D60 and the 50mm 1.4/1.8 A/AF-S lenses

[lkaiser2]

Hi everyone-

I have a D60 and am still avidly learning about photography. I am looking into buying a 50mm lens and have been reading a lot about whether to get the 1.4 or the 1.8. I understand that part.

I have read though that some of these Auto Focus lenses don't work (the auto focus, not the lens) with the D60.

I guess my question is: where can I learn about these lenses and what they can/can't do? I understand that AF is auto focus but I don't understand the letter that is often attached with it (S or G or DX).

Any explanations, links to great resources, or opinions re: these type lenses would be appreciated. I am loving this hobby.

Thanks in advance

LK

[KDKarlson]

DX is the sensor size, means smaller than FX, at a .75:1 ratio; a 50mm lens on a DX will act like a 75mm. A Nikon FX body will adjust down how much of the sensor is used when a DX lens is attached.

S means Silent Wave motor, an AF lens built into the lens barrel. AF-I is the same idea, but the motor is of a different type.

G means a lens that does not have an aperature ring on it... modern Nikons have the aperature adjustment built into the body.

[KDKarlson]

Sorry, multitasking is not my thing. So, for your D60, you will need an AF-S, AF-I, or HSM lens for AF to function.

[mtclimber]

So, what is really your point, Kurt??

Sarah Joyce

[lkaiser2]

thanks. I'm trying to decide if i want to manually focus the 1.8 for 100ish dollars of get the 1.4 auto focus for 400ish dollars. i wish it was easier to try lenses out before you buy them...

i appreciate the help. i am learning slowly. thanks again

[mtclimber]

Here is a Nikon D-50 photo sample taken with the Nikon 50mm F 1.4 lens.

Sarah Joyce

[mtclimber]

Here is another Nikon 50mm F 1.4 sample taken with the Nikon D-50 camera.

Sarah Joyce

[KDKarlson]

Originally Posted by mtclimber

So, what is really your point, Kurt??

Sarah Joyce

Well, most of the time I don't have much of a point, but in this case, I never got to a summary of what I was saying because I was trying to do something else and was distracted.

[PeePeePat]

Originally Posted by KDKarlson

G means a lens that does not have an aperature ring on it... modern Nikons have the aperature adjustment built into the body.

I'm trying to decide between the AF-S nikon 50mm f/1.4G and the AF 50mm f/1.4D. The G doesn't have the aperture ring but the D does have it. Which is easier for aperture adjustment? *edit.. I forgot to mention that this is for a Nikon D80.

[JimC]

What camera model do you have?

With most modern Nikon SLR or dSLR models, you set the aperture ring on the lens to it's highest f/stop value, and the camera controls the aperture (so there's no benefit to a non G lens). But, note that some of the entry Nikon models (the D40, D40x, D60, D3000, D5000) don't have focus motors built in, and require lenses with built in focus motors if you want Autofocus (meaning that only AF-S lenses will allow Autofocus if you're buying Nikkor lenses).