how to identify a full frame lens

gomango420 · 02-23-2018, 03:13 PM

I tried searching but couldn't find anything. how can I tell if a lens is full frame or not? I searched for the lens I bought (Quantaray 28-90mm) and didn't find the answer. Is there a visible difference?

thanks!

Matt

**TwoUptons** · 02-23-2018, 03:27 PM - **1 Like**

If it’s old, it is almost certainly full frame.

In Pentax labeling, DA lenses are not meant for full frame (though they often work fine), the others (K,M,A,F,FA, and DFA) are. Have a look at the lens section of the forum for a full explanation.

There will be a few exceptions in other brands, like the Quantaray you mention, but generally if it is older than about 2004, it is for full frame.

Some focal lengths are also almost exclusively full frame. Almost anything that is 28-something or 35-something is full frame.

APS format lenses will more likely be 18-something...

I’d suggest a bit of time wandering through the lens reviews here to see differences...

-Eric

gomango420 · 02-23-2018, 03:59 PM

thanks for the reply, this is the lens in question. Sorry I'm new to this. Quantaray 28-90mm f3.5-5.6 version 5 Lens Reviews - Quantaray Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database

Sandy Hancock · 02-23-2018, 04:15 PM - **1 Like**

It looks to be a modification of an old 28-80, which was a classic kit lens in the late film era.

I'd say it almost certainly covers the full 36x24 frame.

Do you have access to an old film body you can check it on?

**aslyfox** · 02-23-2018, 04:16 PM - **1 Like**

for Pentax at least, this explains all those " secret " initials and markings found on the lenses and in the lens' name

Pentax K-Mount Lenses Explained: The differences between various Pentax lens series

" In a nutshell

There are several series of Pentax K-mount lenses; the ones currently being produced include the DA (digital), DA L (cheap digital kit), D FA (full-frame, digital optimized), and FA (full-frame) series. While all Pentax K-mount lenses ever produced are compatible with all current Pentax DSLRs (in some cases with restrictions in that not all exposure modes of the camera are supported by old lenses), there are significant differences between each lens series and each has different features. Furthermore some of the newer lenses do not work with older cameras. We'll be exploring the differences between the various K-mount series lenses in this article. Read more about specific K-mount lens/camera compatibility here.

The DLSR designation below encompasses the mirror-less K-01. . . . "

gomango420 · 02-23-2018, 04:27 PM

Originally posted by Sandy Hancock

It looks to be a modification of an old 28-80, which was a classic kit lens in the late film era.

I'd say it almost certainly covers the full 36x24 frame.

Do you have access to an old film body you can check it on?

I think my nephew might have an old pentax, thanks

---------- Post added 02-23-18 at 05:29 PM ----------

Originally posted by Aslyfox

for Pentax at least, this explains all those " secret " initials and markings found on the lenses and in the lens' name

Pentax K-Mount Lenses Explained: The differences between various Pentax lens series

" In a nutshell

There are several series of Pentax K-mount lenses; the ones currently being produced include the DA (digital), DA L (cheap digital kit), D FA (full-frame, digital optimized), and FA (full-frame) series. While all Pentax K-mount lenses ever produced are compatible with all current Pentax DSLRs (in some cases with restrictions in that not all exposure modes of the camera are supported by old lenses), there are significant differences between each lens series and each has different features. Furthermore some of the newer lenses do not work with older cameras. We'll be exploring the differences between the various K-mount series lenses in this article. Read more about specific K-mount lens/camera compatibility here.

The DLSR designation below encompasses the mirror-less K-01. . . . "

awesome, thank you

**aslyfox** · 02-23-2018, 04:31 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by gomango420

I think my nephew might have an old pentax, thanks

---------- Post added 02-23-18 at 05:29 PM ----------

awesome, thank you

you are welcome

but the thanks belongs to the guy who created the charts, not me

I just placed them into my book marks once I found them and pass them on when i think they might be helpful

**boriscleto** · 02-23-2018, 04:33 PM - **1 Like**

Sigma uses DG to indicate a FF lens. DC is APS-C.

Tamron uses Di to indicate a FF lens. Di II is APS-C & Di III is m4/3.

The Quantaray 28-90 is related to the Sigma 28-80 II Macro (It is a film era lens so it isn't designated DG). It is 10mm longer and has 1 extra aperture blade...

gomango420 · 02-23-2018, 04:37 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by boriscleto

Sigma uses DG to indicate a FF lens. DC is APS-C.

Tamron uses Di to indicate a FF lens. Di II is APS-C & Di III is m4/3.

The Quantaray 28-90 is related to the Sigma 28-80 DG. It is 10mm longer and has 1 extra aperture blade...

good to know, thanks

---------- Post added 02-23-18 at 05:39 PM ----------

thanks everyone! you guys are great! thank you again!

