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Camera Reviews Lens Reviews

Nikon Camera and Lens Compatibility Chart

J. Ramon Palacios (jrp)


Keywords: compatibility, nikon, lenses, nikkor, slr, dslr, f55, f65, f76, f80, n8008, n90s, f90x, fm2n, f3, f4, f5, f6, d1, d1h, d1x, d2h, d2hs, d2x, d2xs, d3, d3x, d4, d4s, d100, d200, d300, d300s, d700, d750, d800, d800e, d810, d600, d610, df, d70, d70s, d50, d40, d40x, d80, d60, d90, d5000, d5200, d3000, d3100, d3200, d3300, d7000, d7100, ai, pre_ai, ai_s, ai_p, f3af, vr, dx, d7200, d5, d500, e_type

(The Camera to Lens Compatibility Chart has been updated 12-JAN-2016 with the latest additions to the Nikon lineup, the D5 Pro FX DSLR and the long awaited D500, the DX successor of the beloved D300/D300s.)

From time to time you find yourself reading great reviews on some lenses or see a bargain and the temptation of a compulsive purchase is there. NAS (Nikon Acquisition Syndrome) kicks in and hits you hard. But how to tell for sure if that object of your desire will work, and how, on your current Nikon Digital or Film SLR camera body? Below, hopefully an easy to use chart that should provide an answer for most Nikon SLR cameras currently in use.

You may also want to read our very active Nikkor AF lenses forum, check out the various Nikon camera articles and Nikkor lens reviews, and that you did a search on Nikon SLR at NikoScope.

And, while you are here, why don't you sign up for a free Nikonians membership :-)

 

Assortment of AI, AI-S lenses and manual bodies


NIKON SLR CAMERA TO NIKKOR LENS COMPATIBILITY*

 NIKKOR MANUAL FOCUS
NIKKOR LENSES
  AUTOFOCUS
NIKOR LENSES
 NIKON
 FILM SLR
Pre-AI AI,AI-S,E AI-P   F3AF AF AF-D AF-I,AF-S G VR DX
 N/F50 NO! MF4 MF   NO! AF AF MF3 AF AF5 vg
 N/F55 NO! MF4 MF   NO! AF AF
AF
AF AF5 vg
 N/F60 NO! MF4 MF   NO! AF AF MF3 AF AF5 vg
 N/F65 NO! MF4 MF   NO! AF AF AF AF VR vg
 N/F70 NO! MF1,2 MF   MF1,2 AF AF AF AF6 AF5 vg
 N/F75 NO! MF4 MF   NO! AF AF AF AF VR vg
 N/F80 NO! MF4 MF   NO! AF AF AF AF VR vg
 N90s/F90x NO! MF1,2 MF   MF1,2 AF AF AF AF6 AF5 vg
 F100 NO! MF1,2 MF   NO!  AF AF AF AF VR vg
 FM2n NO! MF MF   MF MF MF3 MF NO MF 5 vg
 FM3A NO! MF MF   MF MF MF3 MF3 NO MF3,5 vg
 F3 MF7 MF1 MF   MF MF MF3 MF3 NO MF3,5 vg
 N8008s/F801s NO! MF1,2,3 MF   MF1,2 AF AF3 AF3 AF6 AF3,5 vg
 F4 MF1, 2,7 MF1 MF   AF AF AF3 AF3 AF AF3,5 vg
 F5 NO! MF1,2 MF   MF 1,2 AF3 AF AF AF VR vg
 F6 MF1,7,8 MF1 MF   NO! AF2,3 AF AF AF VR vg
 
