DSLR full frame vs APS-c or DX

[Rick2544]

I am just beginning to get into photography so I need to pick some brains in here prior to purchasing a camera and lenses. After doing a considerable amount of research I have decided to purchase a Nikon camera but I still don't know if I should buy a full frame or an APS-C body. Bear in mind that I need something I can use for life. At my age that may not be too long.
This will literally be the last camera I ever buy.

If I have read the lens reviews correctly I can use Nikon FX lenses on either a full frame or an APS-C camera body. If so, wouldn't it be best to buy FX lenses for either FX or DX cameras?

Also, What would be three good lenses to cover most situations. I will be doing mostly wildlife, scenery and portrait photography for myself, not as a professional. That said I would like any advise on a DSLR that I can grow into, is somewhat user friendly and which has the capacity to take excellent photographs.

I could also use advise on a few useful accessories.

Thanks,
Rick

 

[jaomul]

Welcome to the forum. You don't mention your budget. It is widely regarded that full frame cameras are better for portraits but how much better is debatable. I would suggest that you look at the Nikon d7000 (crop, but this cam be an advantage for wildlife) with its 18-105mm kit lens(good focal length as a walk around lens), purchase a fast nikon 50mm (f1.8 or 1.4) and look at the tamron 70-300 vc lens. The d7000 is a nice camera that has dropped in price due the release of the new d7100. A 50mm lens on a crop is a nice focal length(for portraiture) and the tamron is a nice long lens. Also with the d7000, because it is not nikons entry level bracket many older nikon lenses will focus (not the case with cheaper models)

 

[cgipson1]

Listing a budget is a good idea! We can go inexpensive or very expensive very quickly1

FX lenses are always better... IMO, as they allow you to upgrade if you ever choose to go full frame. And typically the PRO lenses are FX... and they are awesome lenses.

Briefly, Full frames sensors are better for shallow DOF (depth of field) work.. and are typically much better for low light shooting.

Crop sensors are great for lower cost, slightly more DOF at a given focal length / aperture... and have the ability to turn any lens you use into a longer lens (through perceived Field of View). A 100mm gives images equivalent to a 150mm lens. A 200 give images like a 300, etc... (keep in mind that this is through the inherent crop factor, not actual)

D7000 would be a good call... or a D7100 if your budget affords that. As would a D600 or D800... again, if within budget. Glass (lenses) are usually more important than the body you buy... so keep that in mind.

 

[Rick2544]

Sorry, I should have included a budget. I don't want to spend more that $1200 for a camera body, new or used works. For the lenses I have budgeted $1200 more or less, again I would probably go with good quality used as I can get more for my money.

 

[cgipson1]

Sorry, I should have included a budget. I don't want to spend more that $1200 for a camera body, new or used works. For the lenses I have budgeted $1200 more or less, again I would probably go with good quality used as I can get more for my money.

D7000 / D7100 would be a great choice... you won't outgrow either one for a long time.

Lenses... $1200 would give you some leeway. Wildlife, you want something long... which can be used for portraiture also, although a medium tele is popular for that too. Landscapes need wide... so we are at odds here.

Do you prefer primes... or zooms?

I would suggest :

80-200 2.8 D 2.8 (excellent quality, constant aperture, large aperture) Amazon.com: Nikon 80-200mm f/2.8D ED AF Zoom Nikkor Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras: NIKON: Camera & Photo approx $500-600 used Wildlife people

70-300 4.5/5.6 VR AF-S (excellent quality, slower apertures, good long tele) Amazon.com: Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED IF AF-S VR Nikkor Zoom Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras: NIKON: Camera & Photo Approx $350-400 used Wildlife people

maybe pick up a short wide for landscapes

24-85 3.5/4.5 Amazon.com: Nikon 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5G ED VR AF-S Nikkor Lens: NIKON: Camera & Photo Approx $320 used Landscape people

or maybe an 18-35 3.5/4.5 Amazon.com: Nikon 18-35mm f/3.5-4.5G ED AF-S NIKKOR Lens for Nikon Digital SLRs: NIKON: Camera & Photo Approx $750 used Landscape people

these are just suggestions... lots of options, but these do fit your budget... and are not low-end kit lenses.

 

[raventepes]

Well. I own a D7100, and this is what I currently use with that camera:

Tokina 11-16 f/2.8 Pro II $600
Nikon 16-85 f/3.5-5.6 $840 (note: I'm looking into getting a 17-50 f/2.8 Sigma)
Nikon 70-300 f/4.5-5.6G VR II $590

New, the 3 lenses will cost around, $2030, but the Tokina 11-16 is kind of a specialised wide angle. Really, most people will only need 16mm at the wide end, if that, so that in itself could be chucked out the window, if nessesary. The above lenses will give you decent coverage from 16mm-300mm, or more, if you decide you want the ultra-wide Tokina. Without the Tokina, you're looking at $1430, brand new in the box. Less, if you go with used gear.

 

[Derrel]

WOW--some of the best doggone free advice I have seen doled out on TPF in a while. cgipson1 and raventepes are on FIRE with the spot-on suggestions! Seriously great advice. I have noting to add, except Bravo guys!

 

[goodguy]

I will be pretty much repeating most of what others said but here goes.

For camera get the Nikon D7100, I had the D7000 and now own the D7100.
The D7000 is the great camera but the D7100 is a bit better and I think well worth the extra cash especially considering it will be with you for a long time.
The D7100 has 1.3 crop mode that gives you that little extra reach exactly when you need it when shooting wildlife.

For lenses I agree FX is better and all my lenses are FX.
I would advise to get my lenses, I love them and get great results with them

For everyday I use the 24-85mm VR, its the D600 kit lens and is a great sharp lens for the money.
Telezoom there is one lens you need and that's the 70-300mm VR, excellent lens, very sharp for its relative affordable price but be careful not to get its earlier versions which were non VR.
For family/portrait shots and night photography get the 50mm 1.8G, good sharp lens and very affordable.
I want to add all my lenses (except the 50mm) I bought used and I never regretted getting any of them for half of its retail price or even less.