Auto Focus help
Dec 23, 2014 09:12:22 #
I was just about to buy a 50mm prime lens for a D5200, when a friend said not to get it because the auto focus won't work with my camera. This site is by far the best place to receive knowledgeable answers, so before I do anything I'll regret later. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance for any responses.
Dec 23, 2014 09:23:56 #
jim32736 wrote:
I was just about to buy a 50mm prime lens for a D5200, when a friend said not to get it because the auto focus won't work with my camera. This site is by far the best place to receive knowledgeable answers, so before I do anything I'll regret later. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance for any responses.
To use auto-focus on your camera (D5xxx) the lens must have its own focus motor. With Nikon lenses, this is designated by AF-S.
Dec 23, 2014 09:24:27 #
If you get the AF-S 50mm F1.8G lens, it will work fine. If you buy the older AF 50mm F1.8D lens, it will not AF. The same goes for the F1.4 models.
Just remember that whatever lens you get of any focal length will need to be an "AF-S" type lens to autofocus on your body.
Just remember that whatever lens you get of any focal length will need to be an "AF-S" type lens to autofocus on your body.
Dec 23, 2014 09:26:07 #
jpgto
Loc: North East Tennessee
I don't have an answer but seem to recall in my readings a possible issue with AF. Suggestions, search feature of the forum, google or other search facility, you tube? Good luck.
Dec 23, 2014 09:43:04 #
Thank you to all. I really appreciate the help. I'll have to remember about the AF-S designation.
Dec 24, 2014 13:12:36 #
amfoto1
Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA
Most third party lenses (i.e. Sigma, Tokina, Tamron) will have a built-in motor and ability to auto focus on your camera, too. There are a few - such as the older version of the Tokina 12-24 and 11-16mm - that don't (the "Mark II" versions of both those lenses do, though).
Some examples...
Sigma makes a very nice 50/1.4, as well as a 50/2.8 Macro (the f1.4 lens uses HSM ultrasonic drive that will be much faster than the micro motor drive of the macro lens). The current Sigma 50/1.4 "Art" lens is rather pricey, but if you consider used there is an earlier version that's also very good. Either will AF on your camera.
Tamron makes a 60/2.0 Macro/portrait lens that's nice and reasonably priced (watch for it to go on sale... I got it with a $100 rebate that brought the price down to $400 net). It is not fast focusing because it is a macro lens and because it uses a micro motor drive (not the more expensive USD ultrasonic drive that Tamron puts in some lenses). However, it will AF on your camera. With f2.0 aperture, it's a full stop faster than most macro lenses, making it more dual purpose than many of them.
Some examples...
Sigma makes a very nice 50/1.4, as well as a 50/2.8 Macro (the f1.4 lens uses HSM ultrasonic drive that will be much faster than the micro motor drive of the macro lens). The current Sigma 50/1.4 "Art" lens is rather pricey, but if you consider used there is an earlier version that's also very good. Either will AF on your camera.
Tamron makes a 60/2.0 Macro/portrait lens that's nice and reasonably priced (watch for it to go on sale... I got it with a $100 rebate that brought the price down to $400 net). It is not fast focusing because it is a macro lens and because it uses a micro motor drive (not the more expensive USD ultrasonic drive that Tamron puts in some lenses). However, it will AF on your camera. With f2.0 aperture, it's a full stop faster than most macro lenses, making it more dual purpose than many of them.
Dec 24, 2014 13:26:01 #
Thank you for that info. I have a sigma 18 - 250mm that works quite well.
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