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medtech

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great day everyone!

im a newbie here so i need some help from you guys. decided to go with nikon than the competitor brand. it seems they are really having bad marketing strategies and i don't like being played with.

and i also believe nikon is far better than C...n! hehe

anyway, i'm getting a new dslr.. probably the d3000.. i think its great for a beginner like me.. but i wanna invest with the lens already.. 'coz its easier to buy change camera later on.. im just having difficulty understanding with the lens compatibility of d3000.. it says

Compatible Lenses

* AF-S and AF-I NIKKOR: All functions supported
* Type G or D AF NIKKOR not equipped with an autofocus motor: All functions supported except autofocus.
* Non-Type G or D AF NIKKOR not equipped with an autofocus motor: All functions supported except 3D color matrix metering II and autofocus.
* IX-NIKKOR and AF-NIKKOR for F3AF: Not supported.
* Type D PC NIKKOR: All functions supported except some shooting modes.
* AI-P NIKKOR: All functions supported except 3D color matrix metering II
* Non-CPU: Autofocus not supported. Can be used in exposure mode d, but exposure meter does not function.
* Lens with maximum aperture of f/5.6 or faster: Electronic rangefinder can be used.

so does it mean that buying for example a

AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II won't support autofocus but
AF-S DX VR Zoom-NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED would?

thanks guys

Posted 3 years ago #
heartyfisher

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Hi..

anything with af-s is fully supported. the 2 lenses you mentioned will both work fine.

PS: welcome!

Posted 3 years ago #
NikoDoby

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Hi medtech and welcome to the forum. As heartyfisher wrote both of your examples will work with the D3000. Actually both examples are the same lens. One's just a "newer" updated model with VR II, that's all. I know they have pretty long and confusing names so let me define each part of the lens name for you.

AF-S means the lens has a built in motor to power the auto focus. Instead of being inside the camera which helps make it so small and compact.

DX means the lens is for use with DX cameras or cameras that have APS-C size sensors which on a Nikon is all except the professional and expensive full frame Nikon cameras

NIKKOR is just the name Nikon likes to call their lenses.

18-200mm is the focal range of the lens

f3.5-5.6 is the maximum aperture for the lens. At 18mm the largest aperture is f3.5 and at 200mm it's only f5.6

G notes that the lens is a "modern" lens and it doesn't have an aperture ring on it. So aperture is set electronically through the camera. "Older" lenses allow you to adjust aperture through the lens itself.

ED stands for Extra-low Dispersion glass. That's a special coating Nikon applies to the inside of the lens.

VR II stands for Vibration Reduction II or image stabilization.

IF stands for Internal Focusing which means the front of the lens doesn't spin around as it focuses. This is useful for when you attach a filter to the lens. The filter stays in place and won't spin around as it would on non IF lenses.

Hope this helps medtech.

Posted 3 years ago #
warprints

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Good question. It does get confusing with all the lingo. Heartyfisher is correct - the AF-S lenses have motors built in and autofocus with the D3000.

http://www.nikonian.com.my/default.asp?contentID=830

Posted 3 years ago #
medtech

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@heartyfisher thanks, very straightforward answer.
@NikoDoby very informative for a newbie like me.

hmmm.. it's a bit clear now.. but could you guys give me an example of a

* Type G or D AF NIKKOR not equipped with an autofocus motor: All functions supported except autofocus.
* Non-Type G or D AF NIKKOR not equipped with an autofocus motor: All functions supported except 3D color matrix metering II and autofocus.

so that i won't be mistaken in buying the lens..

again many thanks to you guys!

@warprints gonna read the above site you posted.

Posted 3 years ago #
NikoDoby

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Type G means the lens has no aperture ring to adjust the aperture through the lens. Instead you change it in the camera.

Type D means the lens DOES have an aperture ring and in order to use it with let's say the D3000 you will have to set it at the highest aperture number. Let's say f22 and you'll just leave the lens at that setting and THEN use ONLY the camera's electronic aperture control to make any changes to the aperture. Older Nikon cameras (film) don't have the electronic aperture control so they need the lens to have an actual aperture ring on them to change the aperture.

A lens can be type "G" or type "D" but still NOT have a built in auto focus motor inside it. So if you have the D3000 it will ONLY manual focus with a G or D that DOES have an AF-S motor inside the lens.

