Re: Re: Re: Nikon lens multiplier info
Originally posted by CalfCanuck
It's interesting how people reach opposite conclusions from the same data. To me, the Nikon strategy of forcing their sensors to standardize around a 1.5 crop doesn't make any sense for those customers who've ALREADY bought into their lenses for 35mm. Of course it okay for new entrants - they can stick to Nikon's current digital standard, and can get away with smaller glass. (although as you not at the end of your post, these NON standard lenses may just be the passing fad)
For those who already have $10,000 worth of Nikon glass, however, it seems total NONSENSE! These users have spent a bundle buying optics that can resolve a certain size image on the film / sensor plate, and Nikons response seems to be - "doesn't matter about that, we'll just throw a bunch of this valuable information away." So Nikon's sensor size doesn't seem driven by the technology, but rather by the marketing or some strategy department. This arbitrary use of 1.5 seems to imply that even if Nikon COULD buy a full frame sensor (MUCH better for all current owners of their lenses) they wouldn't.
Canon's strategy seems MUCH more sense for current system users. They upgrade, and have various sensor models to choose from. Also, it appears that they would introduce the largest sensor that the price / performance point of that particular model would allow. And if you want to get the full performance out of your current lenses, buy the EOS 1Ds.
Finally, a word about the new digital lenses from Nikon, Sigma, and others. These will in fact be good value for the money compared to full size lenses. Because they are designed to produce a smaller image on the sensor plate, they can use smaller optics. Small optics (with quality held constant) will mean smaller prices - take a look at Hasselblad prices if you think 35mm lenses are expensive!
So these new digital product lines are probably is a good thing for new entrants. But everyone must be aware that these are not backwards compatible with 35 mm lenses, and the future is quite interesting and uncertain. If sensor sizes do remain this small, then one should expect to see the older lenses (which still dominate the product lines of makers) disappear, while the smaller lenses become standard. If, on the other hand, new larger sensors arrive soon before these smaller lenses have a large market share, the camera makers might go back to the existing standard (with a HUGE installed base of glass already) and these new lenses will be the eBay specials of 2010.
You make a lot of great points. And yea, I agree completely with the "If, on the other hand, new larger sensors arrive soon before these smaller lenses have a large market share, the camera makers might go back to the existing standard (with a HUGE installed base of glass already) and these new lenses will be the eBay specials of 2010."
That said, I'm still a little wary about Canon overall, after the whole MF lens to AF lens switchover where all the old MF lenses were rendered useless on AF Canons.
One thing, regardless of crop, I have some old MF Nikon lenses (a 135 f2.8, a 20 f.8 and a 50 f1.2) that have been given a mostly new lease on life with my Nikon.
Now they DO play the game a little (the g series fdor sure!) but by and large, there's no big planned obsolescene from Nikon.
On the topic of smaller lenses... i handled the 12-24 the other day. It's MAMMOTH.
Almost as big as the 17-35 f2.8 pro lens.
And it's heavy too.
But it DOES work on any cam that can use G lenses, whether digi or not.
Though you get vignetting at 12mm.
It's still a good performer on an N80 or similar AF nikon.
I think it boils down to Canon being better at marketing and Nikon at engineering.
Canon made the d30, d60 and 10d before getting it right with the 10d.
Nikon in that time released... the D100. Which was better than the d60 and just as good as the 10d.
Plus, I like Nikon's optics better.
But yea. It's a confusing way all around and each manufacturer gives a 6 in one, half dozen in the other type of reasoning.
There's no clear cut winner. Yet.
