Nikon 85MM AF 1.8 , how is D version different?

<p>I am looking at an 85MM 1.8--but not a D lens--KEH price is about the same for a D or ' non D'. Does anyone know the difference between the two?<br>

Is one more desirable?<br>

thanks in advance<br>

John</p>

<p>Per Nikon's website: "D-type lens design provides distance information as part of flash and ambient light exposure processes."</p>

<p>I suggest you get the D version. I purchased one recently and decided to go with a new one from Amazon ($429 including shipping) as the new lens was not much expensive than used from KEH and eBay and of course comes with a 5 year warranty.</p>

<p>Also, the D version has been out since 1994, so if you buy the earlier version you could possibly be getting a 20-year-old lens that's had a lot of use.</p>

<p>I have a non D one, and it's exactly the same as the D, except for the use of TTl flash, as Elliot says. If money matters, and TTl doesn't, go for the non D. Great lens.</p>

<p>So, no optical changes between the AF and AF-D versions then?</p>

<p>You do not tell what camera model you use... so answers may not be precise or applicable to your case.</p>

<p>Assuming that you have near top model of Nikon DSLR, and use it to full feature capailities, there are other reasons to get the Nikkor lens that provides focus distance information from the lens to the camera.<br />Part of one of prior discussions on the similar subject is here:</p>

<p><em>The distance information provided from lens to camera is used in the latest Nikon DSLR at least in 3 ways:</em><br /><em>1. Support for best iTTL/BL balanced flash mode.</em><br /><em>2. Matrix metering.</em><br /><em>3. 3D auto focus tracking.</em><br /><em>Once you learn how to take advantage of the D information and camera modes, your flash in daylight, your sport auto focus activity, as well as the metering that takes advantage of most of many sensors provided by the camera, will improve your photos.</em><br /><em>Of course you do not have to use any of the advanced features provided by the latest technology.</em></p>

<p>As in link:<br /><a href="00XasS">http://www.photo.net/nikon-camera-forum/00XasS</a></p>

<p>??</p>

<p>There are differing opinions as to the usefulness of the D feature, but if the difference in price is not much of an issue, then why not just go ahead and get the D version? As a friend of mine used to say, "It's better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it."</p>

<p>Just to confirm, according to <a href="http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/companies/nikon/nikkoresources/AFNikkor/AF85mm/index.htm">this</a> and <a href="http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/companies/nikon/nikkoresources/AFNikkor/AF85mm/index1.htm">this</a>, the optical design of the 85mm f/1.8 AF and AF-D are identical (it's not a lens that got a redesign as part of becoming "D"). The "D" version is therefore preferable, but - other than a slight difference to metering, I'd not lose sleep over it.</p>

<p>Elementary, my dear Watson.</p>

<p>If they are close to the same price and condition, go for the D version.</p>

<p>Yours,</p>

<p>Sherlock</p>

<p>i have noticed that in capture NX2, automatic distortion correction is available for "D" lenses.</p>

<p>Optically both lenses are the same but the older non-D lens has a more glossy finish on the plastic lens barrel which looks rather cheap in my opinion. The D-lens has a matte finish that looks a little better.</p>

<p>My 85mm f/1.8 is not a D and the lens barrel is not plastic, but metal. Interesting. <br>

In any case, it is a truly great lens. OTOH, I rarely use it with flash, because, well, why would I? Or if I do, I'm using a slow shutter with the flash on manual as a bounced or off camera shadow catch, etc. I'd just get the one in the best possible condition, and not pay any attention to the D or non D aspect apart from as a last tie breaker. </p>