---------- Post added 02-23-18 at 05:40 PM ----------

Originally posted by Aslyfox

you are welcome

but the thanks belongs to the guy who created the charts, not me

I just placed them into my book marks once I found them and pass them on when i think they might be helpful

you showed me the way and that deserves a thanks

pete-tarmigan · 02-23-2018, 04:44 PM

Even though the "crop" (APS) format originated on 35mm film, I think every lens made in the film era for Pentax 35 mm SLR cameras was designed for the 36x24mm ("full") frame. APS was used mostly on non-interchangeable lens, point-and-shoot camers. APS (Advanced Photo System) was developed for film cameras, whereby the body recorded data other than the image onto part of the 36x24mm frame, leaving only 25mm x 17mm for recording the image.

Apparently Minolta and Nikon had APS interchangeable lens cameras with lenses designed with the smaller image circle.

**PJ1** · 02-23-2018, 04:51 PM

I have not had to worry about FF because I don't have a FF DSLR. As others have said, older lenses almost certainly will cover FF. But I have checked coverage for the Q, mainly out of curiosity (or maybe Q-riosity) to see what image circle a lens actually produced. I use a piece of card with a grid drawn on it and tape it to the wall. Then I just read the diameter of the focused image projected through the back of the lens onto the card. Holding the lens still enough is the main challenge. Not particularly scientific but it would certainly tell you if a lens gave FF coverage.

**TwoUptons** · 02-23-2018, 05:12 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by pete-tarmigan

Even though the "crop" (APS) format originated on 35mm film, I think every lens made in the film era for Pentax 35 mm SLR cameras was designed for the 36x24mm ("full") frame. APS was used mostly on non-interchangeable lens, point-and-shoot camers. APS (Advanced Photo System) was developed for film cameras, whereby the body recorded data other than the image onto part of the 36x24mm frame, leaving only 25mm x 17mm for recording the image.

Apparently Minolta and Nikon had APS interchangeable lens cameras with lenses designed with the smaller image circle.

Advanced Photo System (APS) was (is?) a completely different film format from 35mm.
In addition to being physically smaller than 35mm, it had a magnetic strip on the back of the film. That's where the data were stored.

Minolta and Nikon did, indeed, make SLRs for it, as did Canon, and the 'classic' aspect ratio is where the APS-C digital description comes from...

Pentax only had a couple of point-and-shoots that did APS-C, so nothing of that vintage that is Pentax-compatible would not be full-frame...

Here's the Wikipedia article... Advanced Photo System - Wikipedia

-Eric

UMC · 02-24-2018, 03:30 AM

Originally posted by boriscleto

... The Quantaray 28-90 is related to the Sigma 28-80 II Macro (It is a film era lens so it isn't designated DG). It is 10mm longer and has 1 extra aperture blade...

To be precise, the 2 Variants of the "Quantaray for Pentax AF 28-90mm 1:3.5-5.6 Macro Multi-Coated" with and without Macro apparently are identical to the "Sigma Zoom 28-90mm 1:3.5-5.6 Macro" (also available with and without Macro). The Sigma Macro version exists in 3 marginally different variations (the only obvious difference is the inscription on the front ring).

Wheter or not the design of this lens is derived from 1 dozen of 28-80 3.5-5.6 variants that Sigma has made over the years, I cannot tell.

**gordon_l34** · 02-24-2018, 02:37 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by gomango420

I tried searching but couldn't find anything. how can I tell if a lens is full frame or not? I searched for the lens I bought (Quantaray 28-90mm) and didn't find the answer. Is there a visible difference?

thanks!

Matt

Hi,
I am not at home at the moment but when I get home next Thursday I can post how to identity Sigma APSC full frame lens as I have their catalogues.
Regards.

**clackers** · 02-24-2018, 02:59 PM

Originally posted by gordon_l34

Hi,
I am not at home at the moment but when I get home next Thursday I can post how to identity Sigma APSC full frame lens as I have their catalogues.
Regards.

Gordon, if it's a film era lens, it's FF, if it's a newer one marked 'DG" it's FF ... that's Sigma.