 NIKKOR MANUAL FOCUS   AUTOFOCUS
 NIKON DSLR
Pre-AI
AI,AI-S,E
AI-P
 
F3AF
AF
AF-D
AF-I,AF-S
G VR DX
 D1
NO!
MF1,2
MF
 
NO
AF3
AF
AF
AF
VR DX
 D1H/D1X
NO!
MF1,2
MF2
 
NO
AF3
AF
AF
AF
VR DX
 D2H/D2Hs NO! MF1 MF2   NO AF2,3 AF AF AF VR DX
 D2X/D2Xs NO! MF1 MF2   NO AF2,3 AF AF AF VR DX
 D3/D3S/D3X NO! MF1 MF2   NO AF2,3 AF2 AF AF2 VR DXvg
 D4/D4S NO! MF1 MF2   NO AF2,3 AF AF AF VR DXvg
 D5 NO! MF1 MF2   NO AF2,3
AF
AF
AF
VR DX
 D100 NO! MF4 MF   NO AF3 AF AF AF VR DX
 D200 NO! MF1 MF   NO AF3 AF AF AF VR DX
D300/D300S NO! MF1 MF2   NO AF3 AF AF AF VR DX
 D700 NO! MF1 MF2   NO AF2,3 AF AF AF VR DXvg
 D750 NO! MF1 MF2   NO AF2,3 AF AF AF VR DX
 D800/D800E NO! MF1 MF2   NO AF2,3 AF AF AF VR DXvg
 D810 NO! MF1 MF2   NO AF2,3 AF AF AF VR DXvg
 D600/D6100 NO! MF1 MF2   NO AF2,3 AF AF AF VR DXvg
 D500 NO! MF1 MF2   NO AF2,3 AF AF AF VR DXvg
 Df MF1,2 MF MF   NO AF AF AF AF VR DXvg
 D70/D70s NO! MF4 MF   NO AF3 AF AF AF VR DX
 D50 NO! MF4 MF   NO AF3 AF AF AF VR DX
 D40/D40x NO! MF4 MF2   NO MF3 MF AF AF10 VR DX
 D80 NO! MF4 MF2   NO AF3 AF AF AF VR DX
 D60 NO! MF4 MF2   NO MF2,3 MF AF MF10 VR DX
 D90 NO! MF4 MF2   NO AF2,3 AF AF AF VR DX
 D5000 NO! MF4 MF2   NO MF2,3 MF AF MF10 VR DX
 D5100 NO! MF4 MF2   NO AF2,3 MF AF MF10 VR DX
 D5200 NO! MF4 MF2   NO MF2,3 MF AF MF10 VR DX
 D5300 NO! MF4 MF2   NO AF2,3 MF AF MF10 VR DX
 D5500 NO! MF4 MF2   NO MF2,3 MF AF MF10 VR DX
 D3000 NO! MF4 MF2   NO MF2,3 MF AF MF10 VR DX
 D3100 NO! MF4 MF2   NO MF2,3 MF AF MF10 VR DX
 D3200 NO! MMF4F4 MF2   NO MF2,3 MF AF MF10 VR DX
 D3300 NO! MF4 MF2   NO MF2,3 MF AF MF10 VR DX
 D7000 NO! MF1 MF2   NO AF2 AF AF AF VR DX
 D7100 NO! MF1 MF1   NO AF2 AF AF AF VR DX
 D7200 NO! MF1 MF2   NO AF2 AF AF AF VR DX
 NIKON DSLR
Pre-AI
AI,AI-S,E
AI-P
 
F3AF
AF
AF-D
AF-I,AF-S
G
VR
DX
 NIKKOR MANUAL FOCUS   AUTOFOCUS
* Always consult your camera manual  
 
