Nikon D600 Full Frame

Nikon Rumors have published specs on a supposed upcoming Nikon Full Frame camera, the D600.  Reading the specs, it looks to be a D7000 body with a 24MP Full frame sensor from a D3X and a D800/D4 screen.  Sounds like a winning combination to me, as I like the size and weight of the D7000 and the screen and sensor will also be a good improvement over the D700 too.

My main concern is low light performance.  From reading the specs, it probably won't offer any improvement in this area over the D700, and in fact the D3X wasn't as good.  Perhaps newer software and some sensor tweaks might improve things.  

The other thought is the size.  While I like small cameras, full frame lenses tend to be larger than DX lenses, and this camera could feel very front heavy with a Nikkor 24-70mm f2.8.  Even with a lighter Nikkor 24-85mm f2.8-4 may feel unbalanced.

All in all, it sounds like the replacement camera I have been waiting for.

Here's a shot from a full frame analogue Nikon FE2.

Full Frame lens kit

Over the last 3-4 years I’ve spent a lot of time acquiring the right lenses for a full frame DSLR.  Here’s my pick of the must-have lenses.

WIDE PRIME – This is where a full frame camera really comes into its own

1.       Sigma 12-24mm f4-5.6.  The world’s widest angle rectilinear lens for DSLR's is a must-have for full frame.  Very dramatic scenes with excellent optical performance.  Can be had relatively cheaply – about $550 used.

2.       Nikon 14-24mm f2.8.    I don’t own it, but known as the world’s best wide angle for DSLRs.  Big, heavy, expensive, flares a lot; but the best.  About $1,500 used

WIDE ZOOM - Like wide primes, they're fabulous on full frame

1.       Sigma 20mm f1.8.  Not the sharpest out there, but the wide aperture and close focus make for dramatic images. About $400.


2.       Nikon 24mm f1.4 AF-S – I haven’t used this lens, but I could see it being great for full frame. About $1,700 used.  I use the Nikon 24mm f2 Ai-s manual focus which I like.


3.       Nikon 35mm f1.4 AF-S – I haven’t used this lens, but would also be great for full frame.   About $1,700 used.   I use the Nikon 35mm f1.4 Ai-s manual focus, which is only OK. About $450 used

STANDARD ZOOM

1.       Fast – The only lens is the Nikon 24-70mm f2.8.  Expensive, but the best. About $1500 used


2.       Allround – Tamron 24-135mm f3.5-5.6.  Excellent all round zoom, but no VR or AF-S.  A bargain in today’s market. About $200 used

STANDARD PRIME

Nikkor 50mm f1.2 Manual Focus – The fastest 50mm Nikon has ever made.  Fabulous with full frame, but lots of light fall off at f1.2.  About $450 used.

TELEPHOTO 

Any of the 70/80-200mmf2.8 lenses work great.  I think the Nikon 80-200mm f2.8 AF-D twin ring in particular is great value, with outstanding performance.  About $800 used.

Nikon D700 with Nikon 35mm f2 AF-D