Nikon G & Nikon D?

[iShootYou]

Tittle confusing? I'm sure as I am with the letters at the end of the Nikon lenses.

So I see lenses with a D or G or GE, etc... What do all these letters mean and what should I look into when searching for lenses?

I have the Nikon D90 and I'm looking into buying the 50mm 1.4 lens, but I see two listed one with the letter D other G.

For my camera which should I be looking for and which one is better in terms of sharpness, portaits, blurry background.

Thanks!
Zoe

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[Derrel]

G-series Nikkor lenses have had their aperture rings removed at the design stage...I call this "gelding"...

D-series lenses have an aperture ring on each lens barrel. In general, the NEWEST Nikkor lenses are going to be "G-series" designs; the 50mm f/1.8 AF-S G is a fast-focusing,affordable lens with aspherical element design, and excellent optics for fair money. The 50mm 1.4 AF-D is a 25-year-old design...but it focuses FAST. The new 50mm f/1.4 G model is a new design and it focuses SLOWLY....why? I have no logical explanation for the slowness of its AF-S focusing...makes no sense to me...the cheaper, but newwr 1.8 model has good AF speed....the old 50/1.4 AF-D focuses like lightning...

In terms of background bokeh, the 50mm f/ 1.8 AF-S G model is the best bang-for-buck, and its contrast, resolution, and flare resistance make it perhaps the best overall total value of all the NIkkor 50's made since the mid-1980's. NOT the "pro" 1.4 G model--the aspherical, 50mm f/1.8 AF-S G!!!

 

[JoeLewisPhoto]

don't forget, the G has the built in focussing motor, where-as the D does not. This is usually only an issue for lower-end bodies that do not have focus motors...in which case you would want the G. Optically the lenses are close. the G perhaps a touch sharper wide open.

 

[KmH]

It's all right here: Which NIKKOR Lens Type is Right for Your D-SLR | Understanding NIKKOR Lens Nomenclature