Nikon lens jargon explained: AI, AF, VR, ED etc

[stubbsy]

While I'm not an absolute beginner I'm still constantly learning (and will probably only stop when I stop breathing). I understand some of the jargon Nikon uses for their lenses (so I'm cool on what VR means), but other things like AI and AF and MF have always confused me for some reason and don't even start me on what ED or CRC might mean. The best I could manage was to know AF meant Autofocus

So I decided to research this and post the details here. Of course the first thing I found is that someone else has done it already.

So for the skinny on what all that Nikon lens jargon means go to THIS excellent link on Ken Rockwell's site

[Greg B]

I understand some of the jargon Nikon uses for their lenses (so I'm cool on what VR means), but other things like AI and AF and MF have always confused me for some reason and don't even start me on what ED or CRC might mean. The best I could manage was to know AF meant Autofocus

Me too, thanks for that very interesting link!

[Mr Darcy]

Thanks for the heads up

Greg

[Slider]

Good link. Thanks for the heads up Peter

[Big Monkey]

A great link for any beginner in Photography............like me!

[Bluebell]

Thanks for that link. Got my first Nikon (D80) this week so that's going to be very helpful for me too.

[fozzie]

Peter - thank you for this.

I managed to win on ebay.CA a Nikkor 50mm f/1.8 AI lens in mint condition at a very reasonable price. It is currently in transit Sydney/Adelaide, so I should have it Monday. Looking forward to using it manually on my D2x.

fozzie

[mansunzz]

thanks for link. it helps alot.

[phillipb]

Thanks peter, that's quite comprehensive, they don't mention the xi lenses used in the advantix film cameras, but there's probably not too many of them around.

[aim54x]

Thanks peter, that's quite comprehensive, they don't mention the xi lenses used in the advantix film cameras, but there's probably not too many of them around.

XI lenses actually dont work on normal nikon bodies, their lens elements protrude into the camera itself, so dont worry too much about them, only remember to stay away from them unless you have a APS SLR.