General APS-C Crop Sensor vs Full Frame

[MikeCMG]

This is probably a well worn question, but maybe asked in a different way.

A year ago I bought a R10, with the 18-45 kit lens, my first "proper" camera after years of point-and-shoot. It took a while to get the hang of aperture, exposure, and ISO, and how they inter-connect with each other. I've had a couple of UK holidays, took some decent photos, oversharpened them, and learnt a lesson. I got some OK autumn colour photos late in the year, a few of them posted on the forum, and even got my head around using the live histogram.

I can see some of the limitations of an APS-C camera, and the lenses available - be that the limited amount of RF-S options or using RF lenses with the 1.6 multiplier in my head.

I'm at the point of investing in another lens or two, probably RF-S, but maybe one RF and one not. I'm wary of going all-in with RF-S, then maybe in a year deciding to trade in and go full frame, at which point I need to start buying lenses again. Or, buy a couple of RF lens now, with an eye on future upgrading, but need to keep doing the 1.6 multiplier to cover all the range - or then decide to not upgrade.

My interests are mostly landscapes, I've tried to chase a few sunsets recently, would like some aurora shots but usually too much cloud round here, and maybe some nightime city views.

My question is, what are the arguments for STICKING with cropped sensor, rather than upgrading to full frame ?

(Before I go out and spend my production bonus on any lenses !).

 

[David Stallard]

My personal opinion is go full frame, get a couple of good RF lenses over time and you will not regret it. As I said - just my opinion ;-)
Look at WEX for S/H bodies or if you want new I can't fault Panamoz at least a grand off most bodies

 

[Bucolic Old Sir Henry]

I'd suggest sticking with APS-C only if you want to take advantage of the crop factor for wildlife, aviation, sports or any other circumstance where you want to get close to the action. For your stated preferences, the larger sensor and full frame lenses will be a better choice in the long run. IMHO, etc etc...

 

[MikeZ]

That is a difficult question to answer and partly dependent upon your typical subjects and the subjects that you might consider shooting in the near future. Cropped sensor does provide an advantage if you enjoy wildlife photography (less need for the ultra large telephoto lens), not to mention that the camera and lens are generally smaller and lighter. Full frame sensors generally provide a higher pixel count which makes cropping simple and with little to no loss in clarity. I shot several Nikon D7000 series cameras for a few years and enjoyed the smaller and lighter gear, but I did find myself eventually gravitating to a full frame. Having spent years in film, a full frame sensor just seemed comfortable, I didn't need to run the 1.5/1.6 math on lenses and I enjoyed the higher pixel count as I find myself cropping images quite often.

 

[Archibald]

Stick with the R10 and its lenses until you outgrow their capabilities. You are on a fast-moving trajectory, but we have no way of knowing what you will need in the near future.

For your subject matter, FF would be best, mostly for the pro-quality lenses available for that format. But FF is very expensive.

I don't see much point in putting an FF lens on a crop body unless there is no RF-S equivalent. Thus I use the RF 100mmL macro and the RF 100-500mmL on my crop-frame body, but not the RF 24-105mmL.

Tough decisions for you, but it is also exciting growing in photography and contemplating next steps.

 

[MikeCMG]

Thanks all, comments much appreciated.

 

[RickyRed]

Good Morning

If you are committed to move forward with your photography.
You must have a camera body you really want? R5 R6 R7. Buy it. You will be bored in no time with the camera you have now.
I have the R5-R7 combo for about three years now and love them both. And yes you can use the R7 for more than birds and sports.

The Rf24-105 F4L That I have is a decent lens and you can find them around $600-800 US on the used market.
Remember, there is no such thing as a beginner's camera.
Oh and remember Have fun.

 

[JanW]

Simply buy an RF prime, 16mm f2.8 (approx 26mm EFL) or a 24mm (approx 38mm EFL) if you want a little less wide.
And of course a 50mm f1.8 for close up.
You’ll be surprised how much better your results will be. The wider apertures (which mean faster shutter speeds) will compensate for the loss of stabilisation.

If you ever want to move to FF you can still use these primes.

Jan