Would it be wiser to get a full frame camera, rather than invest more on DX lenses?
?
16 years ago
I was going to buy a wide angle lens(around 900 dollars) for my nikon D80, but now I'm thinking it'd be better to get the nikon D700 and start using full frame lenses, and to just keep my current D80 with 18-200mm lens as a back-up.
So are the full frame cameras and lenses a better long term investment?
Nine answers:
Larry R
16 years ago
If you have the money, go for it. You didn't mention which lense you were looking at, but you could just get a full frame equivalent, and use it on the D80. Then, should you upgrade to a full frame down the road it'll be just as useful. Personally I only buy full frame and use them on my DX format...its just more prudent since the death of DX sensors is pretty much a given at some point in the future.
OMG, I ♥ PONIES!!1
16 years ago
If you have 6 grand to spare, by all means get a D700 ($2400) with the 14-24mm f/2.8 ultra-wide ($1800). This lens gets rave reviews. Also add the 24-70mm f/2.8 as your new standard zoom ($1800).
I.m.h.o. it wouldn't make a lot of sense to upgrade to a D700 and use it with second rate optics. Hence the expensive lens choices.
If $6.000 seems a bit steep, and you don't want to spend $900 on a DX lens (the Nikon 12-24mm?), you can find a decent third party option for just $600: the Tokina 11-16mm. Here's a review: http://www.photozone.de/Reviews/45-canon-eos-aps-c/379-tokina_1116_28_canon
As for "investment" value, Nikon recently upgraded the D300 so I expect the prices of used DX lenses to remain good for a while to come. There should be a healthy market for quality DX lenses for as long as Nikon's FF bodies cost over $1500 (the next several years.) So if the 12-24mm is the lens you really want, just get it.
EDWIN
16 years ago
I think you need to ask yourself this question: "Am I going to be a professional photographer?" If that is your goal then the D700 would be justified. If it isn't your goal then your D80 should suffice.
Do keep in mind, however, that Nikon's "DX" lenses can be used with the D700, D3 and D3x. The image will be the same size as your D80 sensor but you can use them.
You can also use Nikon's "FX" (full-frame) lenses on your D80. Buying "FX" lenses now and using them on your D80 might be the best choice so if you do upgrade to a D700 you'll be ready.
anonymous
9 years ago
i think of you may desire to ask your self this question: "Am I going to be a expert photographer?" If that's your purpose then the D700 could be justified. If it is not your purpose then your D80 could desire to suffice. Do submit to in thoughts, whether, that Nikon's "DX" lenses could properly be utilized with the D700, D3 and D3x. the image would be an identical length as your D80 sensor yet you need to use them. you additionally can use Nikon's "FX" (finished-physique) lenses on your D80. buying "FX" lenses now and utilising them on your D80 could desire to be the terrific determination so in case you do improve to a D700 you would be waiting.
proshooter
16 years ago
Depends if you really need the extra quality, particularly the excellent low light performance of the D700 and D3.
You could try hedging your bets and buy FX lenses to start with.
http://photography.suite101.com/
casperskitty
16 years ago
The following link is actually in reference to whether one should upgrade from the Sony a700 to the a900. However, it has a lot of points that are going to apply no matter which system you use.