Buying FX glass for the future

crewchief227

Senior Member
I know this has probably been discussed over and over, but I did a search and did not find what I wanted. I currently have the D7100 but I plan on in the next year getting a D750 or D810 (I just don't think the D610 is a big enough jump), and am trying to build up my lens collection first. Now if this is the plan is it better to buy FX glass for say anything over $500 instead of investing in high end DX glass? I know that if I did buy some nicer DX lenses like the Sigma Art 18-35 f1.4 they would have some resale value but still you loose that money. My dream is to get the 24-70 in the next month or so but am a little worried about how good it is on the 7100. So what do you guys think, buy DX glass and bite the resale or hold out for better FX for the long term?
 

Anco

Senior Member
Take it from me, if you buy an FX body and don't have any FX glass then what you have there is an expensive shelf ornament. If you know you are going FX, buying FX glass now will be much easier on the pocket than buying a body and glass at the same time (plus buying DX glass in the interim). I switched brands to go FX, so had to buy everything at once and the cost really adds up and I couldn't get the glass I wanted. Now I have the camera I want, but I have to wait to get the glass I need, that it deserves to have on it.
 

zutty

Senior Member
I used the 24-70 with a D7100 and it works beautifully with it. Here is an example. I also upgraded to a D610 and then a D810 and that lens is perfect for both fx and dx. It is a lens well worth having no doubt!
7100 Bug Light 24-70 #1 HD6.jpg
 

aroy

Senior Member
If you are ever going the FX way, then buy only FX glass. Most of long glass is FX anyway, so are professional zooms, so that leaves wide angles. Just remember that 10mm DX has same FOV as 15mm FX, so the standard 24mm on FX has same FOV as 16mm DX glass. I would not invest in dedicated wides for DX any way, as in most cases stitching achieves the ultra wide angle view.
 

J-see

Senior Member
If you're certain you go FX, it is best to buy glass for it but you need to be certain.

I bought a DX with the intent to go FX after the winter and got several lenses with that upgrade in mind. The cam I currently have performs that well, I no longer will go to full. Luckily I didn't buy any critical FX lens like a wide.

For many lenses it matters less but for those that do, better be certain.
 

grandpaw

Senior Member
In my opinion if you think you will be going to FX I would not consider buying anything but FX glass. I also would recommend buying good full frame glass because you will never get the benefit of the better camera without better glass. You will be much happier and save money in the long run by going a little slower and getting the better glass that will last you a looooong time than wasting money on DX lenses or cheaper FX glass. Good glass can last you for many years if not forever. As time goes by you will replace and change bodies but you can always keep and use good glass. Said from years of experience and is just my personal opinion. As the saying goes "been there and done that".
 
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BackdoorArts

Senior Member
You'll never go wrong buying full frame glass. Even if you never go full frame you'll always be in the sweet spot of a full frame lens with a DX body - so even the less expensive stuff that has CA or distortion at the edges will serve you wonderfully. The only place you may have problems is on the wide end of things, so don't be afraid to invest in a fine quality DX wide angle, because 24mm (effectively 36mm on a DX) is not going to cut it in a lot of situations - even if it's a perfect 24mm from a "holy trinity" lens.
 

sonicbuffalo_RIP

Senior Member
The general consensus is to buy FX glass if you're going to be going to FF in the future. I agree wholeheartedly. The glass will last and can be used, as has been stated, on DX bodies. Glass is expensive, so buy the best you can afford to give you the best results. You won't be sorry. The resale value is there too. Remember though that FX glass is going to be heavier, and bulkier. That's one reason I downsized to mirrorless. For top of the line results, however, if you are willing to lug the heavy glass, the by all means, go with FX glass. I've owned all the Holy Trinity of Glass,and I will say that you will probably get the most use out of the 24-70 mm f/2.8. It's a great lens. It's by no means the heaviest of the 3. It's well constructed, and as many will attest, a great lens. I used it for many things including some portrait work.
 
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aroy

Senior Member
Glass also lasts a long time, you may go through half a dozen bodies before you will upgrade your lenses. So it is wiser to buy the best you can.
 

crewchief227

Senior Member
Thanks guys, I will be able to check out some FX glass anyways here in January when I am going to be taking a photography class at my college. The cool thing is that they have film cameras that we start off with to take home and I will have access to their library of lenses. I am kind of excited about it.

So I have the Tamron 17-50 2.8 right now and I think that will probably be good enough as far as a DX lens goes. I want to buy a prime next and was stuck between the DX 35mm 1.8G or the FX 50mm 1.8G & 85mm 1.8G. So I think I will get the 50 and skip the 35. Happy Shooting.
 

480sparky

Senior Member
....... The cool thing is that they have film cameras that we start off with to take home and I will have access to their library of lenses. I am kind of excited about it............


If you invest not only in FX glass, but ones with aperture rings, you can use them on the old film bodies as well. I can do that with 14 out of my 22 lenses.
 

crewchief227

Senior Member
There lens library has not just lenses for the film camera but pretty much every lens for DSLR's. It is a prerequisite that you have your own DSLR to get into the class. We start out on film for the first few weeks and then move to digital. The cool thing about the film though is not only do you get to shoot with it, but you also get to develop it as they have their own darkroom and everything plus a full studio set up for digital.
 

480sparky

Senior Member
Many classes start their students out with film. Not being able to chimp the image and having to wait until after a trip to the darkroom to see your results tends to make one truly think about their settings before pushing the shutter button. Are the shutter speed and aperture appropriate for your 'vision' of the image? Are the exposure settings truly 'correct'? Is the lens' focus setting where it needs to be? Is a filter needed or desired?

These are basics that are truly lost with many today, what with the Magic Green A on every camera.
 

SkvLTD

Senior Member
50 might feel a tad tight on DX, but once you bump up to FX you'll be right at home. 35 works much better in that respect and keeps its value quite well. Personally I'd aim for something that can do macro in the prime range and otherwise start saving for 70-200 or something far more useful.
 

crewchief227

Senior Member
50 might feel a tad tight on DX, but once you bump up to FX you'll be right at home. 35 works much better in that respect and keeps its value quite well. Personally I'd aim for something that can do macro in the prime range and otherwise start saving for 70-200 or something far more useful.
Well I figured my first purchase of top end glass should be the 24-70 2.8 as this on an FX is comparable to what I am currently using with the Tamron 17-50 2.8 and seems like my most used lens. Aside from some primes that I will get in the next few months I think after the 24-70 will come the 70-200 and I should be good for awhile.........I think LOL
 

grandpaw

Senior Member
Well I figured my first purchase of top end glass should be the 24-70 2.8 as this on an FX is comparable to what I am currently using with the Tamron 17-50 2.8 and seems like my most used lens. Aside from some primes that I will get in the next few months I think after the 24-70 will come the 70-200 and I should be good for awhile.........I think LOL

You might consider the Tamron 24-70 F2.8. I chose it because it was rated very high and also had VC that the Nikon doesn't have and is much less in cost. I am very pleased with my purchase. It will be getting a serious workout Thanksgiving week down at Walt Disney World....
 
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