Which of these Nikon lenses will work on a Nikon D3100?
Asked 9/15/2012
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2 answers
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I was given several older Nikon and Sigma lenses and want to know which ones can be used on a Nikon D3100. I’ve heard that the D3100 can mount many Nikon F-mount lenses, but that autofocus only works with lenses that have their own focus motor, and that some older manual-focus lenses may not meter or may not mount safely.
Lenses:
- Sigma 28-200mm f/3.8-5.6
- Nikon AF 70-210mm f/4-5.6
- Nikon AF 28-85mm f/3.5-4.5
- Nikon 50mm f/1.4
- Nikkor-Q-C Auto 135mm f/2.8
- Zoom-Nikkor C Auto 80-200mm f/4.5
- Zoom-Nikkor 43-86mm f/3.5
- Nikkor-H-C Auto 28mm f/3.5
Is it correct that more of these lenses would autofocus on bodies like the D300 or D7000 because those cameras have a built-in focus motor?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
13y ago
2 Answers
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Nikon D3100 is able to use pretty much any F mount lens, but since in lacks focus motor, auto-focus is available only for AF-S lenses. Also you will need AF or AF-S lens for metering (older lenses are usable in manual mode).
D300 or D7000 use the same mount, so lens compatibility is almost the same. The only difference if that they have build-in focus motor and will be able to auto-focus with AF lenses and that metering is supported for AI and AI-s lenses. On other hand older pre-AI lenses will not mount on these cameras.
Originally by user2922. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user2922
13y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Yes. The D3100 uses the Nikon F mount, so many F-mount lenses can be attached, but there are important limits:
- Autofocus on the D3100 works only with AF-S lenses (or other lenses with their own focus motor).
- Older AF lenses without a built-in motor can mount, but will be manual focus only on the D3100.
- Metering requires AF or AF-S lenses on the D3100; older manual-focus lenses can be used only in manual mode.
For cameras like the D300 and D7000, compatibility is similar because they use the same mount, but they add a built-in focus motor, so AF lenses can autofocus on those bodies. They also support metering with AI/AI-S lenses.
One caution: older pre-AI lenses should not be mounted on bodies like the D300 or D7000. The “Auto” Nikkors in your list are older manual-focus designs, so they need extra care and may not be suitable depending on their exact version.
So your friend is basically correct: the D300/D7000 will autofocus with more older AF lenses than the D3100, but not every old lens is fully compatible.
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AI13y ago
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