02-23-2018, 03:13 PM	#1
gomango420 New Member Join Date: Apr 2017 Posts: 6	how to identify a full frame lens I tried searching but couldn't find anything. how can I tell if a lens is full frame or not? I searched for the lens I bought (Quantaray 28-90mm) and didn't find the answer. Is there a visible difference? thanks! Matt

02-23-2018, 04:16 PM - 1 Like	#5
aslyfox Seeker of Knowledge Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Topeka, Kansas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 24,581	hope this helps for Pentax at least, this explains all those " secret " initials and markings found on the lenses and in the lens' name Pentax K-Mount Lenses Explained: The differences between various Pentax lens series " In a nutshell There are several series of Pentax K-mount lenses; the ones currently being produced include the DA (digital), DA L (cheap digital kit), D FA (full-frame, digital optimized), and FA (full-frame) series. While all Pentax K-mount lenses ever produced are compatible with all current Pentax DSLRs (in some cases with restrictions in that not all exposure modes of the camera are supported by old lenses), there are significant differences between each lens series and each has different features. Furthermore some of the newer lenses do not work with older cameras. We'll be exploring the differences between the various K-mount series lenses in this article. Read more about specific K-mount lens/camera compatibility here. The DLSR designation below encompasses the mirror-less K-01. . . . " Last edited by aslyfox; 02-23-2018 at 04:28 PM.

02-23-2018, 04:33 PM - 1 Like	#8
boriscleto Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: North Syracuse, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,475	Sigma uses DG to indicate a FF lens. DC is APS-C. Tamron uses Di to indicate a FF lens. Di II is APS-C & Di III is m4/3. The Quantaray 28-90 is related to the Sigma 28-80 II Macro (It is a film era lens so it isn't designated DG). It is 10mm longer and has 1 extra aperture blade... Last edited by boriscleto; 02-23-2018 at 04:39 PM.

02-23-2018, 04:44 PM	#10
pete-tarmigan Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Conception Bay South, New-fun-land Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,272	Even though the "crop" (APS) format originated on 35mm film, I think every lens made in the film era for Pentax 35 mm SLR cameras was designed for the 36x24mm ("full") frame. APS was used mostly on non-interchangeable lens, point-and-shoot camers. APS (Advanced Photo System) was developed for film cameras, whereby the body recorded data other than the image onto part of the 36x24mm frame, leaving only 25mm x 17mm for recording the image. Apparently Minolta and Nikon had APS interchangeable lens cameras with lenses designed with the smaller image circle. Last edited by pete-tarmigan; 02-23-2018 at 04:49 PM. Reason: correction

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02-23-2018, 03:27 PM - 1 Like	#2
TwoUptons Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2015 Photos: Albums Posts: 4,215	If it’s old, it is almost certainly full frame. In Pentax labeling, DA lenses are not meant for full frame (though they often work fine), the others (K,M,A,F,FA, and DFA) are. Have a look at the lens section of the forum for a full explanation. There will be a few exceptions in other brands, like the Quantaray you mention, but generally if it is older than about 2004, it is for full frame. Some focal lengths are also almost exclusively full frame. Almost anything that is 28-something or 35-something is full frame. APS format lenses will more likely be 18-something... I’d suggest a bit of time wandering through the lens reviews here to see differences... -Eric

02-23-2018, 03:59 PM	#3
gomango420 New Member Join Date: Apr 2017 Posts: 6 Original Poster	thanks for the reply, this is the lens in question. Sorry I'm new to this. Quantaray 28-90mm f3.5-5.6 version 5 Lens Reviews - Quantaray Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database

02-23-2018, 04:15 PM - 1 Like	#4
Sandy Hancock Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Adelaide Hills, South Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,272	It looks to be a modification of an old 28-80, which was a classic kit lens in the late film era. I'd say it almost certainly covers the full 36x24 frame. Do you have access to an old film body you can check it on?

02-23-2018, 04:27 PM	#6
gomango420 New Member Join Date: Apr 2017 Posts: 6 Original Poster	Originally posted by Sandy Hancock It looks to be a modification of an old 28-80, which was a classic kit lens in the late film era. I'd say it almost certainly covers the full 36x24 frame. Do you have access to an old film body you can check it on? I think my nephew might have an old pentax, thanks ---------- Post added 02-23-18 at 05:29 PM ---------- Originally posted by Aslyfox for Pentax at least, this explains all those " secret " initials and markings found on the lenses and in the lens' name Pentax K-Mount Lenses Explained: The differences between various Pentax lens series " In a nutshell There are several series of Pentax K-mount lenses; the ones currently being produced include the DA (digital), DA L (cheap digital kit), D FA (full-frame, digital optimized), and FA (full-frame) series. While all Pentax K-mount lenses ever produced are compatible with all current Pentax DSLRs (in some cases with restrictions in that not all exposure modes of the camera are supported by old lenses), there are significant differences between each lens series and each has different features. Furthermore some of the newer lenses do not work with older cameras. We'll be exploring the differences between the various K-mount series lenses in this article. Read more about specific K-mount lens/camera compatibility here. The DLSR designation below encompasses the mirror-less K-01. . . . " awesome, thank you

