SLR and DSLR lenses?

Question

Are SLR and DSLR lenses interchangable? What's the difference anyway? Is it mainly due to the fact that most DSLRs have zooms?

Answer 1

Even for brands that use the same lens mount on the DSLR as the film SLR cameras, there are limitations as to which lenses will work with various cameras. Because the digital sensor is physically 2/3 smaller than the 35mm film frame, the DSLR lenses have a 1.5x shorter focal length -- which means the image they project inside the camera is actually smaller than the film equivalent. This is the reason why you need a smaller focal-length for equivalent wide angle shots on a digital lens. If you try to use the DSLR lens on a film SLR, you'll get shadows in the corners of the frame since the image will not cover all of the film area.

In addition to the above issues, not all SLR lenses will auto-focus or meter properly on the newer DSLR cameras. Check the specific model for compatibility. For instance, the new Nikon D40 will only auto-focus with lenses that have internal, electronic motors (AF-S), as it is missing the mechanical screw that focuses most other Nikon AF lenses. The other Nikon DSLRs support the screw-coupling so all Nikon lenses can be used.

Answer 2

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Answer 3

Short answer: Yes

Long answer:

1) The mount type needs to be the same or you need an adapter

2) Since the sensors in dSLRs are typically smaller than film, there is a focal length multiplier. For example, the 18-55 mm lens on my Nikon D50 gives me the same result as a 27-82.5 on a film SLR.

3) Some cheaper dSLR lenses are made solely for the smaller sensors in dSLRs, so you can't use them with SLRs or you'll get very strong vignetting. Watch out for these.

4) Obviously, with an SLR lens on a dSLR you lose autofocus.

Answer 4

Canon and Nikon and some other major brands have made their new DSLR models compatible with most of the older lens, even some of the MF ones. In both of those cases however there are lenses for a different line of SLR's that aren't compatible with the DSLR's. With Nikon, they must be AIS or AI lenses to work with their DSLR's. With Canon, FD lenses will not work with their DSLR's

Answer 5

It is not true that you lose autofocus with "all" older lenses. With my Nikon's (which include a D50), many older lenses still autofocus. Look in the back of your owner's manual (page 106) for a lens compatibility chart. Any CPU lens will still autofocus. These include G or D lenses designated AF, AF-S of AF-I. I use a Nikon Macro 60mm f/2.8D-AF lens that autofocuses as sharp as a tack.

The suggestion that "digital" lenses are cheaper is not a design flaw. If you know that you will only use the lens on a DSLR, why pay for more glass? My 17-55mm constant f/2.8 DX lens is a beautiful lens. It "only" costs $1,200. The most comparable full-format lens is a 28-70mm f/2.8 D lens. Because of the larger glass required, it weighs almost half a pound more than my lens and costs another $235.

I can't speak about Canon's as I have no personal experience with them. I know that they have made some newer lenses that are not backwardly compatible is all.

Answer 6

Some are. Check http://www.dpreview.com
I think the Pentax DSLRs can use the old "K" mount manual focus lenses

Answer 7

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Answer 8

they are interchangable because advanced photographers need different kinds of effects like very wide photos or they need to get pictures of very tynny stuff (macro lenses) or from objects that are very far (telephoto)