Can a Nikon D3300 control aperture on an AF 50mm f/1.8D lens with an aperture ring?

Asked 8/20/2016

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I’m considering a Nikon F-mount lens with a manual aperture ring, such as the Nikon AF 50mm f/1.8D, for use on a Nikon D3300. If the lens has an aperture ring, do I have to set aperture only on the lens, or can the camera body control aperture as well for normal shooting modes? I’d also like to know if there are any autofocus limitations with this type of lens on the D3300.

Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

9y ago

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When using Nikon "D" lenses on a newer Nikon body that controls aperture from the body you lock the aperture ring on the lens at the narrowest aperture. In the case of the 50mm f/1.8D that would be at f/22.

Be aware that Nikon "D" lenses are normally AF lenses that do not have an autofocus motor in the lens. Nikon AF lenses require a body with an in-camera AF motor to allow use of AF. When used on Nikon bodies with no in-camera AF motor AF lenses must be manually focused. AF-S lenses have focus motors inside the lens and are required to use AF with your D3300.

I want one with manual aperture, but I also want the camera to be able to control it when using presets.

There are only a very few Nikon "D" lenses that are AF-S that would give you both an aperture ring and the ability to autofocus with your D3300. But with "D" lenses you must lock the aperture ring in the narrowest position and use the camera to control the aperture with newer entry level Nikon bodies such as your D3300. Otherwise you will get an "fee" error and the camera won't take a picture. The aperture ring on "D" lenses may only be used to control the aperture with older Nikon bodies that don't allow you to set the aperture from the camera or with newer upper tier Nikon bodies that have a custom menu function that allows you to choose whether to control the aperture from the camera or using the lens ring.

Originally by user15871. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user15871

9y ago

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Yes—on Nikon bodies that support body-controlled aperture, a lens like the AF 50mm f/1.8D is normally used with the aperture ring locked at its minimum aperture (on that lens, f/22), and then the camera controls the aperture.

However, with your Nikon D3300 there is an important limitation: Nikon AF and AF-D lenses do not have an autofocus motor in the lens. The D3300 also does not have an in-body focus motor, so autofocus will not work with the 50mm f/1.8D. You would need to focus manually.

If you want autofocus on the D3300, look for AF-S lenses, which have their own focus motor. Very few Nikon D-type lenses offer both an aperture ring and AF-S autofocus.

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9y ago

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