Beginner A question re the Nikon f1.8 lens

[Steve922]

Looking at Nikon f1.8 lenses (which seem to have a very good reputation) I see that the 50mm Lens has lots of numbers on it but the 35mm Lens doesn't
http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2?url=search-alias=aps&field-keywords=Nikon+f1.8
I'm guessing this is because the 35mm has a G suffix meaning it will adjust the aperture automatically and so doesn't need the f-stop numbers whilst the 50mm only works manually and does need those numbers. IS my understanding correct?

So, my question is:- Does the 35mm lens ONLY work automatically and the Aperture cannot be adjusted manually, preventing operation in full manual (or Aperture-priority) mode? Does that make sense?

Any extra info on these lenses very welcome.

Steve

 

[minnnt]

They're both fully automatic and can be used fully manual. The older D designated lenses need a body to have the motor built in where as the newer AF-S models have one built into the lens.

You control the aperture on the camera with the command wheels.

 

[Nguss]

They're both fully automatic and can be used fully manual. The older D designated lenses need a body to have the motor built in where as the newer AF-S models have one built into the lens.

You control the aperture on the camera with the command wheels.

This. The aperture on both the G and D lenses can be controlled via the camera, but the D lenses can also be controlled manually on the lens as well (though the G lenses have a better reputation than the D equivalents). If you do not need to manually adjust the camera via the aperture ring, I would go for the G lenses.

 

[skysh4rk]

So, my question is:- Does the 35mm lens ONLY work automatically and the Aperture cannot be adjusted manually, preventing operation in full manual (or Aperture-priority) mode? Does that make sense?

If you're using a recent Nikon SLR then there really isn't much difference in operation with regard to aperture control between these two lenses. Both will work in manual mode without a problem.

The G lenses lack an aperture ring, which really only becomes significant when you're using older Nikon film SLRs, which have no way of adjusting aperture on the camera body.

 

[minnnt]

If you're using a recent Nikon SLR then there really isn't much difference in operation between these two lenses and it's not something you'll need to worry about. Both will work in manual mode without a problem.

The G lenses lack an aperture ring, which really only becomes significant when you're using older Nikon film SLRs, which have no way of adjusting aperture on the camera body.

It is if the camera doesn't have a built in motor and the OP wants to use AF...

 

[skysh4rk]

It is if the camera doesn't have a built in motor and the OP wants to use AF...

Sorry, I was only referring to the question regarding aperture control and G lenses, but upon rereading the original post, I should also have addressed other differences between these lenses, as the OP was clearly needing more general guidance. I have edited my previous post to make it clearer that I was only referring to aperture control.

You are correct that there could be implications with regard to AF depending on the particular Nikon body in question.

Edit: Regarding the many numbers on the 50mm lens, as mentioned by the OP, it's not only because of the aperture ring, but also because the 50mm lens has a distance scale on it, which the 35mm does not.

 

[JulesP]

With a D designated lens (50mm f1.8D) on any modern Nikon body you would need to lock the aperture ring at its maximum (f22 or whatever) anyway otherwise it will not work properly. The aperture is controlled by the body using the control wheels.

This link may explain it better but don't always take Uncle Ken's word as gospel
http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/nikortek.htm