Help with "G" Nikon lenses
May 20, 2012 04:39:10 #
I have read that "G" lenses have a fixed aperture on manual focus cameras. I am considering buying a Nikon D5100 which is manual focus(?) which may make a whole bunch of lenses useless. Does anyone have any experience/advise on this? Does this mean I have to step up to the Nikon D700 if I want to buy into the "G" range of lenses?
May 20, 2012 07:01:45 #
Focus mode (auto/manual) has nothing to do with the aperture ring.
The D5100 is NOT a manual focus camera. It has an AF system, but does not have the motor built in (thus lowering the cost.) Nikon's only currently made manual focus body is the FM10, which is really made by Cosina, for Nikon.
The issue with "G" lenses is that there is no aperture ring. On older camera bodies that do not have aperture control, you must use Program or Shutter Priority modes.
The D5100 is NOT a manual focus camera. It has an AF system, but does not have the motor built in (thus lowering the cost.) Nikon's only currently made manual focus body is the FM10, which is really made by Cosina, for Nikon.
The issue with "G" lenses is that there is no aperture ring. On older camera bodies that do not have aperture control, you must use Program or Shutter Priority modes.
May 21, 2012 08:59:17 #
steve_stoneblossom
Loc: Rhode Island, USA
G lenses have no aperture ring, as snowbear stated.
The aperture is not fixed, though it can only be adjusted by the camera to which it is attached.
The 5100 is not manual focus only, but it will not auto-focus G lenses.
7000 would support G lenses, so 700 is not your only option.
The aperture is not fixed, though it can only be adjusted by the camera to which it is attached.
The 5100 is not manual focus only, but it will not auto-focus G lenses.
7000 would support G lenses, so 700 is not your only option.
May 21, 2012 09:58:02 #
the "G" lens actually ARE made to work with the non motorized 3000,3100,5000,5100 series camera.the focusing motor is built into the lens. but those bodies listed do in fact support auto focus.
May 21, 2012 16:57:41 #
steve_stoneblossom
Loc: Rhode Island, USA
bugseye wrote:
the "G" lens actually ARE made to work with the non motorized 3000,3100,5000,5100 series camera.the focusing motor is built into the lens. but those bodies listed do in fact support auto focus.
From Nikon website D5100 tech sheet lens compatability:
AF-S, AF-I: All Functions Supported
AI-P NIKKOR: All Functions Supported Except 3D Color Matrix Metering II
IX NIKKOR Lenses Cannot be Used
Non-CPU: Can be used in mode M, but Exposure Meter does not Function; Electronic Rangefinder can be used if Maximum Aperture is f/5.6 or Faster
Other AF NIKKOR (Excluding lenses for F3AF): All Functions Supported Except 3D Color Matrix Metering II
Type G or D AF NIKKOR: All Functions Supported Except Autofocus
Type D PC NIKKOR: All Functions Supported Except Autofocus and some Shooting Modes
May 21, 2012 18:45:49 #
The G lenses DO autofocus with the D5100.
They come as the kit lenses for that camera.
Not sure why the Nikon site shows that they do not.
"The Nikon AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor 55-200mm f/4-5.6G IF-ED Lens is a versatile and ultra-compact telephoto zoom lens that offers a 3.6x zoom range, ideal for portraiture, sports or wildlife photography. It is the ideal companion to the DX 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED standard zoom lens."
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/836592-REG/Nikon_D5100_Digital_SLR_Camera.html
They come as the kit lenses for that camera.
Not sure why the Nikon site shows that they do not.
"The Nikon AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor 55-200mm f/4-5.6G IF-ED Lens is a versatile and ultra-compact telephoto zoom lens that offers a 3.6x zoom range, ideal for portraiture, sports or wildlife photography. It is the ideal companion to the DX 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED standard zoom lens."
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/836592-REG/Nikon_D5100_Digital_SLR_Camera.html
May 21, 2012 19:00:16 #
steve_stoneblossom
Loc: Rhode Island, USA
GoofyNewfie wrote:
The G lenses DO autofocus with the D5100. br They ... (show quote)
My most humble apologies. Glad someone stepped up promptly to correct me.
May 21, 2012 19:58:11 #
Randyh
Loc: Calif.
Hello to all, Please see the website by Ken Rockwell. He describes the :G: lens as "Gelded". I have read some part of the article to not completely understand as I'm a newbie. He does go into some depth to explain "Gelded" lens. I'm sorry that I cannot offer any more info than this! His website is very in depth. The answer may in fact be here! I wish that I could be of more help. Thanks, Randy H :)
May 21, 2012 20:50:45 #
Randyh wrote:
The term "Gelded" simply refers to Nikon removing the external aperture ring from newer lenses, similar to the difference between a stallion and a gelding. Performance is not effected.Hello to all, Please see the website by Ken Rockwell. He describes the :G: lens as "Gelded". I have read some part of the article to not completely understand as I'm a newbie. He does go into some depth to explain "Gelded" lens. I'm sorry that I cannot offer any more info than this! His website is very in depth. The answer may in fact be here! I wish that I could be of more help. Thanks, Randy H :)
May 21, 2012 22:20:05 #
Randyh
Loc: Calif.
Douglass, Thanks so much for lending your wonderful expertise. I think most everyone here also values your experience. Thank you, Randy H
May 21, 2012 23:03:37 #
steve_stoneblossom wrote:
quote=GoofyNewfie The G lenses DO autofocus with ... (show quote)
I assume you copied and pasted.
It's odd that Nikon would post that.
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