I have recently switched from canon to Nikon. And had zero clue how to buy lenses for Nikon, being a canon person for the last 16 years. THANK YOU so very much for such a detailed overview! This is exactly what I need!
I am in shock with how helpful this video is! Definitely subscribed. Very clear, detailed, and still to the point! And all the resources provided… thank you for your time in creating this content!
I am so glad that you found it helpful. Check out my website, if you haven't already www.focusedcamera.net under the Beginners tab scroll down to the extras/freebies for lessons and cheatsheets and when the pop-up deploys sign up for my mailing list. I send out newsletters a few times a year with tips and new material.
Absolutely helps "demystify" the codes on Nikon i.e Nikkor f mount lenses... simple to understand with helpful example photos to highlight your points. GREAT VIDEO. Thank you.
It's annoying when you go from telescopes to camera lenses because the telescopes always list objective aperture in mm and then the focal ratio but camera lenses like to list focal length and focal ratio which makes it really annoying to find lenses with a respectable aperture size.
Yes, that would be confusing to see a telescope lens where the aperture is listed as maybe 100mm but then going to cameras/photography where the 100mm is referring to focal length and aperture is something completely different. I don't know much about telescopes and their optics but I do love seeing the photos people take of our sky and universe using them!
Yes, it does! The FTZ adapter will adapt the F mount lenses to the new Z mount mirrorless camera bodies. When choosing a Z mount lens most of the lens descriptors for focal length, maximum aperture values, and glass upgrades as outlined in the video are still the same. Thanks for watching my video! :)
In the past the gold ring and/or letter N in gold emblem have been considered the pro line of lenses which would be their equivalent to Canon L or Sony GM. For the new mirrorless they are using the letter S. Of course there can be exceptional lenses that are not considered pro so I always research and compare before buying using sites like DXO Mark, Camera Decision, or the in-depth reviews posted by Ken Rockwell.
Hi! Most of the letter abbreviations have remained the same even for the Z mount. You need a Z Nikkor lens but then the DX or FX designations for APS-C/Crop lens and Full Frame lens are going to remain the same. The focal length numbers are still going to be in mm such as 12-28mm is a zoom and a single number like 20mm is a prime lens. The maximum aperture numbers such as f/2.8 are still read the same way as well. There may be a few additional letter codes that Nikon has added to identify upgrades on a lens that are not in this video, but the basic ones like VR for Vibration Reduction are still the same. Here is a list of the Nikkor Z line lenses offered - if you are looking at a lens on this list I'd be happy to tell you more about the markings on that lens if you let me know which one you are considering: www.nikonusa.com/en/nikon-products/camera-lenses/mirrorless-lenses/index.page
No one seems to be able to tell me what Nikon camera can I use the AF - VR NIKKOR 80-400 1:4.5 - 5.6D on. I paid 2200.00 on the lense 15 yrs ago. I still want to use this on a newer Nikon body. Have no idea which body will work with it.
Nikon has some complicated lens compatibility charts. I am going to include a few links, starting with their support page. I would recommend emailing or calling them directly and asking for a list of compatible camera bodies. www.nikonproductsupport.com/s/?language=en_US This is my "go-to" list for lens compatibility, but you have to know a camera body first, then go look at the list of lenses: docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1aRsoBGEwXJ5H2Dy7nZDzD2RlIrIRysQaDKP3YeLXe-4/edit?usp=share_link That list also hasn't been updated in 2-3 years so newer models are not included. A few other resources from Nikon: www.nikonusa.com/en/learn-and-explore/a/tips-and-techniques/which-nikkor-lens-type-is-right-for-your-dslr.html www.nikonusa.com/Images/Learn-Explore/Photography-Techniques/2011/Which-Nikkor-is-Right-for-You/Media/NIKKOR-lens-compatibility-chart.pdf www.nikonimgsupport.com/eu/BV_article?articleNo=000035705&configured=1&lang=en_GB Again, tho' I think the easiest way to get your answer is to call them directly. Good luck, and thanks for watching my video! :)
Nikon F mount lens can be used interchangeably, meaning it will mount to the camera and not damage the camera. Depending on the lens/camera body you may have crop factor or the crop lens setting in the camera may engage, and in some cases some functions of the lens may not work. Here is a Nikon article about this: www.nikonusa.com/en/learn-and-explore/a/products-and-innovation/the-dx-and-fx-formats.html and the links below the video I made will take you to some of their compatibility charts. They also have great customer support. If in doubt call Nikon directly.
Sorry about that. The Medium.com website changed their creator terms so blog posts are only on my website now at www.focusedcamera.net in the resources section.
