Anyone,

What do all the letters stand for on Nikon type lenes? Or, maybe of more help, what is comptible with the N50 camera? I know that a lens designated with AF means auto-focus, and D means it sends Distance to subject to the metering system. But what does AI and AIS and non AI'ed mean and I've even seen the letter E used.

I'm looking for a good, used 50mm and 85mm lens to use with my N50 and want an aperture of between f/1.2 and f/2.0 on the lens.

Thanks in advance.

Kevin Lowman

-- Kevin Lowman (k.lowman@cwix.com), April 10, 1999

Answers

For a brief description of the mounts, see here. 'Series E' isn't a mount, but a cheaper range of, umm, 'consumer' lenses. If it doesn't say 'AF', it isn't auto-focus.

For available light, I use the 55/1.2, 58/1.2 and 85/1.8, and they are all lovely lenses. However, you have to decide if you will normally use them at these extreme apertures. If not, the 50/1.8 or 50/1.4 will probably be better value, and lighter, and higher quality.

-- Alan Gibson (Alan.Gibson@technologist.com), April 12, 1999.