D700 Question
- Thread starter maxalmon
- Start date
TitusvileSurfer
New member
1) How are we supposed to know what lenses you have.
2) Are you just upgrading to a D700 because 700-400 = 300 so the 700 must be 4/3 better than the 300? It seems you stopped your research there.
3) The answer is yes...no mater what lenses you have, F or D, they will all work.
2) Are you just upgrading to a D700 because 700-400 = 300 so the 700 must be 4/3 better than the 300? It seems you stopped your research there.
3) The answer is yes...no mater what lenses you have, F or D, they will all work.
The D700 is a full-frame camera while the D300 is a Dx or reduced sensor camera. While VR will still work on the D700 (the VR is built in to the lens), you may find that your lenses aren't suitable for a full-frame camera. A Dx lens (e.g. 18-55/70/105/135/200, 16-85, 12-24) will not work on the full-frame D700 (or at least, won;t work at all well).
If you post a list of specific lens, more specific advice could be given.
If you post a list of specific lens, more specific advice could be given.
maxalmon
New member
My questions is about all the types of Nikon lens, I understand the 700 is a fx format and that if I don't use fx lens then I don't get full frame images, what is an "FX" Lens?
Here is where I'm going crazy, the tech specs say "Type G or D AF Nikkor: all functions supported" I don't see any lens with the designation of "FX" From what I can see, all the Nikon lens are G or D? Does this mean any of the G or D lens that don't have a "DX" designation, I'm so confused
Here is the scripting from my macro lens AF-S VR Micro-NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED It also has a "N" stamped on it, next to "Nikon"
I understand that my D40 will have better resolution with a DX lens as the the D700 will only use the middle of it's sensor if a DX lens is used.
"G" lens, I was reading that this is cheaper version of a "D" lens as they have removed aperature rings to cut cost, is this true?
Now that all my random thoughts and babbling are done, here's my basic question
1) How will my AF-S 105 Nikkor 1:2.8G ED VR lens work on the D700
2) what designation do I look for in order to have the best lens for this camera? "D" lens or all VR lens?
3) Should I sell my 55-200 VR lens with my D40
3)Anyone have a link to a page that describes all the nikon lens designations, I've looked and looked and I just keep getting confused
help
Part of the problem is that Nikon is really new to the full frame sensor game. The D700 is a really good camera but the D300 would make better use of your investment so far. Save some money on the body and also some quality glass; your images will be better for it.
Cheers
Cheers
juniormc8704
New member
exactly. Unless you are prepared to buy all new full frame lenses (which are $$$$$ than the DX lenses) the far better choice would be the D300.
I have the D300 and its a fantastic camera, you wont be disappointed.
I have the D300 and its a fantastic camera, you wont be disappointed.
TitusvileSurfer
New member
Hahaha WOW I'm an idiot. Defeat completely and totally admitted. I humbly apologize.
Last edited:
Iostream
Member
One thing to note... The D700 does have the ability to shoot in DX mode. This will allow you to use your DX lenses without vignetting, but at a max resolution of 5.1MP. Basically, if you have a lot invested in DX lenses, go with the D300. As you buy new lenses, go for non DX lenses (which will work just fine on the D300). Once your important lenses are no longer DX, you can upgrade the body to whatever full frame body is available at that time. Just remember that DX and FX don't behave the same when using the same lens. A 50mm lens on a DX camera is like a 75mm lens on an FX camera.
maxalmon
New member
I attribute this to the same process I went thru with my first reef tanks, upgrade lights, upgrade lights etc.... I don't want to spend a lot of money and then decide that I want to upgrade on the camera. I know the D300 is a fantastic camera, but in reality, if you shop around (amazon) it's a small price to pay for the advanced format of the 700.
I have 3 lens, the 18-55 kit lens, a 55-200 VR and a 105 Macro VR lens, So I have very little invested in lens, might as well make the transition to the D lens and FX format now
I have 3 lens, the 18-55 kit lens, a 55-200 VR and a 105 Macro VR lens, So I have very little invested in lens, might as well make the transition to the D lens and FX format now
The problem with your original question is that 'VR' says nothing about whether a lens will work with a camera. We were trying to get the additional information needed to provide helpful information. VR is Nikon's Vibration Reduction system. It is a sensor/motor system built into the lens which reduces image vibration due to camera shake. It is not a feature of the camera but of the lens. As such, the VR aspect of a lens should work on any Nikon camera.
