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Nikon DSLR System
Nikon DSLR's are generally compatible with the entire Nikon system of lenses. However, the d40x and d3100 model
bodies which I have chosen for their compactness do not provide a screw drive motor for focusing
earlier model lenses. Thus they need to use AF-S Nikon series or compatible 3rd party lenses with
built-in focus motors in order to perform auto-focusing. The other lenses would work on the cameras,
but focus adjustments would need to be performed manually. Another aspect of the DX series of
Nikon cameras is that they use the aps-c sized sensor rather than one that is full 35 mm in size.
What this means is that only the light comimg from the center portion of the lens will hit the
sensor resulting in cropping the image similar to narrowing the effective lens angle to an equivalent
1.5x conversion factor of the focal length of the lens in use. My collection of lenses include the
following:
AF-S DX Nikkor 18-55mm F3.5-4.6G ED - This is the the DX kit lens that was supplied with the
camera. Although it is consumer quality in construction, it is quite capable and very sharp. Its
size is fairly small and the weight is very light, thus making it easy to carry for general use. It
accepts 52 mm filters which allows me to use either the wide angle converter or a closeup
filters that I already have to extend its range.
AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm F1.8G ED - This is a high quality prime DX lens that is intended for all
around use and available light photography due its large aperture. It is extremely small and light.
When used at full aperture, images are quite sharp with a shallow depth of field that can provide
pleasing blurred backgrounds. It has a silent wave motor that focuses quickly but allow for manual
focusing overrides to adjust the point of focus which is accentuated because of the shallow depth of field.
On a DX camera, the field of view is equivalent to that of a 50/55mm standard lens. It accepts 52 mm
filters so I can use either a wide angle converter or closeup lens to augment its capability.
AF-S DX Nikkor 55-200mm VR F4-5.6G ED - This is a consumer quality DX lens that was puchased
together with the camera as a combined kit. It is quite capable and very sharp. It also has
vibration reduction to minimize camera shake. It accepts 52 mm filters which allows me to use closeup
filters and teleconverters that I already have to extend its range.
AF-S Micro Nikkor 60mm F2.8G ED - This is a high quality prime FX lens intended for use in
close up photography. It has a nano-crystal coated element to help minimize ghosting and flare.
It has a silent wave motor that provides for faster focusing and it also allows for manual overrides
to make final adjustments that is useful for macro photography. The lens also focuses well at
farther distances up to infinity. The fast aperture makes it handy for use in available light
photography and the 1.5x conversion factor gives it an equivalent 90mm field of view that is useful
for portrait photography.
AF-S Nikkor 70-300mm VR F4-5.6 G ED - This is a high quality FX lens that I puchased based
on its excellent reviews. It gives me added reach and it focuses faster than my other tele-zoom lens.
The silent wave focus motor motor provide for manual overide if needed to make critical adjustments to
move the point of focus within the image. It also has optical vibration reduction to minimize camera shake.
Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC Macro OS - This is a high quality 3rd party vendor DX lens that I had
purchased to replace the 18-55mm kit lens for general use. The larger aperture along with the optical
stabilization allows me to shoot with available light more often. The prime lenses that I have are
also useful in low light situations, but sometimes I prefer to have the convenience of a zoom lens.
It covers wide angles and has a reasonable 70mm reach (effectively 105mm). It also performs as a good
portrait lens with its more pleasing bokeh.