What is the better budget lens for a beginner on the D3200 it currently has a 18-55mm 1:3.5-5.6GII. I am wanting to try taking wildlife photos from a distance I don't want to be lugging around a big telephoto lens that you see professionals using. Thanks
Good to know! I should have recognized it was the same symbol from all the frats/sororities that were around during my college days. Thanks for watching my video 😃
You're not correct. The Phi symbol is usually slightly oblong vertically and the slash is vertical. ⏀ is phi. The symbol used on lenses is a circle with the slash at an angle and is used in engineering to indicate diameter. ⍉ is the symbol used on lenses. A lens that has a (⌀62) would be a lens that has a 62mm filter size.
Hi! I just recently purchased a 50 mm Nikkor focal 1.4 lens. I’m very new to this lens. I’m struggling trying to focus it. Could you tell me where I should set it on the focusing ring?
What camera are you using? And do you have your lens and camera set to autofocus or are you trying to manually focus? The only time you should need the focusing ring on the lens is if you are trying to manual focus instead of letting the camera do it or if you are trying to override autofocus to tweak focus after the camera does its job (and depending on lens and camera there may be settings or switches to use override without damaging the lens). If you go to my website and get our contact info then you can call, text, or email us for more detailed help. www.focusedcamera.net
@@victoriaj2899 Oh, okay. Sorry that I was confused by what you meant, but glad you got it figured out. If you bookmark our website you can always call or email if you get stuck and need help in the future! Thanks for watching my video :)
Thanks for watching my video. Yes, you are right, I use the American pronunciation (or at least more commonly used in the US). Since Nikon is a made up word there does seem to be multiple ways to say it. I have even heard Nee-koh, where the N at the end is soft/silent. It is interesting how different parts of the world use different pronunciations or even altogether different words (boot vs trunk for instance) for the same thing. 😃
The ratio aspect gets complicated, and isn't really important for understanding what the notations mean, but I will try to explain a bit more. If you see a ratio on the lens like 1:2.8 you only need to look at the part after the 1: so just the 2.8 which means the lens has a maximum aperture of f/2.8. If you see a ratio with two numbers such as 1:3.5 - 5.6, again just ignore the 1: part and look at what follows the 1: which is 3.5 - 5.6. This means the lens has a variable aperture (it is a zoom lens). When not zoomed in, the maximum aperture is 3.5 and when fully zoomed the maximum aperture is 5.6. Now, let's go back to why it is written as a ratio at all? The ratio tells us the relationship between the focal length and the diameter of the aperture. The aperture opening is a fraction of the focal length of the lens. So, if I have a 100mm lens set to f/4, then the aperture opening is 1/4th of 100mm. Therefore at f/4 (1:4) the aperture opening is 100/4 or 25mm. This complicated numbering system allows for us to know that our exposure should be the same even if we have two different lenses if we set them to the same aperture (all other things being equal). It is a universal method for creating equal image brightness using different optics. Here is an article that goes into much more detail with more examples if you are interested: www.scientificlib.com/en/Physics/Optics/FNumber.html But, as far as understanding the notations on your lens when making a purchase, you don't need to know the math or do any division or work with fractions. I hope this helps explain. Thanks for watching my video!
I have recently switched from canon to Nikon. And had zero clue how to buy lenses for Nikon, being a canon person for the last 16 years. THANK YOU so very much for such a detailed overview! This is exactly what I need!
I am in shock with how helpful this video is! Definitely subscribed. Very clear, detailed, and still to the point! And all the resources provided… thank you for your time in creating this content!
I am so glad that you found it helpful. Check out my website, if you haven't already www.focusedcamera.net under the Beginners tab scroll down to the extras/freebies for lessons and cheatsheets and when the pop-up deploys sign up for my mailing list. I send out newsletters a few times a year with tips and new material.
I’ve taken classes but it’s great to have such a comprehensive video like this (with a quiz) I’ll be sure to check out more of these videos!
Glad you got some benefit from it. Thanks for watching! :)
Thank you 🙏🏽 very helpful 👍🏼.
You’re welcome 😊
Literally one of the best videos I have ever seen, along with the amazingly well formulated description formatting and resources!
Thank you!
Awesome very helpful… 😍
Glad it was helpful!
This is a great, informative video! Nice work!
Absolutely helps "demystify" the codes on Nikon i.e Nikkor f mount lenses... simple to understand with helpful example photos to highlight your points. GREAT VIDEO. Thank you.
Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching my video. :)
It's annoying when you go from telescopes to camera lenses because the telescopes always list objective aperture in mm and then the focal ratio but camera lenses like to list focal length and focal ratio which makes it really annoying to find lenses with a respectable aperture size.
Yes, that would be confusing to see a telescope lens where the aperture is listed as maybe 100mm but then going to cameras/photography where the 100mm is referring to focal length and aperture is something completely different. I don't know much about telescopes and their optics but I do love seeing the photos people take of our sky and universe using them!
Nikon has a new mount Z for the new mirorless cameras this adds another compatibility variable
Yes, it does! The FTZ adapter will adapt the F mount lenses to the new Z mount mirrorless camera bodies. When choosing a Z mount lens most of the lens descriptors for focal length, maximum aperture values, and glass upgrades as outlined in the video are still the same. Thanks for watching my video! :)
Thank you for making this so easy!!! Game changer!!
I am glad you found it to be helpful! Thanks for watching :)
Which nikon is equal to canon L / sony G/GM / fuji XF lineup
In the past the gold ring and/or letter N in gold emblem have been considered the pro line of lenses which would be their equivalent to Canon L or Sony GM. For the new mirrorless they are using the letter S. Of course there can be exceptional lenses that are not considered pro so I always research and compare before buying using sites like DXO Mark, Camera Decision, or the in-depth reviews posted by Ken Rockwell.
@@FocusEdCamera thanks
This video was so fucking helpful! thanks guys
This was short, sweet, and very helpful. Thank you so much!
Glad it was helpful! 😀
Thank you - I like that you stay on topic and do not waist my time with personal dribble!📸
Thanks😊very helpfulness for beginners🤩👌✌
Glad to hear that
Thanks.
Very helpful and comprehensive video. Thank you.
Glad it was helpful!
Can you do the same thing for Z mount
Hi! Most of the letter abbreviations have remained the same even for the Z mount. You need a Z Nikkor lens but then the DX or FX designations for APS-C/Crop lens and Full Frame lens are going to remain the same. The focal length numbers are still going to be in mm such as 12-28mm is a zoom and a single number like 20mm is a prime lens. The maximum aperture numbers such as f/2.8 are still read the same way as well. There may be a few additional letter codes that Nikon has added to identify upgrades on a lens that are not in this video, but the basic ones like VR for Vibration Reduction are still the same. Here is a list of the Nikkor Z line lenses offered - if you are looking at a lens on this list I'd be happy to tell you more about the markings on that lens if you let me know which one you are considering: www.nikonusa.com/en/nikon-products/camera-lenses/mirrorless-lenses/index.page
@@FocusEdCamera that was my question the Fx and dx still denote full and crop
No one seems to be able to tell me what Nikon camera can I use the AF - VR NIKKOR 80-400 1:4.5 - 5.6D on. I paid 2200.00 on the lense 15 yrs ago. I still want to use this on a newer Nikon body. Have no idea which body will work with it.
Nikon has some complicated lens compatibility charts. I am going to include a few links, starting with their support page. I would recommend emailing or calling them directly and asking for a list of compatible camera bodies. www.nikonproductsupport.com/s/?language=en_US
This is my "go-to" list for lens compatibility, but you have to know a camera body first, then go look at the list of lenses: docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1aRsoBGEwXJ5H2Dy7nZDzD2RlIrIRysQaDKP3YeLXe-4/edit?usp=share_link
That list also hasn't been updated in 2-3 years so newer models are not included.
A few other resources from Nikon:
www.nikonusa.com/en/learn-and-explore/a/tips-and-techniques/which-nikkor-lens-type-is-right-for-your-dslr.html
www.nikonusa.com/Images/Learn-Explore/Photography-Techniques/2011/Which-Nikkor-is-Right-for-You/Media/NIKKOR-lens-compatibility-chart.pdf
www.nikonimgsupport.com/eu/BV_article?articleNo=000035705&configured=1&lang=en_GB
Again, tho' I think the easiest way to get your answer is to call them directly. Good luck, and thanks for watching my video! :)
This is fantastic for beginners. Thank you so much
I read somewhere that you could use a full frame F mount lens for an F mount crop sensor body, is this true? Thanks
Nikon F mount lens can be used interchangeably, meaning it will mount to the camera and not damage the camera. Depending on the lens/camera body you may have crop factor or the crop lens setting in the camera may engage, and in some cases some functions of the lens may not work. Here is a Nikon article about this: www.nikonusa.com/en/learn-and-explore/a/products-and-innovation/the-dx-and-fx-formats.html and the links below the video I made will take you to some of their compatibility charts. They also have great customer support. If in doubt call Nikon directly.
the links are down :(
Sorry about that. The Medium.com website changed their creator terms so blog posts are only on my website now at www.focusedcamera.net in the resources section.
