Founded in 1917 as Nippon Kogaku, the company now known worldwide as Nikon has always enjoyed success based on the quality of its lenses. In addition to its own F-mount lenses, Nikon has in the past provided optics for medium format systems like Bronica, some of the original Canons, and extensively for the Japanese military. Their F series SLRs became a huge success with American journalists who prized their lenses and reliability, and Nikon has remained one of the most broadly respected camera brands in the world since.
Fun fact: 'Nikon' is not directly derived from a real word and is correctly pronounced differently in different regions. Depending on where you're from, Neekon, Nihkon, and Nykon are all equally valid pronunciations.
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Full frame cameras have a digital sensor the same size as a frame of 35mm film (24x36mm). These cameras often represent the highest models in various camera lines, and are a common choice for professionals and advanced hobbyists alike.
Nikon has a long history of continuing to support its F-mount for SLR/DSLR cameras with as much interoperability as it can provide, which can lead to confusion when trying to determine which Nikon lenses will and won't work with your camera. Some common Nikon lens designations are:
Nikon's older screw-drive autofocus type. These lenses need an AF motor built into the camera. Several higher end models still provide this. You can check your camera easily by looking for a small screw tab on the mount in the lower corner towards the grip.
Currently the most widely compatible lenses Nikon makes. They have a built-in focus motor which lets them be used on all entry-level and pro model DSLRs alike.
A newer type of lens with a built-in 'pulse' stepping motor, better for smooth video auto focus. These lenses mostly only work with newer Nikons as they require different autofocus algorithms to work correctly. Check your camera with Nikon before buying to see if it supports AF-P lenses.
Older lenses designed in the film era which include a physical aperture ring. Usable on Nikon cameras still, but you'll need to check the AF designation to see if autofocus will work on your model.
G-type lenses do not have a physical aperture ring, but do still have mechanical aperture mechanism, and are currently the most widely supported lenses in the Nikon line-up. You can't use them on your old F film camera though, sorry.
Nikon's newest aperture type, E-type lenses feature an electromagnetically controlled variable aperture that's more responsive and accurate for continuous shooting situations. However, like the AF-P motor type you will need a newer Nikon body to be able to use these lens types. Check with Nikon to confirm compatability with your particular body.
The presence of a DX badge in the lens name and on the lens itself indicate that it is intended for use with Nikon's APS-C crop bodies. Many of their full-frame FX bodies will still support these lenses, but they will only do it in crop mode with a notable decrease in image resolution.
Nikon does not indicate in the name or on the lens when a model is for full frame. If there is no 'DX' designation present, the lens is meant for full frame and will work on either FX or DX bodies.
Please see Nikon's guide on lens compatibility for more information, and for a complete table of which lens types are compatible with your body. Or, call us or ask our online chat if you aren't sure. We're happy to help.
More via NikonCrop format cameras are any camera designed to be able to use full frame lenses, but with a sensor size that is smaller than a frame of 35mm film. The end effect is that the image appears to be 'cropped in' from what the full frame would have recorded, which make lenses have a narrower field of view and greater depth of field than they would on a full frame sensor.
Nikon's Creative Lighting System (CLS) is widely considered among the very best TTL lighting systems on the market. Offering accurate exposure and flexible ability to use lights in different groups, on- and off-camera, CLS is an invaluable tool for taking your photography to another level.
Nikon's legendary optical excellence isn't limited to cameras, their same quality is found in their binoculars and spotting scopes. Especially perfect companions for birding and wildlife photographers.