AF vs AF-S related to D vs G?

[jeanneholverstott]

I have a D90. I have noticed that AF lens are marked with a D; whereas AF-S lenses are marked with a G. Can anyone:
1. Tell me if this is a coincidence or intentional?
2. Tell me what your thoughts are on AF vs AF-S. Meaning, is AF-S "better" in your opinion?

[scootermcq]

Originally Posted by jeanneholverstott

I have a D90. I have noticed that AF lens are marked with a D; whereas AF-S lenses are marked with a G. Can anyone:
1. Tell me if this is a coincidence or intentional?
2. Tell me what your thoughts are on AF vs AF-S. Meaning, is AF-S "better" in your opinion?

Typically, AF-S will be faster and quieter (hence the S for silent wave motor) because of the internal motor. G lenses are without an aperture ring, and are made only for DX bodies, where the AF & AF-D lenses are with aperture rings and will work on FX or DX bodies.

[Nicole]

Originally Posted by scootermcq

G lenses are without an aperture ring, and are made only for DX bodies, where the AF & AF-D lenses are with aperture rings and will work on FX or DX bodies.

G lenses are without an aperture ring but that doesn't limit them to working on a DX body. It just means that the camera has to be able to set the aperture. So for example, old film bodies couldn't use a G mount, but it will work without issues on a FX digital body.

The only thing that limits a lens to working on a DX body is the DX designation on the lens (subject to other factors which may make it work or not work on your particular body).

And to add more again, the AF-S lenses are required for auto focus on camera bodies that don't have motors built into the bodies (e.g. D40/3000/3100/5000). If you get a plain AF lens on those bodies you won't be able to use auto focus.

[jeanneholverstott]

Would it be safe to say with my D90 that I can use either D or G and AF-S or AF?

[Nicole]

Yes. I have lenses with all of those various combinations and use them without any problems.

[jeanneholverstott]

Everyone's help is much appreciated.

[kirbinster]

As Ken Rockwell says, the "G" stands for Gelded

As said any of the aforementioned lenses will work just fine on any Nikon dSLR with a Focus Motor. You need the AF-S on the lower end bodies that don't have an internal motor.

[Almond.Butterscotch]

Originally Posted by kirbinster

As Ken Rockwell says, the "G" stands for Gelded

I've been wondering if that's why Nikon actually chose the 'G' designation. As far as I've seen, they've never actually said what it stands for.

[Sterling]

It's just a letter. It doesn't stand for anything.

[Shokinen]

Oh I'm sure it does. Why chose this one instead of the 25 others.