Difference between AF, EF-S et cetera

[Freddeh]

Can someone give me a little explanation on the terms below?
I know my Nikon D40 supports AF-S, but what's that all about?

AF
AF-S
EF
EF-S
DX

 

[DSLR noob]

you need not worry about EF or EF-S as they pertain to canon mounts.

AF:autofocus lenses for nikon Mount
AF-S: autofocus lenses for nikon cameras that don't have a built-in autofocus motor (D40 and D40x)

For DX, I know it is a 3rd party term, I don't know if it's Sigma, Tamron, Tokina, or Quantaray. I don't buy 3rd party things.

 

[Freddeh]

So if I'm sticking to my D40 and want to make my life as easy as possible, I should go with AF lenses?

 

[lifeafter2am]

If you want to manually focus than yes. The D40 requires the AF-S lenses to autofocus.

 

[DSLR noob]

AF-S lenses are the best for your camera. your camera doesn't "support AF-S" like it's a special feature, but rather it HAS to use them (to autofocus) and cannot properly support AF lenses. the D80 can use either one.