Nikon lens markings

Almost all objects of the Japanese brand (with rare exceptions) are produced under the Nikkor trademark, founded back in 1932. Therefore, do not be surprised to find such a word in the name of the model you like — it is not a fake, but a real original.

The history of the bayonet F, which is used in Nikon SLR cameras, began in 1959. Since then, it has undergone many improvements and improvements. The overgrowth of new useful functions has always been indicated in the labeling of objects, with the understanding of which it becomes possible to determine the true face of a particular representative from the squad of a large fleet of optics of a Japanese company.

Let's start, perhaps, with the main symbols in the marking:

DX — this letter combination denotes objects sharpened for work in conjunction with Nikon drop mirrors (crop factor 1.5x). They have a reduced viewing angle, therefore, in conjunction with full-frame cameras, the correct operation of such optics is possible only in a special DX-mode mode, when only part of the camera matrix is used to build a picture.

FX — in contrast to the DX marking, the abbreviation FX was invented, which indicates that the object belongs to the family of full-frame optics. This combination is not used in real labeling.

CX is the designation of the youngest line of objects compatible with the mirrorless Nikon 1 system (crop factor 2.7x and a shorter working period). More details about the few nuances of marking such objects are described at the end of the material.

The following designations will help answer all questions about the type of object and its maximum light intensity (for example, Nikon 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5G AF-S ED DX Nikkor Price from 31 000 up to 67 527 ₴)):

10-24mm is the focal length range for the zoom object (minimum and maximum zoom values). For optics with a fixed focal length, one number is indicated.

f/3.5-4.5 — the maximum possible aperture values for the shortest and longest focal lengths, respectively. For optics with a constant maximum aperture, one number is indicated (for example, f/1.4). On the "carcass" of the object itself, this designation looks somewhat different — 1:3.5-4.5, which does not change its meaning.

The next important points in the marking are the designations of the type of focus and aperture control.

AF (Autofocus) is the first generation of autofocus objects with a mechanical focus drive of the "screwdriver" type. The abbreviation originated in 1986 . For focus in such objects, a drive built directly into the camera is used. It got the name "screwdriver" due to the presence of a special slot near the bayonet mount, through which the torque from the autofocus drive is transmitted to the object. It is worth noting that when using such objects paired with cameras without a screwdriver (the younger line of Nikon D40, Nikon D60, Nikon D3XXX and Nikon D5XXX mirrors), the autofocus system will not work.

AF-S (Autofocus Silent Wave Motor) — built-in ultrasonic autofocus drive. Objects with these symbols in the marking are compatible with all mirrors. Focus with the help of the SWM motor is carried out quickly, quietly and accurately.

AF-P (Autofocus Pulse Motor) is a fresh abbreviation that has been used in the labeling of Nikon objects since 2016. Since the announcement of the zoom Nikon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR AF-P DX Nikkor Price from 4 700 ₴. Indicates the use of an autofocus stepper motor in the design, which provides even more silent, fast and accurate focus than the SWM drive.

AF-I (Autofocus Internal Motor) is the predecessor of the AF—S generation, built on the basis of a brushless electric motor. Due to its bulkiness and high cost, its use was not justified. The abbreviation is found in several TV sets produced in the mid-90s of the last century, in particular Nikon AF-I Nikkor 300mm f/2.8D and Nikon AF-I 600mm f/4D.

AF-D (Autofocus Distance Information), also appears simply as the designation D — at the dawn of the appearance of automatic focus systems, this indicated the ability of the object to inform the camera about the distance to the object of the shooting, which is necessary for the correct operation of the flash and the exposure metering system. In the future, the designation was abolished, since this possibility was supported by all representatives of the Nikon optics fleet.

AF-n (Autofocus New Cosmetics) — at the end of the 80s of the last century, this was the name of lenses with a "screwdriver" focus drive equipped with a wide rubberized ring for focus. In the future, the abbreviation was abolished. The appearance of the designation is due to the fact that in the first Nikon autofocus objects, a narrow and rigid focus ring was installed, which was inconvenient to use for focus — Japanese engineers simply did not assume that someone would use manual focus on autofocus optics.

G (Gelded) — the symbol is indicated in the marking immediately after the maximum light intensity indicator. It lets you know that the diaphragm is controlled directly from the camera, and there is no separate diaphragm ring on the object body.

E (Electromagnetic Diaphragm) is the same as G, only in a more modern wrapper. The diaphragm in the objects with such a symbol in the marking is closed not mechanically, but with the help of an electromagnetic motor built into the body of the object.

IF (Internal Focus) is the designation of internal focus, when all the elements of the optical circuit move inside the housing when focus, respectively, the dimensions of the object do not change when focus. This design feature can be useful when using light filters.

RF (Rear Focus) is a type of internal focus, in which only the rear group of lenses (from the side of the bayonet mount) is involved when aiming at sharpness.

CRC (Close-Range Correction System) is a correction system for shooting from short distances, which has a floating element in its composition, the position of which changes depending on the focus distance. It is found in fisheye objects, high-power wide-angle optics and macro-objects.

PC-E (Perspective Control) — this letter designation indicates that the object supports perspective control by shifting the optical axis. In other words, this is the name of non-autofocus representatives of the Tilt-Shift optics family.

DC (Defocus Control) — selection of the degree of defocus of the image. In objects with the support of this "chip", you can control the bokeh. A striking example of such a solution is the portrait fix Nikon 135mm f/2.0D AF DC-Nikkor .

Not the last role is assigned to other abbreviations in labeling:

VR (Vibration Reduction) is a built—in optical image stabilization system. More information about the principles of operation of stabilizers is described in a separate material"Everything you need to know about image stabilization systems."

ED (Extra-low Dispersion) is the use in the optical scheme of lenses with ultra—low dispersion, designed to combat the appearance of chromatic aberrations in the frame.

FL (Fluorite Lens) is an improved version of ED, which suppresses chromatic aberrations even more effectively.

PF (Phase Fresnel) — the purpose of the Fresnel lens also lies in the fight against the parasitic effect of chromatic aberrations, and its key advantage is its compact size, which has a minimal impact on the dimensions of the object.

HRI (High Refractive Index Lens) — the use of lenses with a refractive index of more than 2 in the optical scheme. Acting as a full-fledged replacement for a whole group of lenses, the HRI element provides outstanding optical characteristics without compromising the increase in the dimensions of the object.

ML (Meniscus Protective) is a rounded meniscus glass element installed in the front of the object. Its purpose is to minimize the double image.

N (Nano-Crystal Coating) is a nanocrystalline lens coating designed to combat glare and re—reflections from front and side light sources.

SIC (Super Integrated Coating) and NIK (Nikon Integrated Coating) are multi—layer antireflection coatings of the first generations.

The designations for optics for the Nikon 1 system stand apart in the marking of objects:

AW (All Weather) — protected objects for the Nikon mirrorless line.

PD-Zoom (Power Drive Zoom) is a motorized zoom zoom. It helps to smoothly change the focal length without having to twist the zoom ring manually.

Finally, it is necessary to note several verbal designations that occur in the labeling and indicate the type of object:

Fisheye is an object of the "fish eye" type with a viewing angle of about 180 ° and a specific rounding of the picture.

Micro — marking of Nikon macro-objects.

Noct — high-power optics for astrophotography.

Some of these designations are no longer used in fact — some have received a more advanced replacement, while others are taken for granted and do not require a separate emphasis on their status.

Have a good shooting!