Nikon Lens Abbreviations
Nikons large array of abbreviations on lenses is confusing. We have listed Nikons Technology Terms here.
You can also visit our Glossary for a full list of terms.
AF DC-Nikkor lenses
Nikon Defocus-image Control technology is employed in AF DC-Nikkor lenses as a creative feature for photographers. A rotating ring that adjusts the degree of spherical aberration can control the amount of foreground or background blur. This creates a rounded out-of-focus effect that is ideal for portrait photography. No other lenses in the world offer this special technique.
Close-Range Correction system
The Close-Range Correction (CRC) system is one of Nikon’s most important focusing innovations. It provides superior image quality at close focusing distances and increases the focusing range.
With CRC, the lens elements are configured in a ‘floating element’ design that allows each lens group to move independently to achieve focus. This arrangement maximizes the capability of a lens to focus, particularly when the subject is close to the camera.
The CRC system is used in Fisheye, wide-angle, Micro, and selected medium Telephoto Nikkor lenses.
DX Nikkor
The DX format sensor, employed in Nikon digital SLR cameras, is smaller in area than 35 mm format film. This has made it possible to design a range of lenses that produce a correspondingly smaller image, with a consequential improvement in the size and weight of the lens. In addition, the performance of wide-angle lenses can be optimized for the digital DX-format, ensuring improved clarity and reduced distortion.
DX Nikkor lenses are not recommended for use with 35mm (135) or IX240 format cameras.
ED
Extra-low Dispersion glass. Gives superior sharpness and optimal color.
Extra-low Dispersion
Nikon especially developed ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass to provide pricise optical
colour correction. Because colours of the spectrum have differing wavelengths, red and
blue light rays are bent at slightly different angles as they pass through nomal optical
glass. This dispersion results in colour fringing and lack of sharpness.
Modern techniques to correct this chromatic aberration are effective with most lenses.
But telescopic lenses magnify the slight variation in focus between red and blue light rays.
Nikon developed ED glass in order to provide the sharp, clear resolution required for superb photographs.
Internal Focusing (IF)
Nikon’s IF technology is designed to keep the length of a lens constant as it is being focused by employing a focusing lens group that moves entirely within a non-extending lens barrel. Lenses that incorporate Internal Focusing design are compact, lightweight and feature fast focusing and close focusing distance. The IF system is featured in most Nikkor Telephoto and selected Nikkor zoom lenses.
Macro
Capture fine detail with an extended focus range that allows objects that are close to the camera lens to be photographed successfully.
Nano Crystal Coat
Nano Crystal Coat is an anti-reflective coating that ensures finely detailed, clear images.
It drastically reduces the reflections from internal lens elements across a wide range of wavelengths, and is particularly effective in reducing the effects of ghosting and flare that are found in ultra-wideangle lenses.
A Nano Crystal Coat employs multiple layers of Nikon’s extra-low refractive index coating formed into crystallized particles of nanometer size (one nanometer equals one millionth of a mm). This coating technology has been applied to a wide range of lenses that are used in consumer optical products.
Optical Vibration Reduction (VR)
Improves picture quality by compensating for the blur caused by camera movement at low shutter speeds.
Rear Focusing (RF)
The Nikon Rear Focusing (RF) design divides all lens elements into specific lens groups, with the rear lens group being used for focusing. RF improves the speed and contributes to the smooth operation of the autofocus action by placing the focusing group nearest to the camera body.
Silent Wave Motor
The Silent Wave Motor is an actuating device that provides powerful rotational movement without creating noise and vibration. Nikon AF-S lenses employ SWM technology as a component within the autofocus system to ensure fast, quiet operation in professional and enthusiast lenses.
Vibration Reduction (VR)
Vibration-reduction techniques are intended to reduce the effect of camera shake that causes blurred images when a camera is operated at a low Shutter speed. The Nikon VR system relies on the detection of external lens disturbance and the application of a corrective signal to an internal movable lens system. The motion of the camera and lens is counteracted by the movement of the optical system and stabilizes the image as if a faster Shutter speed was being used. The extent of improvement can be between three stops for the original VR system and four stops for the VR II system*.
Camera-shake is normally caused by the natural unsteadiness of a hand-held camera. However, Nikon VR systems also include an Active mode, which allows for the compensation of vibration caused by mechanical devices and moving platforms such as cars, boats and helicopters.