The other designations are mainly about optical properties (glass coatings, CA adjustment) and also shouldn't affect suitability for the D700. In this regard, here is quote from Ken Rockwells' site
Nikon has a long track record with full frame film lenses. Many of these are excellent quality and would work very well on the D700.
Two of lenses you describe (the 18-55 and 55-200) are Dx format and would be limited on the D700. However, the 105 Micro VR is a full-frame lens and would be excellent with the D700.
PS very nice photos.
The other designations are mainly about optical properties (glass coatings, CA adjustment) and also shouldn't affect suitability for the D700. In this regard, here is quote from Ken Rockwells' site
Ken's reviews seem a bit controversial among some people but, you might some of his other material of interest as background. He has a page on Nikon lens history and terminology This lens compatibility guide might also be of interest although it is more relevant to older lenses. And, to find the full list of his articles, go here.
Nikon has a long track record with full frame film lenses. Many of these are excellent quality and would work very well on the D700.
Two of lenses you describe (the 18-55 and 55-200) are Dx format and would be limited on the D700. However, the 105 Micro VR is a full-frame lens and would be excellent with the D700.
PS very nice photos.
Iostream
Member
Specifically worth mentioning (as your macro is the only full frame lens you have), the 105mm in DX format would require a 155mm lens in FX format to get the same telephoto level. Basically, what you are used to as a 105mm lens is not what you will get with the D700. Take your 55-200mm lens at 70mm, and see if that gets you close enough (ignore the fact that it cannot focus that closely). Your 105mm will give you that level of "zoom" but of course will focus cleanly and have much better optics as it does now.
maxalmon
New member
After looking at my original post, I realize it was rather vague. I've done my research and what I'm trying to justify is the cost of the 700 FX format vs the 300 and with the limited # of lens that I have, whats the better photo quality investment
I know the D glass is better than G, and 700 format is accepted as better than the 300's....
I know the D glass is better than G, and 700 format is accepted as better than the 300's....
Photo quality wise, the D700 is the better choice. But, question is, do you shoot enough in low light situations to make use of the D700's high ISO capabilities? If not, go for a D300 and spend the rest on good glass like the 17-55mm f/2.8 and 70-200 f/2.8 VR.
The transition to full frame will be an expensive one. The D700 is selling as low as $2500 new in some places, and then you would need a 14-24mm f/2.8 or 24-70mm f/2.8 which would run you $1500+ each.
The transition to full frame will be an expensive one. The D700 is selling as low as $2500 new in some places, and then you would need a 14-24mm f/2.8 or 24-70mm f/2.8 which would run you $1500+ each.
Ok Max, This is from an amature, but I figured I'd chime in anyway. Just went and upgraded from the d40 to the d200 myself. I agree with Nick. There is quite a difference between the d40 and the d200, still more to the d300. Sell the 55-200 with the d40 and upgrade your lenses. While I still use that one, it won't compete with the other lenses Nick mentioned.
Unless something strange happens, I'll stay with the 200 for quite awhile. Have you tried the 300 in your hands yet. If not, you should. The difference is quite drastic.
You should also look into the accessories you're gonna need. Remote, (and I ended up with two different ones, one came with the camera and a second to give readings on the remote). New tripod for your macros, (there's a drastic increase in weight). I'll think of more, but I think you understand my opinion.
Unless something strange happens, I'll stay with the 200 for quite awhile. Have you tried the 300 in your hands yet. If not, you should. The difference is quite drastic.
You should also look into the accessories you're gonna need. Remote, (and I ended up with two different ones, one came with the camera and a second to give readings on the remote). New tripod for your macros, (there's a drastic increase in weight). I'll think of more, but I think you understand my opinion.
maxalmon
New member
I was one of those people who purchased the first CD player, a sony CDP 101(still have it), spent stupid money on it in 82 and loved it, was the talk of the base.... I like advances in technology, the 700 IMO is the next wave of "new technology" for the digital photography age, just wish they could do something about the printing quality issue, thats another thread...
