Difference between a "D" lens and a non "D" lens.

Nikonite1222

Senior Member
Hi there everybody-

I am in the market for a Nikon 50mm 1.8 and have been doing some shopping around and stumbled on something that I don't know the difference to and want to run it by you all.

I see Lenses that say AF-D, and others that say just AF. I know that AF is for Auto Focus,,,but what does the D mean adn will a non-D lens still Auto Focus. ???

I shoot with a D200.

Thanks - Doug
 

LensWork

Senior Member
The "D" designation indicates that the lens transmits the focused distance to the exposure metering system for more accurate exposure, primarily during flash exposure.
 

fotojack

Senior Member
Another D200 shooter! :) Nice! :) Yes, you can shoot with a non D lens, such as a G lens.

  • AF — The original autofocus designation, indicating focus driven by a motor inside the camera body. All AF lenses have a CPU. Used in the form "AF Nikkor", this should not confused with the original autofocus lenses for the F3AF camera, which were designated "AF-Nikkor" and are considered predecessors to AF-I lenses.

  • AF-D — Designation for an AF lens (as above) with "D" functionality (see "D" below).

  • AF-I — Autofocus-Internal. Driven by a coreless DC motor. Used only in long telephoto lenses (300 mm f/2.8 through 600 mm f/4.0) starting in 1992. Replaced with AF-S in 1996.

  • AF-S — Autofocus-Silent. Uses a "Silent Wave Motor" (ultrasonic motor) to focus quietly and quickly. Similar to Canon's "USM" technology. Introduced in 1996.

  • AF-N — Indicates the "New" version of an AF lens. The change from plastic focus rings on early AF lenses to the a new "rubber inset focus ring" (RIFR) is often indicated by the AF-N designation.

  • CPU — Central Processing Unit. The lens is fitted with electrical contacts for digital communication with the camera. All AF and AI-P lenses are CPU lenses. Some non-professional Nikon cameras require CPU lenses for metered operation. This designation appears in specifications but not lens names.

  • D — Distance. Indicated after the f-number in the name, and also occasionally designated AF-D. The lens electronically communicates focus distance information, which is incorporated into the camera's exposure calculations in 3D Matrix Metering mode, and also D-TTL and I-TTL flash autoexposure. All AF-I, AF-S, and G-type lenses are also D-type.
 

Nikonite1222

Senior Member
Hi Jack !!!!

So nice to hear from you. Thanks for the info in regards to the difference between lenses. It's funny ,,,right after I posted my question, I got on E-Bay and was searching 50mm AF-d 1.8 and close to the end, I found a 50mm AF-D that was a buy it now with free shipping for $100.00. It is practically brand new and in mint condition. I can't wait to get it and see what images I can make.

As for the D200,,I am a HUGE fan and just love the flexibility of this camera. Talk to you soon !!!

Sincerely- Doug
 

fotojack

Senior Member
Yes, the D200 is an awesome camera and it can do awesome things. And that 50mm you picked up is a great lens, too. You got it at a super price. Nice! :) When you get it, you'll notice that it's set at 1.8. Leave it there. Don't bother changing it to other settings.
 

Nikonite1222

Senior Member
Hi Jack-

Got it,,I'll leave it alone at 1.8. I can;t wait till spring. My nephew is a senior in high school and participates in all the school plays and with those having special stage lighting, mostly low for photography, this is going to answer that problem just fine, so I can't wait to see the sharp results. WHOOO HOOO !!!
 

fotojack

Senior Member
Just remembger, with a 50mm lens, you'll have to get closer to the "action". It's not a zoom lens by any means. Plus, don't discount using a flash with a difuser. That will give you the best exposures for that type of shooting.
 

Nikonite1222

Senior Member
Hi Jack-

Thanks for the info. I do understand that I'll have to be the one moving around. Since I am really looking forward to the spring play, I'll make sure I get there early and get a good vantage point so I'll already be in a good position to shoot. Unfortunatly,,,there's no flash photography during the play, so I'll have to wait till after the play to get nice group and candid shots.
 
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