Help educate me

[J.A.F.T.]

O.K. you guys have helped me decide between the D40 and the D40X. I've decided on the D40X. Now I need some help understanding the lens descriptions. Can someone explain to me what this means:

55mm - 200mm f/4-5.6G ED AF-S DX VR

I understand the 55-200, the AF is auto focus, but which ones will actually work with the 40X? VR is the vibration reduction, I've read up on that. But the rest is Latin, or Greek, or Sanskrit, or something.

Also if someone could point me in the right direction of a website or book that can break down the basics of the mechanics for me. I've got tons of info on composition and such, but it's the science that's kicking my butt!

Thanks for all the help guys, maybe soon I can post some of my new photos up here and not be too ashamed.


J.A.F.T.

[r3g]

55-200mm is the focal length of the lens.

f/4-5.6 means at the lenses widest focual length (in this case 55mm) the lens can use its aperture as big (but no bigger) than F/4. And at the lenses longest ranger (in this case 200mm) the aperture can be no bigger then f/5.6.

Not sure what the G stands for

DX i believe is the designation given to all Nikon lenses made for APS-C sensored cameras.

AF-S means the lens has its own focus motor

VR is vibrantion reduction (anti shake system)


As you can see im not sure technical which is why I usually leave these threads to be answered by someone else but im bored atm :p

[Rooz]

AF-S and AF are different terms actually. af-s means there is a focus motor inside the lens, this is what you need to see on nikon glass for a d40/x/d60. af means its an AF lens but it requires the in-body AF motor to AF

f4-5.6 refers to the maximum aperture you can get from the lens. so for the 55-200...at 55mm the maximum aperture is f4 and at 200mm the maximum aperture is f5.6.

aperture refers to the volume of light let in by the lens onto the camera sensor. the smaller the number, the wider the aperture which means the more light can flood into the sensor.

Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson is a great reference tool for beginners.

[ssil2000]

Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson is a great reference tool for beginners.

absolute must-have!

click here for the amazon link (http://www.amazon.com/Understanding-Exposure-Photographs-Digital-Updated/dp/0817463003/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1202424493&sr=8-1)

:)

Sergio

[erichlund]

55mm - 200mm f/4-5.6G ED AF-S DX VR

Most are already understood or explained.

The G refers to a lens that does not have an aperture ring, so you have to use a camera that can set aperture with the command dial(s). G designation also implies a D designation, which means that you get subject distance information reported to the camera. This supposedly results in more accurate exposure in both ambient light and using flash.

ED (Extra-low Dispersion) refers to special glass that is proprietary to Nikon and has exceptional light transmission qualities. This doesn't mean other companies don't have something equivalent, just that this is Nikon's version. I think one of the main properties, low dispertion, reduces things like CA and possibly ghosting and flare.

[tcadwall]

BTW - Everyone has done a great job explaining these designations. Now, if you are going to consider 3rd party lenses, view the actual descriptions by the manufacturer to understand whether it is an 'equivalent' Nikkor feature... For instance, THIS PAGE (http://www.sigmaphoto.com/lenses/lenses.asp)on sigma's site will explain their acronyms.

Hey - I often link to Thom Hogan's website because I think he is good at giving the details in a concise manner. I have learned a TON from his site, and that knowledge gained has proven accurate... Unlike another guy out there with a high - profile ;).

Here is a good article by Thom called "Making Sense of Lens Acronyms (http://www.bythom.com/lensacronyms.htm)" It is a real short article, but I think it will really help.

[J.A.F.T.]

Thanks for all the help guys. I'll get the book and hopefully I'll be posting pictures soon!!!



J.A.F.T.