Comparison between DX and FX lenses

[Derek Smith]

Imagine someone who is not in the first flush of youth. Someone who has gone through 35mm (getting excited when FP4 came out) rangefinder cameras and then SLRs, 6cm x 6cm TLR and recently onto bridge cameras and is a wee bit confused by DSLR but gets the general drift. He might well come into a little money soon. Not much, but he's wondering if some might be diverted.

If he asked you what is the difference between DX and FX lenses, and the strengths and weaknesses of both, what might you answer.

This person doesn't mind being patronised.

Thanks,

Derek

[Derek Smith]

Thanks, guys.

I'm 'semi-professional', in the sense that I can claim a camera on expenses. I've been told I've been named in a will, a chap with few relatives whom I helped on occasion. It would be 000s if what he said about shares and savings was true.

I must admit to be favouring DX, size and weight is the main factor here, and also enough money for some quality accessories, such as lighting - flash and studio.

I was worried that I might be missing something but you have reassured me.

Thanks, guys.

[Derek Smith]

FurtiveFreddy said:

Having just bought a new DX (F5500) and not doing much professional work these days, I would say you have to have a really good reason to spend the extra and put up with the additional weight of the FX kit.

When someone else is paying or you get a job which you know will pay for some nice shiny new kit, it's tempting to get the most expensive pro gear but that's not always the best strategy and once the novelty has worn off you might find yourself suffering from buyer's remorse and wishing you'd gone for the 'sensible' option.

It's a compromise whichever way you go, but you can still take very good pix with a smaller sensor if you know what you're doing and are not specialising in subjects which require the features you'd get with proper 'pro' bodies/lenses/accessories.

Did you say that just to depress me?

You are spot on, of course. I only take pictures of cars and bits of cars to illustrate ebooks. I went to a well-known high street camera/other stuff shop and came out confused. That said, I think the chap I asked was just as confused.

[Derek Smith]

FurtiveFreddy said:

That's because all the manufacturers insist on bringing out too many variations of their products. Trying to sort out which camera/lens is best for what you want to do is becoming increasingly difficult.

BTW, have you already got the camera and were just asking about lenses or is it the whole kit you were asking about?

The whole kit. So a fair bit of money. I've got a bit saved up in any case.

[Derek Smith]

I just thought I'd let you know that your very helpful replies were wasted. It seems the source of the camera money had mortgaged his house to one of those asset realising companies, and some years ago. I've got 10% of not very much.

It's no problem. The bloke never even told me I was in his will. So for a while I was a fair bit richer. I've gone from £50-60,000 to a few hundred in an apologetic phone call. Even so there might be even less as his estate is in a bit of a mess financially. Could be more I suppose.

Still, from the reception I got from the NoK at the funeral, I think there might have been a challenge. It seemed they thought I would not be 'getting away with it' by supplying the old boy with meals and a bit of company at Christmas, the New Year and Easter.

I liked the old boy. Still do. It was a very nice surprise, even after the executor phoned the second time.

Thanks though. You were very helpful.

I'm back to dreaming.

[Derek Smith]

Simpo Two said:

I'd want to find out whether the drop of 99% is down to genuine accounted-for equity release or family action. I haven't been involved in a contested Will but I'd have thought you'd get to put your side at some kind of hearing. £50-60K is worth fighting for IMHO.

I'm entitled to a full 'inventory' it seems, due to the value of this house, despite it not being 'his'. A couple of things have gone from the house, according to a neighbour - she got 15% - notably two art deco vases. Quality stuff. I know the executor, really genuine. I'd trust anything he said. He's gutted about telling me I was suddenly much richer. The old boy kept everything quiet. Even his kids didn't know. They are furious, but then if they'd seen him more often, perhaps they'd have been told. I never liked them.

For a while I had a new camera, so better than never having had one.

I liked the old boy - good value once you got him talking.