[higabyte]

Decoding Nikon's Lens Code

• AI, AI-S: Nikkor lenses produced after 1977 have an automatic indexing feature that eliminated the need to manually align the aperture ring when the lens was mounted. The first lenses to include this feature had the AI or AI-S designation. However, all optics introduced after 1977 have automatic indexing (except for G Series lenses, because they have no aperture ring), whether that's included in the lens code or not.

• E: Nikon's Series E lenses are bargain-priced optics with great image quality, but less rugged mechanical innards suitable for use by non-professionals. They frequently include aluminum or plastic parts where brass is used in the most costly Nikkors. However, their lens mounts are all metal, so Series E lenses are more rugged than you might think.

• D: When a D is included in the lens name, the lens is capable of communicating focus distance information to the camera, which supposedly helps with 3-D matrix metering and flash photography.

• G: Lenses with this marking have no aperture ring. The aperture must be set by the camera, either automatically or by holding the EV/Aperture button and spinning the command dial (on the D50). The only caveat you should know is that these lenses cannot be used on older cameras that require an aperture ring.

• AF, AF-D, AF-I, AF-S: Various AF designations show that the lens is an autofocus lens. The secondary code letter provides additional information: D is a D-type lens; I focuses through an internal motor; S focuses or fine-tunes focus manually even with AF engaged.

• DX: All DX lenses are designed exclusively for use with digital cameras having the 1.5x crop factor. Their coverage circle isn't officially large enough to fill up a full 35mm frame (although the 17-55mm f/2.8 DX lens actually covers the full frame well from 28-55mm). The digital only design means that these lenses can be smaller and lighter than their full-frame counterparts.

• VR: These lenses have Nikon's vibration-reduction technology, which shifts lens elements to counteract camera shake or movement, and allow taking photos without a tripod at slower shutter speeds.

• ED: The ED designation indicated that the lens has elements made of extra-low dispersion glass, which tends to reduce chromatic aberration and other defects. Some lenses use a LD (low dispersion) or UD (ultra low dispersion) marking.

• Micro: The term micro is Nikon's Designation for a macro lens.

• IF: This code means that the lens has internal focusing, so the length of the lens doesn't increas or decreas as the lens is focused.

• IX: These were produced for the Nikon's Pronea APS film cameras. Although many standard Nikkor lenses could be used on the Pronea 6i and Pronea S, the revers is not true.

• DC: The DC stands for defocus control, which is a way of changing the appearance of the out-of-focus portions of an image, especially useful for portraits or close-ups.

This information is an excerpt from the book, Nikon D50 Digital Field Guide, written by David D. Busch.

[kevin_c]

Some good info there

THIS LINK is a useful reference to all serial numbers, specifications and accessories etc. of Nikon (Nikkor) lenses.
Absolutely invaluable if you are buying secondhand.

[higabyte]

Nice! Thanks for sharing, and welcome!!!

[defcon86nwh]

Wow definetly answered my question that I was going to come on here and ask. Thanks.

[Ventolin]

"I focuses through an internal motor; S focuses or fine-tunes focus manually even with AF engaged."

Could it be possible these two are reversed?

I know the AF-S focuses via internal motor, and thinking back, I know that some AF-S lenses don't do manual adjustment with autofocus engaged. (18-55mm kit for example)

[Seymore]

And we can't forget the Nikon/Nikkor roots of pre-AI, AI and AIS MF lenses. This link will give much data for the ID of certain Nikon/Nikkor lenses:

Nikon Lens Nomenclature - a study in frustration
http://www.nikonlinks.com/unklbil/nomenclature.htm

[Seymore]

Oh... and if you ever wondered about Nikkor SN's:
http://www.photosynthesis.co.nz/nikon/lenses.html



DOH! Guess Kevin beat me to this link.

[DinoCajic]

Originally Posted by Seymore

Oh... and if you ever wondered about Nikkor SN's:
http://www.photosynthesis.co.nz/nikon/lenses.html



DOH! Guess Kevin beat me to this link.

LOL Still a very good site! Lot of info!