What do the various Nikkor letters mean?

[tahmail]

Help a newbie here....I understand some of the designations such as AF, VR, etc. but what do all of the designations such as G, D, I, ED, IF, S mean on the Nikkor lenses? (I get the part about "Expect to pay more" when you see some of them....)

 

[britonk]

Hi tahmail,

Welcome to the forum. Please see below

E - Bargain priced lenses that have a slightly lower build quality than standard Nikkors.

D - Lens is capable of communicating focus distance to the camera - this assists with 3D matrix metering and flash photography.

G - Lenses with no aperture ring - must be set by te camera.

DX - Specifically designed for digital cameras with a smaller than 35mm size sensore. Smaller lighter lenses but you won't be able to use them (effectivly) on old 35mm cameras or future full frame cameras.

VR - Vibration Reduction - Nikon's opticle image stabilised lenses.

ED - Lens has elements made of extra low dispersion glass.

Micro - Nikon's term for "Macro"

IF - Internal focusing - the physical length of the lens doesn't change when focusing.

DC - DeFocus control.

 

[Sw1tchFX]

mmmm... Alphabet soup is so tasty!