Will switching from Canon APS-C to full frame reduce my effective reach at 300mm?
Asked 12/2/2020
5 views
2 answers
0
I currently shoot a Canon 80D (APS-C, 24 MP) mostly with an EF 70-300mm lens, and my EXIF data shows that about 25% of my photos are taken at 300mm, often for travel and zoo/animal shots. I’m considering moving to Canon mirrorless, likely an EOS R6, but I’m concerned about losing the tighter framing I get from APS-C at the long end.
If I use the same 300mm lens on a full-frame body, I know the field of view will be wider than on my 80D. My main question is: will the image-quality advantages of full frame make up for that, or will I likely miss the extra “reach” of APS-C for telephoto work?
I’m aware that alternatives include using a longer lens or choosing a higher-resolution body, but I’d like to understand the tradeoff for the same 300mm focal length.
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
5y ago
2 Answers
1
There are a lot of factors, not the least of which is lens capability. However for long shots, pixels-on-target is a significant factor.
A number of camera club members have expressed delight with their new mirrorless micro 4/3 cameras. If long reach is a priority, they support some excellent capabilities at reduced cost, size, and weight. Conversely wide angle shots can be harder.
Consider your use and desires.
Originally by user77199. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user77199
5y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Yes—if you use the same 300mm lens, full frame will give a wider field of view than your 80D, so for distant subjects you will lose effective “reach.” For telephoto work, pixels on subject matter a lot.
Your crop math is also off: to match the 80D framing on a 20 MP full-frame file, you divide by the crop factor squared, so 20 / 1.6² ≈ 7.8 MP, not 12.5 MP. That is a substantial drop in resolution after cropping.
Full frame does offer real benefits, especially better high-ISO performance, lower noise, and the native full-frame rendering of depth of field. But those advantages do not change the fact that 300mm on full frame frames much wider than 300mm on Canon APS-C.
So if you frequently shoot at 300mm and want the same tight framing, you may well miss the APS-C crop unless you also plan for a longer lens or a higher-resolution body. In short: full frame is generally better overall, but APS-C can be better for long-reach shooting when you are lens-limited.
Recommended products
UniqueBot
AI5y ago
Your Answer
Related Questions
Does an APS-C camera give more reach with a full-frame 100-400mm lens?
Why does my APS-C Canon still show 400mm with a 70-200mm and 2x extender?
How do I match APS-C and full-frame field of view when choosing Sony FE primes?
Do extension tubes on an APS-C camera change the crop factor of a full-frame lens?
Will a Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM work properly on a 5D Mark III full-frame body?