NIKKOR LENS NOMENCLATURE
TYPE CHARACTERISTICS
Pre-AI Non-AI Manual Focus Nikon lenses made from 1959 and prior to 1977. Don't have a CPU. All Non-AI lenses have a letter after the word Nikkor, to tell the number of elements in the optical formula. For example, in the Nikkor-P 105mm f/2.5, the P stands for Penta, i.e. five elements. Types: A (chrome filter ring), C (black filter ring) and K (rubber coating)
AI Manual Focus Nikon lenses, produced from 1977 until mid 80's, introduced Automatic Maximum Aperture Indexing. A mechanism for meter coupling, that is, to inform the meter in the body what is the maximum aperture of the mounted lens. With all black barrel, rubber focusing ring and multicoated elements. Don't have a CPU chip.
AI-S Manual Focus Nikon lenses, introduced in 1982, with Aperture Indexing Shutter system for meter coupling. Smallest aperture is orange (if not, then the lens is either AI or pre-AI). Most of these lenses have extraordinary optics, like the legendary 105mm f/2.5, available in AI-S version. Don't have a CPU. It can be added through 3rd party services.
E Manual Manual Focus AI-S Nikon Series E lenses, made for the compact Nikon EM introduced in 1979, starting the use of plastics. The 75-150mm f/3.5 Series E reached mythical stature in the film era. Don't have a CPU.
AI-P Manual AI-S Nikon lenses with a CPU that sends the lens information to the camera body. The latest is the ultracompact Nikkor 45mm f/2.8 P "pancake", made to celebrate the FM3A and proving Nikon's loyalty not only to film enthusiasts but also to manual body users.
F3AF Auto focus pioneering Nikon lenses introduced in 1983, exclusively for the Nikon F3AF camera. 
AF Auto focus Nikon lenses introduced in 1986. When on Auto bodies, there is no need to use the aperture ring in auto modes. AI-S lenses with a built-in CPU and screw motor for AF operation. 
AF-D Introduced in 1992. AF Nikon lenses with a CPU that also relays Distance information to the camera, most useful for ultra-precise TTL flash. Among the first were the 35-70mm f/2.8D AF and 80-200mm f/2.8D ED AF Nikkor.
AF-I Introduced in 1992. AF Nikon lenses with a coreless Integrated motor for faster AF in high-end telephoto lenses. The first were the 300mm f/2.8 and the 600mm f/4, both D ED IF AF-I
AF-S Introduced in 1996, Nikon AF-D lenses with a  "Silent Wave" ultrasonic motor of their own, for fastest AF operation. The first were the 300mm f/2.8, 500mm f/4 and 600mm f/4, all D ED IF AF-S Nikkor.
G Introduced in 2000. Nikon AF-D lenses without aperture ring. Need to be controlled through the body dials of latest cameras. The first was the 70-300mm f/4-5.6G AF.
VR Introduced in 2000. Nikon lenses with a Vibration Reduction system allowing for crisp images handheld at very slow shutter speeds. The first was the 80-400mm f/4-5.6D ED VR Zoom Nikkor.
DX Introduced in 2003. AF Nikon G lenses designed to just fill the frame of the DX format APS-C sensor size used in Nikon D-Series SLR cameras. The first was the AF-S DX 12-24mm f/4G IF-ED Nikkor.
E-type Nikon lenses with an electromagnetic diaphragm mechanism for highly accurate aperture blade control when using auto exposure during continuous shooting. These new E-type lenses are CPU controlled, AF-S, and not to be confused with 1980's MF Series-E lenses. They are fully compatible with the TC14E series of TCs in cameras that have AF support at f/8 aperture. The first one was the 800mm f/5.6E FL ED VR AF-S VR Nikkor announced on July, 2012
 
NOTES
 
NO!
Definitely do not use, for it may damage the camera body. Also, warranty will be void.
However, the F5 body can be modified to accept pre-AI lenses.
NO
It may not damage the camera body but it will not support any function.
MF
Manual Focus
AF
Auto Focus
1
Only in A (Aperture Priority) or M (Manual) modes.
P (Program) or S (Shutter priority) exposure modes will not function.
2
No 3D Matrix Exposure Metering.
3
No distance information through the lens for TTL flash; Nikon speedlights will use their own sensor.
4
M (Manual) exposure mode only. The meter will not operate. Use "Sunny 16 Rule" or external meter.
5
The VR system will not function. Will MF or AF depending on whether the body is MF or AF
6
Opposite of 1. Will only work in P and S modes, not on A or M.
7
Care must be exercised to flip up the coupling tab on prior to mounting the lens to prevent damage.
8
Requires factory modification of meter coupling lever.
10
Auto Focus is possible with G lenses only if they are also AF-S; G AF lenses will MF only
VR
The VR system will function and all other available functions.
DX
Will function in DX format bodies without vignetting.
vg
Will seriously vignette on a 35mm film or full frame digital camera with FX format, more so at the shortest focal length when a zoom and wide open; all of the G lenses restrictions apply. Will work in cameras offering High Speed Crop/Auto DX format function.