What is the better budget lens for a beginner on the D3200 it currently has a 18-55mm 1:3.5-5.6GII. I am wanting to try taking wildlife photos from a distance I don't want to be lugging around a big telephoto lens that you see professionals using. Thanks
Thank you so much for the information. Excellent and super easy to understand !!!
You are welcome, I am glad it was helpful. Thanks for watching! :)
Excellent video! Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge!
You are welcome, thanks for watching!
Thanks for this video
that was great thank you
Hi love this video, it helps me a lot , keep putting up more content. Thanks
I am glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching 😃
The “circle with a slash” used to indicate filter size, is the Greek letter “Phi”. (Pronounced “fee”)😊
Good to know! I should have recognized it was the same symbol from all the frats/sororities that were around during my college days. Thanks for watching my video 😃
You're not correct. The Phi symbol is usually slightly oblong vertically and the slash is vertical. ⏀ is phi. The symbol used on lenses is a circle with the slash at an angle and is used in engineering to indicate diameter. ⍉ is the symbol used on lenses. A lens that has a (⌀62) would be a lens that has a 62mm filter size.
Thank you very much
Thank you, you just made my life so much easier with this video !! 📸
Glad it helped! Thank you for watching!
Astonishing video. Thank you!
Many thanks for the compliment :)
okay
goodness this video is so good
Thanks!
Hi! I just recently purchased a 50 mm Nikkor focal 1.4 lens. I’m very new to this lens. I’m struggling trying to focus it. Could you tell me where I should set it on the focusing ring?
What camera are you using? And do you have your lens and camera set to autofocus or are you trying to manually focus? The only time you should need the focusing ring on the lens is if you are trying to manual focus instead of letting the camera do it or if you are trying to override autofocus to tweak focus after the camera does its job (and depending on lens and camera there may be settings or switches to use override without damaging the lens). If you go to my website and get our contact info then you can call, text, or email us for more detailed help. www.focusedcamera.net
@@FocusEdCamera nikon d7200 and the lens is set on AF.
I’m sorry. I meant to say the distance scale. Where should I focus it to in the distance scale?
Never mind! I figured it out! First time learner.
@@victoriaj2899 Oh, okay. Sorry that I was confused by what you meant, but glad you got it figured out. If you bookmark our website you can always call or email if you get stuck and need help in the future! Thanks for watching my video :)
Thank you!
You're welcome! Thanks for watching!
Nikon is not pronounced NYEKON.
It's a Japanese brand. It has Japanese pronunciation. Nikon rhymes with pick-on.
Are you from Eimerica?
Thanks for watching my video. Yes, you are right, I use the American pronunciation (or at least more commonly used in the US). Since Nikon is a made up word there does seem to be multiple ways to say it. I have even heard Nee-koh, where the N at the end is soft/silent. It is interesting how different parts of the world use different pronunciations or even altogether different words (boot vs trunk for instance) for the same thing. 😃
And you didn't specify why the aperture appears as a ratio. What does 1:2.8 mean?
The ratio aspect gets complicated, and isn't really important for understanding what the notations mean, but I will try to explain a bit more. If you see a ratio on the lens like 1:2.8 you only need to look at the part after the 1: so just the 2.8 which means the lens has a maximum aperture of f/2.8. If you see a ratio with two numbers such as 1:3.5 - 5.6, again just ignore the 1: part and look at what follows the 1: which is 3.5 - 5.6. This means the lens has a variable aperture (it is a zoom lens). When not zoomed in, the maximum aperture is 3.5 and when fully zoomed the maximum aperture is 5.6.
Now, let's go back to why it is written as a ratio at all? The ratio tells us the relationship between the focal length and the diameter of the aperture. The aperture opening is a fraction of the focal length of the lens. So, if I have a 100mm lens set to f/4, then the aperture opening is 1/4th of 100mm. Therefore at f/4 (1:4) the aperture opening is 100/4 or 25mm. This complicated numbering system allows for us to know that our exposure should be the same even if we have two different lenses if we set them to the same aperture (all other things being equal). It is a universal method for creating equal image brightness using different optics.
Here is an article that goes into much more detail with more examples if you are interested: www.scientificlib.com/en/Physics/Optics/FNumber.html
But, as far as understanding the notations on your lens when making a purchase, you don't need to know the math or do any division or work with fractions.
I hope this helps explain. Thanks for watching my video!