Nikon 50mm f1.8 NON 'D' lens...

Naith · 11 Oct 2010

Hi all

I've just noticed that my version of the Nikkor 50mm is non-'D'. Does it matter when I'm using it with the D300 whether it's 'D' or not? (from what I've gathered from the web so far, it makes no difference)

Moz · 11 Oct 2010

Doesnt matter really. The non D has manual aperture ring, whereas the D version doesnt, I think. You just need to put it to f22 for it to be basically a D lens.]

If its not on f22 and on a digital camera, you'll get an error. Confusing as hell when you cant figure out why your camera wont work haha

tim_uk · 11 Oct 2010

doesn't the D marking mean it transfers subject to camera distance to the camera ?

if so I guess it could be helpful especially when using flash.

Deckard · 11 Oct 2010

tim_uk said:
doesn't the D marking mean it transfers subject to camera distance to the camera ?

if so I guess it could be helpful especially when using flash.

I believe that's the distinction. A D lens sends distance information which is used in 3D matrix metering. G lenses don't have an aperture ring.

specialman · 11 Oct 2010

I have a 85mm f/1.8 pre-D lens (same family) and it works fine on my D2x so yep, you're okay. It's actually an amazingly good lens. For flash work I just have to be mindful that at times, it's not going to tell the camera about distance info so just to be on my guard when using flash

Naith · 11 Oct 2010

Thanks for your input. Having read a bit more, it seems as if the 'D' version relays distance info to the camera when flash is used (via 3D matrix metering) and also has a special coating on the lens.

But I can't seem to find anything saying because of these differences the IQ is any better on the 'D' version...

specialman · 11 Oct 2010

IQ is amazing on my 85. Don't know what it's like on the later models but this lens us off the hook!!

Naith · 12 Oct 2010

specialman said:
IQ is amazing on my 85. Don't know what it's like on the later models but this lens us off the hook!!

I know - I've got the 85mm 'D' version! Superb piece of kit

simonjessop_photo · 13 Oct 2010

If it doesnt say D it just means its slightly older than a D version - in my opinion the distance info to camera is load of [PLEASE DON'T TRY TO BYPASS THE SWEAR FILTER] anyway, Nikon love to add on a few more letters then charge you a few more hundred quid for them... G is the latest version - as it says above with no aperture ring on the lens body.

SJ