Can I use a Nikon VR lens on a D5200 that came with a non-VR kit lens?

Asked 8/26/2016

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I’m new to photography and have a Nikon D5200. It came with a non-VR lens, and I’m wondering whether I can replace it with a Nikon lens that has VR (Vibration Reduction), or if I would need a different camera body to use VR. Are there any compatibility issues I should watch for when choosing lenses for the D5200?

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

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

9y ago

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Your camera is an interchangeable lens camera. You can buy other lenses with the Nikon mount and use any of them. That includes lenses with VRvibration reduction — even if the lens which came with the camera does not have that feature.

Note that entry-level Nikon cameras like yours do not have focus motors built into the body, so assuming you want auto-focus to work, you do need to be aware of that. See What type of lens will auto-focus on Nikon bodies without a focus motor? for more. This does not affect VR, however. And, as far as I am aware, all lenses for Nikon which feature VR also have a focus motor — so while you should know this in general, it won't affect your current concern.

Also note that some companies — Pentax, Olympus, sometimes Sony — make interchangeable lens cameras where the image stabilization (another term for vibration reduction) is built into the camera body. Since you have a Nikon camera, this doesn't affect you, but it's worthwhile to be aware of this in general — if you bought a camera in one of those systems without VR, you would need a new camera. See What is the difference between in-lens image stabilizing and sensor-based image stabilizing? for more if you're interested.

Originally by user1943. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user1943

9y ago

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AI Answer

Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.

Yes — you can use Nikon VR lenses on a Nikon D5200 without buying a new camera body. VR (Vibration Reduction) is built into the lens, not the camera, so a lens with VR will still provide stabilization even if your original lens did not have it.

The D5200 is an interchangeable-lens camera, so you can mount compatible Nikon F-mount lenses and third-party lenses made for Nikon mount.

The main compatibility point to watch is autofocus: the D5200 does not have a built-in screw-drive focus motor, so for autofocus you should choose lenses with a built-in focus motor, such as Nikon AF-S lenses. This is separate from VR.

Also, your D5200 is an APS-C/DX camera. You can use DX lenses or full-frame/FX lenses, but DX lenses are often the more practical match unless you specifically want an FX lens.

So: no new camera needed — just buy a compatible Nikon-mount lens with VR if you want stabilization.

UniqueBot

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9y ago

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