Nikon 300mm f4 AF ED

[NJP87]

I have found i nice 300mm f4 but the advert says it's the non D version, can anyone tell me the difference between the non D and D versions?

Nick

 

[Blapto]

From memory there are two AF versions of the 300mm f/4, the AF and the AF-S. All AF-S lenses are D. I don't think Nikon made a 300mm f/4 AF-D, but I could be wrong.

The AF-S has better optics, much faster autofocus and focusses closer. The AF is still an alright lens.

D means that the lens gives the camera Distance information, it's inherent in all AF-S lenses and all G lenses as far as I know. The camera uses it for better TTL flash metering and matrix metering. You don't need the feature, but it helps because the camera knows how far away your subject is and has a better idea of what you're using the flash to light.

 

[StewartR]

Blapto's description of "D" is accurate.

Nikon did make an AF 300mm f/4 non-D, from 1987 to 2000 according to this amazing source, but they've never made an AF 300mm f/4 D.

If you can get the serial number of the lens you're looking at, you can estimate how old it is from this same source.

It's probably also worth mentioning that an AF lens (as opposed to AF-S) won't autofocus on your D40.

 

[NJP87]

The AF-S has better optics. The AF is still an alright lens.

Thanks Blapto,

Is the IQ of the newer AF-S version alot better? .

If you can get the serial number of the lens you're looking at, you can estimate how old it is from this same source.
.

Cheers Stewart, i'll see if i can get the serial.