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Difference between D and G


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7 replies to this topic

#1
sunshine

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I have been looking at used 300mm f/2.8 primes. I know some of the basic differences between D and G lenses, but I am curious about functional usability or image quality differences that may not be described in the technical documents.

 

There's an AF-S 300mm f/2.8 D with a serial number in the 204xxx range and an AF-S 300mm f/2.8 G VR with a serial number in the 304xxx range. Both are advertised at good prices, but the difference between them is $1,000 USD. If I purchase one I'd be using it with either a D500, D750, or D810.

 

I'm not concerned about the lack of VR on the D model. Would I see a visible difference in image quality? If something went wrong with the D will Nikon still fix it? Any other advice you lens experts can offer that would sway me toward one or the other? If the D would give me near equivalent IQ and can still be serviced, I could sure use that extra $1k somewhere else.

 

Thanks!



#2
Nikon Shooter

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Any G lens is a D lens. Not all D lenses are G lenses. The difference is that
a G lens lacks an aperture ring for manually setting the aperture on the lens
(rather than the camera). ... The D lenses are older lenses.

I never use VR myself.

If you can, the D810 is just plain crazy… still part of my arsenal!



#3
Merco_61

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Is it the original D or revision II? The AF is faster in rev. II, and the lens foot is much better even if none of the 300/2.8 lenses have a really good foot. The G version is nanocoated unlike the earlier versions, which raised the performance when shooting against the light or with pin-point light sources in the frame.

 

The D lenses are getting old, rev. I before Feb. 2001 and rev. II before Sept. 2004. I am not sure if Nikon still have parts for them.



#4
sunshine

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Here's a link to the listing if you're interested.

Sold: NIKON AF-S 300mm f2.8 D LENS - FM Forums

 

I've found a site that shows serial number ranges with years of manufacture but can't tell if this particular lens is a I or II. The number is close to the middle of the range.  Focus speed is a priority. Any idea how it might compare to a 3rd party lens like the Tamron 150-600 v2?

 

For D lenses with an aperture ring, is the ring the only way to set aperture or can the setting also be changed electronically using the camera dial?



#5
Merco_61

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This is the first version. I think the AF is faster than the consumer zooms even if it is slower than in later models.

 

When you set the aperture ring to the smallest aperture on a D or early AF lens, the ring can be locked and hte aperture controlled from the body.



#6
sunshine

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This is the first version. I think the AF is faster than the consumer zooms even if it is slower than in later models.

 

When you set the aperture ring to the smallest aperture on a D or early AF lens, the ring can be locked and hte aperture controlled from the body.

 

Thanks! I spoke to the seller last night and decided to go ahead with the purchase. He confirmed that the aperture can be controlled from the body. I'll post some photos when I receive it.



#7
fallout666

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cool and post some pictures too. so  we can see how lens turns out. some might want to see if worth the price to buy or not. 



#8
sunshine

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Lens arrived early this week but I was away for my day job most of the week. I got outside with it today for a couple of hours. Here are a few sample shots from both the D810 and D500. All shot at f/2.8.

 

D500:

i-qQHPcJH-XL.jpg

 

i-d8pxSsL-XL.jpg

 

D810:

i-mX8NtFc-XL.jpg

 

i-tnxgKcn-XL.jpg