, Manfrotto 727B Tripod, Lowepro Camera Slingbag Come see, share, comment, and critique!!! "The monthly Photo Challenge" cutting room floor

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