How do I identify whether a Nikon NIKKOR lens is FX or DX?
Asked 8/12/2012
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When looking at Nikon NIKKOR lenses, is it safe to assume that if a lens is not labeled DX then it is an FX lens? Are there any exceptions or other Nikon lens types/mounts I should watch for?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
14y ago
2 Answers
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You'll want to avoid lenses marked with DX (crop cameras only).
Nikkor has made optics for various optical systems, so you should also make sure the lens is an F-mount lens. Recently there were introduced 1 series lenses, meant for Nikon 1 mirrorless camera systems; these cannot be mounted to a dSLR.
Historically, lenses for Nikon rangefinders (S-mount), Nikonos underwater cameras and Contax cameras have been produced under the Nikkor brand. Technically, those are full-frame lenses, but need an adapter to mount to a dSLR and even then will only be usable for close-range photography due to smaller flange focal length, unless the adapter has optical elements to compensate that.
Originally by user4390. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user4390
14y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Generally, yes: for Nikon DSLR lenses, if a NIKKOR lens is marked DX, it is designed for Nikon’s crop-sensor format. If it is not labeled DX, it is typically an FX/full-frame lens.
The main thing to check in addition to FX vs. DX is the mount. Not every lens branded NIKKOR is made for Nikon DSLRs. For example, Nikon 1 lenses are for the Nikon 1 mirrorless system and cannot be mounted on a Nikon DSLR. Older NIKKOR lenses were also made for other systems, including Nikon rangefinders, Nikonos, and Contax, and those are not standard Nikon DSLR F-mount lenses.
So the practical rule is:
- Avoid lenses marked DX if you specifically want FX coverage.
- Also confirm the lens is a Nikon F-mount lens if you want to use it on a Nikon DSLR.
In short: “not DX” usually means FX for Nikon DSLR lenses, but always verify the lens mount/system as well.
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