Nikon D810 and Sigma 50mm Art or 17-55mm DX Lens?

[Abitconfused]

Is anyone using the D810 with a Sigma 50mm art lens or 17-55mm DX?

[dubaiphil]

Probably more people using a modern full frame prime compared to a crippling old standard DX zoom! Even if it was f2.8

[IzzieK]

I have a D810 but haven't used a DX lens for it yet...I am thinking of it though as advantageous for my trip back to Australia so I do not have to carry too many lenses but with DX lens, I learned that I will only have 15.5megapixel equivalent...If you are going to buy it, don't. Do some research first to see what the optimal settings of the lens is. If you already have it, with the D810, you have both worlds of DX and FX. Just my thoughts...

[dubaiphil]

If any camera body need good glass, it's the 800/800E/810. Can't see the point of laying down that much cash to stick an old DX zoom really. Why not try a 24-120 or something like that.

Or put a 17-55 on it

Or put a 17-55 on a mint D90 body

And pocket the $2000 you've just saved

[xpatUSA]

From the detail point of view, should we not consider the OP's existing Sigma 50mm Art plus his D7100? Point being that the D7100 has a geometric resolution of 3.9um = 128 lp/mm and the D810 has a geometric resolution of 4.9um = 102 lp/mm. From that point of view, mounting the Sigma onto the D810 would make little difference because, in terms of actual resolution in lines per picture height there would be little difference (my guess based on DPR's D810 preview).

Almost makes me wonder - why consider a D810 when one already has a D7100?

As to the Nikon 17-55mm on the D810 I would expect a significant drop in image quality, based on SLRgear's findings, unless the ability to zoom is important enough. The difference in camera geometric resolution would apply directly too (APS-C lens on a 135 format body). I would, if pressed, declare the 17-55mm on a D810 to be a waste of time and money.

I had a 17-55mm Nikon kits lens on a D50 long ago and was very disappointed with the flare, even with no sun and bright sky. It ws an eBay lens though and not new.

[xpatUSA]

. . . but with DX lens, I learned that I will only have 15.5megapixel equivalent...If you are going to buy it, don't.

I love that "only" 15.5MP

[NorthernFocus]

Ed, I have a Sigma 35mm Art that I shot with on a D800E. It did a fine job though I don't do a lot of landscape shooting and only have the 24-85mm FX to compare it to on that camera. It was clearly much superior in that comparison.

Looking at the equipment listed in your signature line I assume that you're asking for input about the D810 rather than about the lenses which you already own. When compared to the D7100(which I see you also own), for landscape shooting I personally don't see enough difference in IQ that would justify spending $3k. In other ways the 810 is a far superior body for ease of controls etc. which make more of a difference for action photography. And of course for extreme wide angle shooting the FX format would be preferable.

If you are contemplating purchasing a D810 and the cost isn't a bank breaker for you, IMO it is the finest DSLR on the market today. I absolutely love that camera.

[Abitconfused]

I sold my Canon stuff and have purchased a D810. I like the Sigma on the D7100 but most of my interests seem to lie in a wider FOV perspective (to be redundant). I like the D7100 for macro and telephoto with a 70-200mm but the 12 to 24mm range has been frustrating. I also want to be able to make a really big enlargement. I think everything should be larger than life. Alas a blessing and a curse. I have practiced using faster shutter speeds and holding a high pixel density sensor steady when using the D7100. I will toy with DX lenses on the D810 body. If they fail me I will pummel them into refuse! Just kidding. Honestly, the 17-55mm has been somewhat disappointing but, oddly enough, receives rave reviews from many consumers. I will probably keep it in case I can make a buck at an event shoot. I anticipate the D810 with resonating innards but expect a learning curve. I am wondering about using it at lower resolutions to "warm up" but I don't know if that makes a difference. Probably won't be shelling out three grand very soon for anything. Nobody hires a 65 year old...nobody! Sob, sob.

[IzzieK]

Ted...I think I will try the DX crop lens on the D810...would be interesting...