Full frame advantage?

[BorisMD]

Ok, as I am shopping for new lenses, I am trying to decide if I would
ever want to switch to a full frame sensor camera. In other words,
is there a good reason to not purchase any of the EF-S lenses.

Most of my shooting is casual, family, vacation, etc. I see no real
disadvantage to the smaller sensor.

As a corollary, is there any harm, or penalty, in using the non-EF-S
lenses on a body with a smaller sensor?

Sometimes, the more I think about this, the more confused I become.

Thanks,

Boris

 

[Nikel]

EF lenses are certainly fine to use on a cropped sensor. I personally haven't been able to justify the cost of a full frame camera. My current cameras meet my needs just fine. I don't own any EF-S lenses though, in case I do buy a full frame (5D was topping my list before the 40D came out I I got it, I'm still thinking about replacing the 20D with a 5D in '08). Also, none of the EF-S lens meet my needs. The lenses with 2.8 or faster aps are all EF lenses.

 

[BorisMD]

The one EF-S lens that I really like is the 10-22. That is a sweet wide angle lens with the USM focusing. I've rented it, and it is great. It's also not a bad deal at around $650.

Regards,

Boris

 

[Nikel]

Yeah, that was the only one I briefly considered. Then I remembered I've never needed anything wider than the 24 (28? Is it bad that I can't remember what all I have without looking?) that I have. I rented the 16-35L for a vacation, and I barely ever used it. I primarily do portraits though. If you do more landscapes and architechture, a wide lens can come in handy.

 

[Master Mason]

EF lenses are certainly fine to use on a cropped sensor. I personally haven't been able to justify the cost of a full frame camera. My current cameras meet my needs just fine. I don't own any EF-S lenses though, in case I do buy a full frame (5D was topping my list before the 40D came out I I got it, I'm still thinking about replacing the 20D with a 5D in '08). Also, none of the EF-S lens meet my needs. The lenses with 2.8 or faster aps are all EF lenses.

Not quite true, there is the 17-55 f/2.8IS lens that is highly regarded

 

[Disneyfreak92]

I own the 10-22mm, and I am very fond of it. I would like the 16-35L someday, but that can be someday when I can buy a full frame camera. For now, that 10-22mm has worked out great for me.

 

[handicap18]

My opinion on FF digital bodies is that if you want excellent low light capabilities and can afford the cost then it would be good. That is just my opinion. Image Quality from what I understand is also better, but with the crop sensors now IQ is excellent.

I've seen some images from the new Nikon D3 which is a full frame body. At ISO 1600, it is OUTSTANDING. Even at 3200 and 6400 IQ is excellent. Remember, the sensor is larger and that is the biggest thing with getting better quality at higher ISO's.

As for lens compatibality, thats another issue. Personally, I don't see myself getting a FF digital body in the next 20 years. Maybe by then the price will come down. If so you'll probably be able to find a higher IQ crop sensor. Technology changes so quickly who knows if down the road it will really be worth it.

 

[MarkBarbieri]

Full frame sensors will probably always have an advantage in low light or resolution. That's because with the larger sensor, you can either have bigger pixels or more of them. There are other advantages that are less striking. These include things like greater resistance to diffraction with small apertures. They should also have greater maximum resolving power because they magnify the image less.

Are the benefits worth it? Depends on the shooter. It seems like FF is creating a level between what used to be 35mm and medium format. I suspect that full frame will never be the dominant format but will probably continue to exist long past when most shooters remember where the term "full frame" came from.

The only disadvantage that I can think of for using full frame sized glass on a smaller sensor is the extra weight and bulk compared with what is necessary.

I see a future for both FF and 1.6x sensors in my future. When I go back to a 1.6x camera, I won't hesitate to by EF-S lenses.

 

[Nikel]

Not quite true, there is the 17-55 f/2.8IS lens that is highly regarded

Oops! I forgot about that one. Like I said, I'm not a big wide angle lens fan. I prefer the mid 20s to 100 range.

 

[webshark3]

Keep in mind that with a FF, you'll also need a external flash. Nothing internal on it. While some would have no problem with a 5D for vacations, I assume MOST would not appreciate lugging around a large FF, lenses, and flash.