Full frame lenses ...

[somebloke]

Hi all ....

I currently use a D80 DX based camera and associated DX lenses ... however if i were to go down the road of a Full frame camera like the D3 would i have to use Nikons current range of high priced non DX lenses or could i use some of their golden oldie back stock .. in fact i have 2 Nikon lenses boxed in the loft dating back around 20 years or so ... would they work on a D3 ?

hope you can shed some light on my confusion ......

 

[Tyke Tiler]

DX lenses work on D3's and D700's, when you attach a DX lens on an FX body you will notice the viewfinder is reduced to a smaller area and the file size of the images is also reduced.
There is probabley a much more sophisticated way of explaining it but I've just woke up and haven't quite finished the morning coffee.

If you weren't planning on buying any FX lenses anytime soon then I would recommend a D300 instead.
It kind of defeats the object of having a full frame camera at 12MP if your only going to use it in DX format at 5MP.

All the best
T.

 

[somebloke]

DX lenses work on D3's and D700's, when you attach a DX lens on an FX body you will notice the viewfinder is reduced to a smaller area and the file size of the images is also reduced.
There is probabley a much more sophisticated way of explaining it but I've just woke up and haven't quite finished the morning coffee.

If you weren't planning on buying any FX lenses anytime soon then I would recommend a D300 instead.
It kind of defeats the object of having a full frame camera at 12MP if your only going to use it in DX format at 5MP.

All the best
T.

what i meant to say was are Nikons older lenses from 35mm film days compatible with the D3 in full frame format or do i have to pay a mint for Nikons current top lenses ..

 

[Tyke Tiler]

what i meant to say was are Nikons older lenses from 35mm film days compatible with the D3 in full frame format or do i have to pay a mint for Nikons current top lenses ..

A ha, now I gothca.
Yes they will have the same F mount but AF may be lost in some cases.

This feller has a site that will have the information you need on certain lenses.

http://www.kenrockwell.com/

I don't agree with alot of his methods but he will have the right info to which 35mm lenses are compatible and whether AF is available.
T.

 

[danbroad]

The D3 will meter accurately with any Nikon F-mount lens which is AI or onwards [1977, as per KR's blog] - and as old lenses were 'full frame' [i.e. true 35mm equivalent] then you'll have no worries. You'll be able to use Aperture priority for sure. Pre-AI lenses need a moderately expensive conversion to work [but generally, if you're looking at a pre-1977 lens, chances are it's such a classic that converting it is worthwhile, or done already by someone else.]

The only thing to say is that just because a Nikon lens is old, doesn't mean it's great. Just like every company, they've produced some greats and some dogs in their time...