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When I checked the site of Nikon for D3300 camera, I found following description

Autofocus is available with AF-S and AF-I lenses; Autofocus is not available with other type G and D lenses, AF lenses (IX NIKKOR and lenses for the F3AF are not supported) and AI-P lenses; Non-CPU lenses can be used in mode M but the camera exposure meter will not function The electronic rangefinder can be used with lenses that have a maximum aperture of f/5.6 or faster

Source

I am confused with what it means. Does it mean that auto-focus is not supported for following version (for example)

  • Nikon 18-200mm F/3.5-5.6G IF-ED AF-S VR II DX

because it has "G" mentioned in aperture? I am confused because it says that it is auto focus.

I usually choose focal point to focus on subject while taking pictures but I use auto while shooting videos. As now I am planning to shoot more videos so do I have to worry about these properties?

scottbb
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Zerotoinfinity
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1 Answers1

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The Nikon 18-200mm F/3.5-5.6G IF-ED AF-S VR II DX lens will autofocus on your D3300.

The important statement is: "Autofocus is available with AF-S and AF-I lenses".

The secondary statement, "Autofocus is not available with other type G and D lenses," means that G- and D-type lenses that are not AF-S or AF-I won't autofocus on your D3300.

The "G" in Nikon lens designations means there is no manual aperture control ring for the user to set the aperture on the lens; the camera body must perform the aperture control.

See also the Nikon answer to What do all those cryptic number and letter codes in a lens name mean?

Michael C
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scottbb
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  • Would it be true to say that most type G lenses are also AF-S lenses? It is true that ALL G type lenses are also D type lenses (but far from true that all D type lenses are also G type lenses). – Michael C Jun 14 '17 at 03:19
  • @MichaelClark I think it's fair to say most G lenses are AF-S. The only other G lenses I can think of are AF-P, which are compatible with the D3300 after a firmware update on the body. According to the Nikon answer to "cryptic number and letter codes...", all AF-S, AI-S, and G lenses are D-type ("distance" reporting) – scottbb Jun 14 '17 at 03:24
  • @Scottbb One question though. Is it important to have auto focus? I mean AF-S lens are costly. If I take only AF lens will I face any issue? (ex: when I enable face tracking in movie mode) – Zerotoinfinity Jun 14 '17 at 10:02
  • Can't really answer that question for you. How important is autofocus to you? As you mention, face tracking won't keep a subject in focus without af. – scottbb Jun 14 '17 at 11:54