If a lens is super old (non G or D from the film days) then it won't auto focus or have the necessary electronic connections to "talk" with your camera in order to determine exposure metering. In other words you only have to worry about those really old lenses you might buy used from the 1950s,60s,and some from the 70s. All "new" or modern Nikon Fmount lenses you buy at BestBuy or BHphoto are compatible as far as the 3D metering.

It's confusing because Nikon has used the same lens mount (F-mount) on it's cameras for the last 50 years! So lens technology has changed but not the way you mount the lenses to the Nikon camera. This is why I switched to Nikon because canon kept changing their lens mounts and I kept having to buy new lenses every time I wanted to upgrade to a new generation camera!

I hope this makes sense and I've helped you in some way medtech :^)

Posted 3 years ago #
heartyfisher

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Hi, If you want all functions to work just stick with AF-S Nikon/Nikkor lenses. However. Your little D3000 has the capability to use almost all(except the really really old > 50 years) nikon lenses. You just wont be able to do some fancy things that the AF-S lenses can do. AFD lenses you will still be able to focus manually as if you were using a manual focus lens. and if its a manual focus lens you can manually focus it..(err.. of course)

Posted 3 years ago #
medtech

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many thanks to all.. as long as i stick with the AF-S i got nothing to w0rry... now is the time to hunt for a nice piece of glass probably "telephoto" range...

i'll be asking you guys w/c one is better...

Posted 3 years ago #
spraynpray

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Is there an exhaustive list of compatible lenses for DX (Dxx, Dxxx and Dxxxx)? I am finding it difficult to get to grips with the Nikon lens numbering system (there do appear to be if not absolute inconsistencies, at least small things that make life hard for people.

If not, I would like to get as much information as possible to make up an exhaustive definitive list which I could then make available for the forum members as required by either posting or a spreadsheet by email.

Posted 3 years ago #
Nivakon

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spraynpray said:
Is there an exhaustive list of compatible lenses for DX (Dxx, Dxxx and Dxxxx)? I am finding it difficult to get to grips with the Nikon lens numbering system (there do appear to be if not absolute inconsistencies, at least small things that make life hard for people.

If not, I would like to get as much information as possible to make up an exhaustive definitive list which I could then make available for the forum members as required by either posting or a spreadsheet by email.

it is nothing about the digits following the letter D...

D40,60,3k,5k are without motors, so choose an AFS lens if u want autofocus enabled

D50,80,90 are with motors so they are covering a larger range of lenses.

Posted 3 years ago #
jonnyapple

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This might be what you're looking for, spraynpray.
http://www.bythom.com/lensacronyms.htm

Posted 3 years ago #
spraynpray

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It is indeed Jonny, thanks very much for saving me from having to recreate that wheel.

Nivakon, thanks. I think you missed that the AF-I will also work with all functions including autofocus?

So a D5000 needs an AF-S or AF-I 'G' type lens, to have all functions right?

Posted 3 years ago #
SkintBrit

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Hi guys (and gals), my question is mostly answered by this old thread, but I could still do with some advice. I met a young high school leaver last night who is starting a photography course at college in September, and they have asked her to buy a film SLR as well as the D3000 she already owns for her practical work. Question, I suggested she bought another Nikon SLR to give her the added flexibility of using it's lenses on her D3000. From what I already knew, "D" lenses would be best, as apart from autofocus, they should work fine on her digital, but can you suggest some pretty cheap film SLR's that would be good for her to buy just for her college course? I don't think (but who knows) she has much intention of shooting film regularly. She's only 16 so no suggestions of an F6 please, I think that's a bit out of her price bracket! Around the £100 - £150 mark with a Std lens would be great? Suggestions please. Also are there any flashguns that are compatible with both?

Posted 1 year ago #
TaoTeJared

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AF-D lenses will NOT work on a D3000 in AF only manual. She can only use AFS lenses on her D3000. The issue will be FX vs. DX lenses.

As for film, I would get a N75 (AF old film) which will be able to use the same AFS FX lenses and VR. (This is what I have.) The other thing would be a full manual camera like a FE2 or a FG-20 and add a cheap mf e-series 50mm 1.8 lens. I have 2 FE2-s and one FG20.

The N75's are going for very, very cheap and will easily work for any film work.

