does using FTZ affect crop ratio?

[bakebot]

I'm looking into switching to full frame and as i'm already decently invested into the Nikon ecosystem, the Z series seems to make the most sense. Being that I already have quite a few DX lenses, i'm curious as to how the FTZ adaptor affects the quality. Would using a DX lens therefore "crop" the sensor, or does the adaptor make up for the difference and essentially turn the DX lens into an FX lens?

Sorry if this is a silly question, I'm fairly new to the world of anything beyond crop sensor cameras & lenses, any feedback is greatly appreciated!

 

[Marlin Roberts]

The FTZ does not change the field of view at all. The DX lens will still image at the DX size. I use several F-mount DX lenses with the FTZ. All behave exactly as they did on F-mount.

 

[troysg]

The FTZ is basically a spacer, it maintains the distance from the sensor of a Z camera to the lens mounting flange of an F-mount lens; compare how shallow the depth of the sensor of a Z-mount camera is to an F-mount.

Some DX zoom lenses can be used on FX though maybe not across their full range (12-24DX for example is good from 18-24 on FX) but on a Z camera a DX lens will always use the DX crop, not possible to override it to FX.

 

[Ellis Vener]

i'm curious as to how the FTZ adaptor affects the quality. Would using a DX lens therefore "crop" the sensor,

I have not used an F-mount DX lens in a very long time but with Nikkor Z lenses made for DX format cameras the FX format Z cameras the camera automatically locks into DX crop mode, no ifs, ands, or buts.

or does the adaptor make up for the difference and essentially turn the DX lens into an FX lens?

No it doesn't. The FTZ adapter is just a precisely made hollow tube with electrical connections.

--
Ellis Vener
A working photographer since 1984.
To see my work, please visit http://www.ellisvener.com
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[jthomas39]

From a 2020 thread, worth re-posting. The FTZ moves the DSLR lenses out to the correct distance so it can focus on the sensor, and passes the electrical signals through.

24-70 f/4 on the Z7, 24-70 f/2.8 on the D850.

~~~

This cross section shows how the mirror assembly requires the sensor to be farther from the lens. I just posted it because it's interesting how everything is packed into a small space.

Both cameras are aligned at the lens mount ring. On the Z, the sensor is very close.

From this article.