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DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> Nikon 60mm f/2.8 Micro "D" or no "D"?
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Nikon D80
 07/26/2007 05:47:12 PM · #1
I am looking at the Nikon 60mm f/2.8 Micro -- and I see I can buy one used with out the "D" label.

Does it make a difference? Does anyone know?
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max
Tamron SP AF 17-50mm f/2.8 Di II LD Aspherical (IF) for Nikon
 07/26/2007 05:54:35 PM · #2
I'm no expert, but I think f/2.8D tells you the generation of the lens. The most recent generations are D and G, I think.

Various things resulted in different generations, like autofocus ability, having an aperture ring or not (in which case you can set the aperture only through the camera), etc.

Google will help you find info on various Nikon lens designations, or maybe someone here will post it.
Nikon D850
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 16-35 f/4 ED VR
 07/26/2007 05:56:18 PM · #3
I believe the D means the lens transmit distance information to the camera, I think it makes the matrix metering work better. Are they both auto-focus?
Nikon D750
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED
 07/26/2007 06:07:15 PM · #4
The "D" nomenclature does in fact mean that it provides focus distance through the lens for TTL metering. The NON D 60 came out in 1989 in 1992 the "D" lenses starting coming out.

If it is a smoking deal on the non "D" I say great but if it is close the the "D" lens I say go with the 2.8D.

It is a great lens either way.

Good luck!

Message edited by author 2007-07-26 18:07:44.
Nikon D850
Tamron SP 24-70mm F/2.8 Di VC USD for Nikon
 07/26/2007 06:11:13 PM · #5
Originally posted by Everyday Renee:
I am looking at the Nikon 60mm f/2.8 Micro -- and I see I can buy one used with out the "D" label.

Does it make a difference? Does anyone know?


I own the one with a D but I don't exactly know the difference though. I wish I would have gone with the 105. But I bought an extention tube instead.

Message edited by author 2007-07-26 18:12:30.
Nikon D80
 07/26/2007 07:47:00 PM · #6
Thanks for the insight! It's much appreciate :)
Nikon D7000
Nikon MF 105mm f/2.5 AIS
 07/26/2007 09:17:41 PM · #7
The "D" is for distance that tells the metering system focus distance. If I remember correctly the distance info is only broken up into something like 24 segments from 2' to infinity, so if your getting the lens for macro the "D" isn't going to help much. Actually the "D" is going to help in very unique circumstances like shooting a flash lit subject @ 10' and say a very bright or reflective background. Telling the flash that the subject is @ 10' will make sure that the background will not effect the exposure.

The "D" lenses aren't as important with iTTL as they were with film era TTL as more pre-flashes are used instead of OTF reflective readings. In fact, I see no difference in metering with the latest G lenses as I do with my older Ai manual focus lenses on my D200 (FYI: all G lenses send the distance info like the D lenses).

Personally if getting a non D lens would save a few bucks I'd go for it.
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