Posted 1 year ago #
NikoDoby

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SkintBrit, your question belongs in one of these threads

Advice on a 35mm film SLR for a beginner
http://nikonrumors.com/forum/topic.php?id=3527

Film camera (For A Student)
http://nikonrumors.com/forum/topic.php?id=1539

Nikon's Best Film Cameras
http://nikonrumors.com/forum/topic.php?id=495

Posted 1 year ago #
sevencrossing

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Can anyone explain why a college is asking student to BUY a film camera
I can understand teaching students to use a camera in manual mode
I can understand teaching how a film camera works and even using one
But the advantaged of "free film " when shooting digital and getting instant feedback, seems to far outweigh any advantages of using film. Using a sheet film and a view camera, could make sense, but I can seen no advantage, in insisting hard up students, buy a film SLR
My guess is, there are no uptodate digital reference books and the colledge is using a very dated syllabus

Posted 1 year ago #
SkintBrit

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Thanks for the advice Tao, Niko I saw that there were several threads I could have added my question too, this seemed as good as any. Thanks for pointing out those links, I'll have a look at them.

Posted 1 year ago #
SkintBrit

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sevencrossing said:
Can anyone explain why a college is asking student to BUY a film camera?

Part of the syllabus includes dark room technique. I wouldn't know if this was unusual nowerdays, but I presume they fear new photographers loosing the ability to work with film in the future?

TaoTeJared said:
AF-D lenses will NOT work on a D3000 in AF only manual. She can only use AFS lenses on her D3000. The issue will be FX vs. DX lenses.

Your answer leaves me a bit confused, earlier in this thread I though I understood from a reply by Niko, that "D" lenses could be used on the D3000? I am obviously missing something here. Are there "D" lenses AND "AF-D" lenses? I obviously understand that she won't have AF unless she uses an AF-S lens, but you seem to be saying that that is not the only issue? I wasn't aware that modern AF-S lenses could be used on older film cameras. I think I understand your point that AF-S "DX" lenses won't be any good on what is obviously a "FX" film camera. She won't have the funds to buy modern FF AFS lenses, so was just interested in knowing the older lens designations that will work without AF on a D3000, and a film camera to match. Can she use the lenses from a N75 on her 3000? I understand this won't work the other way round.

Posted 1 year ago #
bjrichus

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Medtech... As others have said, Welcome here.

As someone who was a 40 year 120 and 35mm film amateur photographer using all sorts of brands (my Dad used to love Leica and other cameras/lenses which all seemed to be from the middle of the last century and have Germanic names but couldn't afford them), I made the jump to digital 'full time' with a D3000 myself just over a year ago. Until that time, I had used a number of other digital cameras on loan to me, but the Nikon was the first one I paid for myself. I now also use a D7000 as my main camera, but it wasn't out at the time and with limited budgets ones wallet dictates what one buys.

For all its faults, the D3000 is capable of taking great images, and even with it's entry-level tag and image in the market, I have taken shots with mine that are published both in print and on the web that earned enough to pay for my upgrades; I am more than even on the deal, and I feel darn good about it! If nothing else, it reminds me that the person BEHIND the lens and these days on the computer keyboard too is at least as important in all this than simply owning the most recent bit of gear. HOW you use it all to make the picture is what matters...

I have the AF-S DX VR Zoom-NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED (what a mouthful of a name) and use it on both my D3000 and D7000! It is the first generation of vibration reduction for in-lens CPU devices.

Oh the agony about getting the VRII version ... LOL! Even though I'd really like to have more and faster lenses, the reality is with VR I get (at most) 2 stops of extra hand held shooting without having to use a support (tripod) to avoid blur or shake with this lens. I have a monopod that gets used in bad light and it gives me more than the extra stop that VRII would bring over the original VR. Considering the price difference between VR and VRII vs the cost of a monopod... No contest.

It works on both my D3000 and D7000 bodies, as I am sure it would on a D3100, or a D5100 body. Unless you are looking for pro level gear (or need full frame) this lens is a great bargain. Also, if cost is a major deciding factor as it is for me, buying refurbished from the likes of B&H or Adorama is the way to go. Cheaper than full price and just as good. Just make sure you use the (short) warranty period to use the gear well, to uncover any faults...

If you want to ask any questions, there are many of us here that will help, always feel free to P.M. me.

PS: Medtech, my son is a 1st year Medical Student, your name here implies you are an EMT or other tech in that field...

Posted 1 year ago #
bjrichus

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SkintBrit said:
Can she use the lenses from a N75 on her 3000? I understand this won't work the other way round.

The D3000 is fine in manual mode with AI lenses. I have a couple of them from the days of film, and they work great - just totally manual is all. This is in the spec on the Nikon web site and in the D3000 manual.