02-23-2018, 04:31 PM - 1 Like	#7
aslyfox Seeker of Knowledge Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Topeka, Kansas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 24,581	Originally posted by gomango420 I think my nephew might have an old pentax, thanks ---------- Post added 02-23-18 at 05:29 PM ---------- awesome, thank you you are welcome but the thanks belongs to the guy who created the charts, not me I just placed them into my book marks once I found them and pass them on when i think they might be helpful

02-23-2018, 04:37 PM - 1 Like	#9
gomango420 New Member Join Date: Apr 2017 Posts: 6 Original Poster	Originally posted by boriscleto Sigma uses DG to indicate a FF lens. DC is APS-C. Tamron uses Di to indicate a FF lens. Di II is APS-C & Di III is m4/3. The Quantaray 28-90 is related to the Sigma 28-80 DG. It is 10mm longer and has 1 extra aperture blade... good to know, thanks ---------- Post added 02-23-18 at 05:39 PM ---------- thanks everyone! you guys are great! thank you again! ---------- Post added 02-23-18 at 05:40 PM ---------- Originally posted by Aslyfox you are welcome but the thanks belongs to the guy who created the charts, not me I just placed them into my book marks once I found them and pass them on when i think they might be helpful you showed me the way and that deserves a thanks

02-23-2018, 04:51 PM	#11
PJ1 Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Toowoomba, Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,484	I have not had to worry about FF because I don't have a FF DSLR. As others have said, older lenses almost certainly will cover FF. But I have checked coverage for the Q, mainly out of curiosity (or maybe Q-riosity) to see what image circle a lens actually produced. I use a piece of card with a grid drawn on it and tape it to the wall. Then I just read the diameter of the focused image projected through the back of the lens onto the card. Holding the lens still enough is the main challenge. Not particularly scientific but it would certainly tell you if a lens gave FF coverage.

02-23-2018, 05:12 PM - 1 Like	#12
TwoUptons Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2015 Photos: Albums Posts: 4,215	Originally posted by pete-tarmigan Even though the "crop" (APS) format originated on 35mm film, I think every lens made in the film era for Pentax 35 mm SLR cameras was designed for the 36x24mm ("full") frame. APS was used mostly on non-interchangeable lens, point-and-shoot camers. APS (Advanced Photo System) was developed for film cameras, whereby the body recorded data other than the image onto part of the 36x24mm frame, leaving only 25mm x 17mm for recording the image. Apparently Minolta and Nikon had APS interchangeable lens cameras with lenses designed with the smaller image circle. Advanced Photo System (APS) was (is?) a completely different film format from 35mm. In addition to being physically smaller than 35mm, it had a magnetic strip on the back of the film. That's where the data were stored. Minolta and Nikon did, indeed, make SLRs for it, as did Canon, and the 'classic' aspect ratio is where the APS-C digital description comes from... Pentax only had a couple of point-and-shoots that did APS-C, so nothing of that vintage that is Pentax-compatible would not be full-frame... Here's the Wikipedia article... Advanced Photo System - Wikipedia -Eric

02-24-2018, 03:30 AM	#13
UMC Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Vienna Photos: Gallery Posts: 205	Originally posted by boriscleto ... The Quantaray 28-90 is related to the Sigma 28-80 II Macro (It is a film era lens so it isn't designated DG). It is 10mm longer and has 1 extra aperture blade... To be precise, the 2 Variants of the "Quantaray for Pentax AF 28-90mm 1:3.5-5.6 Macro Multi-Coated" with and without Macro apparently are identical to the "Sigma Zoom 28-90mm 1:3.5-5.6 Macro" (also available with and without Macro). The Sigma Macro version exists in 3 marginally different variations (the only obvious difference is the inscription on the front ring). Wheter or not the design of this lens is derived from 1 dozen of 28-80 3.5-5.6 variants that Sigma has made over the years, I cannot tell.

02-24-2018, 02:37 PM - 1 Like	#14
gordon_l34 Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Brisbane, Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 779	Originally posted by gomango420 I tried searching but couldn't find anything. how can I tell if a lens is full frame or not? I searched for the lens I bought (Quantaray 28-90mm) and didn't find the answer. Is there a visible difference? thanks! Matt Hi, I am not at home at the moment but when I get home next Thursday I can post how to identity Sigma APSC full frame lens as I have their catalogues. Regards.

02-24-2018, 02:59 PM	#15
clackers Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Melbourne Photos: Albums Posts: 16,397	Originally posted by gordon_l34 Hi, I am not at home at the moment but when I get home next Thursday I can post how to identity Sigma APSC full frame lens as I have their catalogues. Regards. Gordon, if it's a film era lens, it's FF, if it's a newer one marked 'DG" it's FF ... that's Sigma.