Older AF (non AF-S) lens question

brian313313

Senior Member
I have a d500 and have done the research to know I can use an older AF lens now and save some money over the newer AF-S. What I don't know is what the performance is like. Does anyone know if there is similar performance in the AF or not? Since the model numbers on the lenses are the same I don't know how to research this.

Thanks.
 

hrstrat57

Senior Member
All my D glass has fast as rocket focusing.

I demo'd all before buying to check for resolution. Stick to craigslist or your LSS vs eBay to verify satisfaction. I always bring my laptop or iPad and download pics to be certain I am satisfied before handing over cash or trade. The only sight unseen deals I have done have been with KEH where I can return if not pleased.
 

hrstrat57

Senior Member
Further directed to the OP I believe KEH is located in the Atlanta area.

Uncertain if walk in is possible suggest u ask....

above SB LCS not local ski shop ha ha!
 
Last edited:

brian313313

Senior Member
Thanks to you both for the input. I had been looking at EBay & KEH mostly. KEH is a little more but they have a good reputation. A lot of the time they have not had the inventory I'm looking for.

I realized that KEH had a local store, I didn't know it was the only one. They have hours posted on Google maps so I assume they have walk-in. They are near my mother-in-law so I can stop in next time we visit.
 

hrstrat57

Senior Member
Thanks to you both for the input. I had been looking at EBay & KEH mostly. KEH is a little more but they have a good reputation. A lot of the time they have not had the inventory I'm looking for.

I realized that KEH had a local store, I didn't know it was the only one. They have hours posted on Google maps so I assume they have walk-in. They are near my mother-in-law so I can stop in next time we visit.

Yw! Suggest update u profile to reflect the new D500.....D glass I'm sure you know not fully functional on a D5100 camera.
 

brian313313

Senior Member
Yw! Suggest update u profile to reflect the new D500.....D glass I'm sure you know not fully functional on a D5100 camera.

I tried to update the profile but I can't figure out how to add a camera. I have a pencil next to everything else but Camera is a link & just takes me to a forum.
 

Zeke_M

Senior Member
I have two "D' lenses and one pre "D" lens.
The 70-210mm AF needed +1 fine tuning. It's a real sleeper lens provided you can find one. I found mine at KEH for a silly low price.
They all perform great on the D7100.
 

skene

Senior Member
keep in mind that not all glass is created equal. check reviews on anything you are interested in first. do your research, verify what you need out of the particular lens and how it will work accordingly for your type of photography. I would also recommend checking usedphotopro.com for a trustworthy company. I have purchased and sold to them and they are by far very easy going and very good at pricing their merchandise.
 

Zeke_M

Senior Member
Let me give you a push down the slippery slope.

Nikon 105mm AF-D f2.8 Micro. The predecessor of the current 105mm AF-S Micro.
It's a very good macro lens and does regular telephoto duty exceptionally well.
They're all over the place used. I paid $350 for an excellent copy.
 
Last edited:

Bikerbrent

Senior Member
I have several AF D lenses (AF NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8D, Tokina AF 28-70mm f2.6-2.8 AT-X 270AF PRO II, AF Zoom-NIKKOR 80-200mm f/2.8D ED, Tokina AF 100mm f/2.8 AT-X M100 Pro D Macro) and they all work great on my D7200. In fact, while I would like VR, I prefer the 80-200 over the newer 70-200 lenses due to the price and lack of breathing issues on the newer lenses.
 

brian313313

Senior Member
keep in mind that not all glass is created equal. check reviews on anything you are interested in first. do your research, verify what you need out of the particular lens and how it will work accordingly for your type of photography. I would also recommend checking usedphotopro.com for a trustworthy company. I have purchased and sold to them and they are by far very easy going and very good at pricing their merchandise.

How do I check a review for an older lens when it has the same model # as the new one? This has been confusing me with the old lenses...why they don't change the model #.

Let me give you a push down the slippery slope.

Nikon 105mm AF-D f2.8 Micro. The predecessor of the current 105mm AF-S Micro.
It's a very good macro lens and does regular telephoto duty exceptionally well.
They're all over the place used. I paid $350 for an excellent copy.

I think this is the specific lens I'm looking at right now. It doesn't say "AF-D" though, just "AF" on the lens.

Thanks to everyone for the feedback. This is really helping me understand the lens history better.
 

Horoscope Fish

Senior Member
How do I check a review for an older lens when it has the same model # as the new one? This has been confusing me with the old lenses...why they don't change the model #.
The nomenclature is critical.

There are three versions of the Nikon 105mm "micro" (that I know of): the Nikon 105mm, f/4, AI-s; the Nikon 105mm, f/2.8, AI-s and the Nikon 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED VR.

The "D" version should have that designation on the barrel. See Here.
.....
 
Last edited:

brian313313

Senior Member
The nomenclature is critical.

There are three versions of the Nikon 105mm "micro" (that I know of): the Nikon 105mm, f/4, AI-s; the Nikon 105mm, f/2.8, AI-s and the Nikon 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED VR.

The "D" version should have that designation on the barrel. See Here.
.....

Thanks. I see the "D". I was expecting it to say "AF-D" where it now says "AF-S". I'm learning a lot about this and some of the old posts I've read without understanding are now making sense.
 

hrstrat57

Senior Member
Detailed review of all the top pro D glass can be found on the internet from multiple sources. Ken Rockwell reviews at the time were largely bang on. Now mostly fluff.

His reviews of all my D pro level lenses was absolutely spot on.

Not sure which pieces you are interested in but folks here will have an opinion....worth asking the question here about specific lenses IMHO. If they are pro level bits of glass folks here own and use them for sure.

You can be comfortable starting a thread about any bit of D glass IMHO.
 

Zeke_M

Senior Member
Here's my 105 AF-D f2.8

DSC_4028_zpsjf64pkn7.jpg
 

skene

Senior Member
Actually, from what I have heard, the capability to manually set the f-stop is a big plus for Micro photography and a capability that is missing in the newer lenses.

You still would not be able to use the lens unless it is locked into the minimum aperture. Since you adjust your Fstop manually through dialing in aperture from command dial.
 

Borga Voffe

Senior Member
I have all three 105 micro. Can give you a phto here to show them side by side if you want?
on my d750 I do prefer them D versions. Like the 35mm f2 d A beautiful lens!
 
Top