Of course, the photographer needs to know *HOW* to set aperture and speed (controls are covered in the manual) and use a light meter properly. The results you get from the various combinations is of course, NOT in the manuals, but you know what? These are all skills a photography student should be taught as part of any decent syllabus (in my view).

Be careful over using modern DX lenses on a film camera. The manuals have warnings about *NOT* doing that. I think there are tabs and things on older film camera mounts that will compromise the new lenses ... Film is FX - so is larger - than a modern DX body, so I wonder if the mirror will hit the rear element of a DX lens not least the issue of vignetting when trying to use a DX lens on a FX body too?

Posted 1 year ago #
TaoTeJared

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SkintBrit said:
Your answer leaves me a bit confused, earlier in this thread I though I understood from a reply by Niko, that "D" lenses could be used on the D3000?

Can she use the lenses from a N75 on her 3000? I understand this won't work the other way round.

I didn't mean to confuse you, my thinking was more focused of a new 16yr old photographer starting out rather than the technical ins-outs on lenses. AFD (or D lenses how I refer to them -AFDs (plural)) somewhat work on a D3000 but like you said, no AF. It has been my experience with new photogs starting out, that making the huge learning curve more difficult by going full manual when they don't have too, just doesn't work and they usually loose interest and get frustrated quickly. Plus that is money for a good lens they can't fully use. That choice (to go manual) on a new/er camera is generally a personal choice best made by the student when they feel and choose to do so. That is why I personally would stay away from AFD lenses on a D3000.

There was a "flip" in Nikon film bodies that allowed AFS lenses. I'm not sure where/what model that was but my N75 works with every lens I own, DX - FX, AFS-AFD, and VR. (DX gets ugly, though the 35mm 1.8 works fairly good - there are threads on this.) I picked that camera up for $35 - and it is in perfect shape. If they continue with the hobby, it will be able to stay with her for many years.

If I personally were to suggest something, I would say go for a FG-20 (meter, auto mode, small, light) and a 50mm 1.8 e-series lens. One can pick this set up for $50 and even add a third party manual focus 24mm, and 35mm for cheap. If they are just shooting B&W, many bad characteristics of lenses are masked. This is a really light setup and easy to walk around with.

Posted 1 year ago #
TaoTeJared

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bjrichus said:

Be careful over using modern DX lenses on a film camera. The manuals have warnings about *NOT* doing that. I think there are tabs and things on older film camera mounts that will compromise the new lenses ... Film is FX - so is larger - than a modern DX body, so I wonder if the mirror will hit the rear element of a DX lens not least the issue of vignetting when trying to use a DX lens on a FX body too?

I can confirm - 50mm e-series on a DX body (d300) the mirror just grazes the "tabs" on the lens. Doesn't do anything (yet) but I don't push and use it for a few test shots only.

Posted 1 year ago #
NikoDoby

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SkintBrit said:
I saw that there were several threads I could have added my question too, this seemed as good as any.

This thread has nothing to do with film cameras. Someone else searching for info on what film camera to buy a student will not find your question and these answers because it's buried in this thread.

@Bjrichus: this thread is almost two years old! I'm sure Medtech probably graduated from EMT school already, lol.

Posted 1 year ago #
NSXType-R

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SkintBrit said:
Part of the syllabus includes dark room technique. I wouldn't know if this was unusual nowerdays, but I presume they fear new photographers loosing the ability to work with film in the future?

Your answer leaves me a bit confused, earlier in this thread I though I understood from a reply by Niko, that "D" lenses could be used on the D3000? I am obviously missing something here. Are there "D" lenses AND "AF-D" lenses? I obviously understand that she won't have AF unless she uses an AF-S lens, but you seem to be saying that that is not the only issue? I wasn't aware that modern AF-S lenses could be used on older film cameras. I think I understand your point that AF-S "DX" lenses won't be any good on what is obviously a "FX" film camera. She won't have the funds to buy modern FF AFS lenses, so was just interested in knowing the older lens designations that will work without AF on a D3000, and a film camera to match. Can she use the lenses from a N75 on her 3000? I understand this won't work the other way round.

The F6 and F5 are not the only film cameras that will work with modern FX AF-S lenses. I'm not sure which ones work, but a quick search would do.

Posted 1 year ago #
bjrichus

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NikoDoby said:
@Bjrichus: this thread is almost two years old! I'm sure Medtech probably graduated from EMT school already, lol.

HAHAHAHAHA.... I wasn't looking at the date it was posted. At least this shows we really are a friendly bunch, even if we don't always agree about everything!

Posted 1 year ago #