FX, DX, Nikon D90

cascadesjohn · Aug 14, 2011

Could someone give a quick explanation of the difference between FX and DX lenses and how that applies to my potential Nikon D90 purchases? Thanks!

quiddity · Aug 14, 2011

nm ... thought you meant cameras.

tirediron · Aug 14, 2011

FX. Lenses are meant for a full frame camera; their image circle is designed to cover a 24x36 mm sensor, but will work just fine with a D90. In fact they can work better than in a full frame camera because you're only using the centre of the lens' image circle. DX lenses have an image circle matched to your crop-size sensor. They will work on an FX camera, but you lose area on the edges.

nickzou · Aug 14, 2011

What tirediron said. I've made it a point to purchase FX lenses not only because one day I might go full frame but because they tend to give me more crisp images than DX lenses. And they aren't that much more expensive than DX lenses anyways, sometimes they are quite comparable. Either way, you can't future proof your camera body, especially in this (digital) day and age but you can future proof your lenses by buying FX. This isn't to say that DX lenses suck it just gives you more variety later in your photographic journey.

For example, if you choose to upgrade to the D7000 or the D...8000 (when that comes out), both FX and DX lenses will be fine. But say if you decided to upgrade to the D800 or the D4 in the future, if you've been collecting DX lenses, you're going to have to sell those and replace them with FX lenses. But if you already had FX lenses, you are good to go with just a new body.