Difference between G and D series lenses

Bikeopath

New member
Question to the group, and apologies for my ignorance, but is the aperture ring the only difference between the G and D series?

If so, is it worth the added cost to buy a G series?

My choices are a 70-200 D for $500 or same in G series for $900.

Thanks in advance.
 

hark

Administrator
Staff member
Super Mod
Contributor
I don't believe the D lenses have a focus motor in them so they won't AF on the D3x00 and D5x00 series. However, they will focus manually. The G lenses should have AF motors.
 

Fred Kingston

Senior Member
There are some other small nuanced differences between the D and G types. Mostly to do with vintage of the D types. As time progresses of course Nikon tweaks their optics recipes a bit especially in the lens coatings area of the G types. The G types also tend to be "lighter" in weight than some of the older D types... Nikon also made and continues to make different price points within each of the two lens types. You can't arbitrarily say that the aperture ring is the only difference between the two types without comparing the actual lenses in question...You are pretty safe in purchasing late model D types... Notwithstanding Cindy's point below...
 

Bikeopath

New member
Appreciate the comments. One more question. What’s then the difference of the E series?

I am aware each series will have different“grade” lenses at different price points. Just want to understand the principal differences between the D,G and E series.

Oddly enough could not find this info on the Nikon website.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
 

480sparky

Senior Member
Appreciate the comments. One more question. What’s then the difference of the E series? .......

The new E series, or the old?

The new E glass uses electronics to control the aperture blades.

The old E lenses were 'affordable' kit-grade lenses from the film era.
 
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