Camera Labs

I was wanting to know what is the difference between these lenses?

I read an article were one person prefered one lense over the other. I think it was to do with the colour or sharpness being better. But, I cannot remember whether their choice was a G or D lense.

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Nikon D700, Nikkor 14-24mm f/2.8G ED

Future purchases: Nikkor 24-70, 70-200 f/2.8G ED & AF Fisheye 16mm f/2.8D

D lenses have an aperture ring, G lenses don't.

D lenses in general (always?) must be driven by the camera for focus.

G lenses have their own focus motor. They also have a wider range of sophisticated metering modes (the electronics are more modern).

One is not necessarily better than another. Optically, most G lenses are tuned for digital sensors, whereas D lenses are more from the film era. On the other hand, you find a higher proportion of D lenses with stronger (particularly metal) works. But these are all generalisations.

There are more and less sharp lenses in both G and D designations, particularly since the range is large and prices vary greatly. For example, could you expect an 18-55 to perform as well as a 24-70, which is many times the price?

I have G, D and AIS lenses and find all work well (my signature is a bit out of date!).

So, the best advice I can give is assess fitness for purpose and always test a lens on your camera before buying.

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HCC
Nikon DSLRs, film cameras from Leica to Linhof

That`s interesting, well thanks for that Hilary.

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Nikon D700, Nikkor 14-24mm f/2.8G ED

Future purchases: Nikkor 24-70, 70-200 f/2.8G ED & AF Fisheye 16mm f/2.8D

There's only one exception to the rule that G-lenses have their own AF-drive built-in: The fisheye Nikkor 10.5mm f2.8G.
Btw.: The most important information that the sophisticated Nikon exposure/flash-system needs is the distance that the lens is focused on. And this already works with D lenses. That's where the moniker "D" comes from afaik: "Distance".

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Thomas (beware: Nikon-fanboy and moderator!) My Lens Reviews, My Pictures, My Photography Blog
D800+assorted lenses

Dear Thomas

Re "D" and "G" lenses: yes, of course - and I'm a bit abashed at glossing over that - should have had my mind in gear since I have both types!

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HCC
Nikon DSLRs, film cameras from Leica to Linhof

There doesn't seem much differerence then Thomas? I am self taught mainly when it comes to the world of cameras. I really dont have much of a clue about these designations and their meanings.

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Nikon D700, Nikkor 14-24mm f/2.8G ED

Future purchases: Nikkor 24-70, 70-200 f/2.8G ED & AF Fisheye 16mm f/2.8D

Well really, Colin: The single most important difference between all (but one) D and G lenses is that you need a body with AF-drive to do AF with the D lenses.
Combine a Nikon AF 50/1.8D (or some such D-lens) with a D3x00 or D5x00 and you're stuck in manual focus!

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Thomas (beware: Nikon-fanboy and moderator!) My Lens Reviews, My Pictures, My Photography Blog
D800+assorted lenses

Oh no! Not manual focus!

How archaic!

That will be the fisheye lense you mentioned. Okay well I understand the built in AF or visa versa. Thanks for that.

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Nikon D700, Nikkor 14-24mm f/2.8G ED

Future purchases: Nikkor 24-70, 70-200 f/2.8G ED & AF Fisheye 16mm f/2.8D