Nikkor AF vs AF-D. Whats the difference?

Markok765 · Sep 9, 2008

I'm gonna buy a 28mm AF lens to go with the F5. What is the difference between AF and AFD lenses? Does one feed more/different info to the camera?

What would be the [non-optical] advantage of using one over the other?

Stan160 · Sep 9, 2008

D lenses (and also G) provide distance information to the body. Enables the 3-D element of 3-D Matrix Metering on bodies which support it. Advantage is most noticeable when using TTL flash.

I've not owned either AF 28mm lens, but as I understand it, the 28mm lens was completely re-designed when the AF-D variant was released. Much better build and optical quality in the AF-D.

Ian

PhotoJim · Sep 9, 2008

The 28/2.8D has one more element than the non-D and is a much better performer. It is also usually significantly more costly, for this reason. However, if you can afford it the D is worth the difference in price most times.

The D lens will work slightly better with flash (as Ian said) but the difference is subtle, most noticeable when shooting subjects that are very dark or very light (like brides and grooms).

Markok765 · Sep 9, 2008

The 28mm 2.8 AFD is 160, or 20 more than the non D version on Keh.

vet173 · Sep 9, 2008

The D version will tell the flash what the zoom is at and set zoom feature of flash to match.

PhotoJim · Sep 9, 2008

vet173 said:
The D version will tell the flash what the zoom is at and set zoom feature of flash to match.

I don't think that's unique to D lenses. AF will do.

Poohblah · Sep 9, 2008

you have to be careful because sometimes nikon updated their optical designs along with the upgrade to D lenses, but sometimes they didn't. you have to do a little research to get the scoop on each individual lens.

vet173 · Sep 10, 2008

PhotoJim said:
I don't think that's unique to D lenses. AF will do.

You might be right. It was my understanding. Nikons literature states the D lens sends distance info to camera for 3-d matrix metering.

Markok765 · Sep 10, 2008

Anyone know how is the light fall off with the D version of this lens?

Poohblah · Sep 11, 2008

Markok765 said:
Anyone know how is the light fall off with the D version of this lens?

i doubt it's very different from any other 20mm f/2.8 lens.

even if you routinely shot wide open, i wouldn't consider it a big deal.

PhotoJim · Sep 11, 2008

Markok765 said:
Anyone know how is the light fall off with the D version of this lens?

It's fine. Not perfect, but perfection does not exist.

Check out the back issues of Popular Photography at your local library. PopPhoto tested this lens in about 1995 or 1996 and really liked it.

Poohblah · Sep 13, 2008

PhotoJim said:
It's fine. Not perfect, but perfection does not exist.

Check out the back issues of Popular Photography at your local library. PopPhoto tested this lens in about 1995 or 1996 and really liked it.

popphoto likes everything.

i've never seen any magazine of any genre give anything a bad review.

PhotoJim · Sep 14, 2008

Poohblah said:
popphoto likes everything.

i've never seen any magazine of any genre give anything a bad review.

Ignore the words. Look at the MTF charts.

I can tell you that my experience with the lens matched what the charts implied you would get with it. It is a very good lens.

Nikkor AF vs AF-D. Whats the difference?

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