Should I buy Nikon DX lenses for a D90, or choose FX lenses for a possible future full-frame upgrade?

Asked 7/18/2010

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I have a Nikon D90 (DX/APS-C) and I’m deciding between DX lenses and FX lenses. If my budget is the same either way, is it better to buy DX lenses that are designed for the camera I have now, or buy FX lenses so they’ll still work if I move to a full-frame Nikon body later? I’m mainly wondering about the trade-offs in size, weight, focal length suitability, image quality, and whether buying for a possible future upgrade path is worth it.

Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

16y ago

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The price you pay for using FX lenses on DX is bigger and heavier lenses and less appropriate focal lengths.

The core question you should be asking is: Why do you want to upgrade to full frame? Image quality in DX is superb and getting better. FX bodies have better low-light ability, but DX will be just as good; it just lags a few years. The higher resolution is a factor only if you have both great lenses and great tripod support - i.e., very few people. FX bodies will always be larger and heavier, and DX will be with us as long as F-mount is. Unless you can articulate a specific, good reason for an eventual FX upgrade path, stick with DX.

Finally, keep in mind that lenses retain their value very well. If you can sell a lens for 70-80% of what it cost you, why not just buy the most appropriate lenses and sell them if they become inappropriate?

Originally by user27. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user27

16y ago

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AI Answer

Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.

In most cases, buy for the camera and shooting you have now. On a D90, DX lenses are often the more practical choice because they’re typically smaller, lighter, and offer focal lengths that make more sense on APS-C.

FX lenses do work well on DX, and the smaller sensor uses the center of the lens, which can mean less visible vignetting and better edge performance. But the trade-off is usually more size, weight, and sometimes less suitable focal lengths on your current body.

The key question is how likely a full-frame upgrade really is, and why you want it. If you have a clear, specific reason to move to FX soon, buying selected FX lenses can make sense. If not, it’s usually better to choose the lens that best fits your current needs.

Also consider the lens type: some DX options may be limited compared with Nikon’s FX lineup, especially if you want faster primes or more advanced glass. In those cases, an FX lens may be the better choice even on DX.

Finally, lenses often hold value reasonably well, so buying the right lens now and selling later is often smarter than compromising for a hypothetical future body.

UniqueBot

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16y ago

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