 

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(19 Votes )

Originally written on November 6, 2012

Last updated on January 3, 2021

J. Ramon Palacios J. Ramon Palacios (jrp)

JRP is one of the two co-founders of Nikonians and has in-depth knowledge in many photographic areas Awarded for his contributions for the Resources

San Pedro Garza García, Mexico
Admin, 46140 posts

38 comments

User on February 16, 2021

(Edited by bgs Tuesday, 16 February 2021 )

SCOTT HAMM (ScottHammImagine) on September 9, 2020

Thanks for this compatibility list!!! It is a HUGE help. Can you also include the latest 'AF-P' to the list? It is geared for DX cameras. Thanks!

Montgomery Lee (montylee) on April 20, 2020

Sure would be nice if this was updated for the Z6/Z7 cameras.

Stanley Hooper (stanbh) on March 30, 2020

Seems this needs updating to accommodate the D850, D780, D610, etc. and the Z series cameras and newer Nikon lenses. It is a valuable and useful series of lens/camera compatibility charts.

Liza Pold (LizaPold) on March 17, 2020

wow, great article! Very informative. I don't know does someone needs little characteristics compare of popular macro lenses. Here is a link: https://www.bestadvisor.com/macro-lenses-for-nikon I hope it'll be useful for someone

J. Ramon Palacios (jrp) on November 5, 2019

JRP is one of the two co-founders of Nikonians and has in-depth knowledge in many photographic areas Awarded for his contributions for the Resources

Hi, Najme. I am not sure I know enough to help you well. Please post your query in the Infrared and Ultraviolet forum here: https://www.nikonians.org/forum/214/infrared-ultraviolet

Najme meimani (Meimani) on November 4, 2019

I want to do UV photography via Nikon d70 for a medical purpose. I need to know about focusing in UV light. could you please help me?

J. Ramon Palacios (jrp) on May 26, 2019

JRP is one of the two co-founders of Nikonians and has in-depth knowledge in many photographic areas Awarded for his contributions for the Resources

Mark, the manual states that autofocus with the D60 camera is supported only by AF-S and AF-I lenses. AF-S and AF-I lenses are equipped with an autofocus motor. Autofocus is not possible when any other type of lens is mounted, regardless of the autofocus capabilities of the lens itself.

Mark Erickson (CubFanMarkE) on May 22, 2019

I have an older Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 18-70MM 1:3.5-4.5G ED Lens. According to the table, a G lens should be manual focus EXCEPT if it is an AF-S with a D-60 (I recently acquired the D-60 as a second body). However I am unable to confirm with the equipment. Is the table accurate? Manual focus is OK.

Jane Cooper (Jane_Cooper) on December 20, 2018

Well, some interesting tips on choosing equipment can also be found here http://fixthephoto.com/tech-tips/best-lens-for-real-estate-photography.html

J. Ramon Palacios (jrp) on December 4, 2017

JRP is one of the two co-founders of Nikonians and has in-depth knowledge in many photographic areas Awarded for his contributions for the Resources

Yes, the G-type is more versatile -camera body wise.

Wolfgang Weber (W_W) on December 4, 2017

Ramon, many thanks for your reply. It makes the decision difficult: AF-S VR 24-70 2.8E (no compatibility with my F5 and F90) or AF-S 24-70 2.8G (no VR but compatibility with F5 and restrictions with F90) But with the excelent high ISO perfomance of the D5 I think the G-Type is the better choice for me.

J. Ramon Palacios (jrp) on November 30, 2017

JRP is one of the two co-founders of Nikonians and has in-depth knowledge in many photographic areas Awarded for his contributions for the Resources

(Edited by jrp Thursday, 30 November 2017 ) Wolfgang, the answer to your question about E-Type lenses compatibility with F6, N60-N90 is unfortunately no. Those cameras have a mechanical shutter. Nikon D2-series, D1-series, D200, D100, D90, D80, D70-series, D60, D50, D40-series, D3000, and film SLR cameras will not communicate aperture information electronically, therefore cannot be used to control aperture of E-Type lenses.

Wolfgang Weber (W_W) on November 30, 2017

What do you call soon? Will the E lenses work with F5 or F90/N90?

Bo Stahlbrandt (bgs) on September 29, 2016

bgs is one of the two co-founders of Nikonians, with in-depth knowledge in several areas Awarded for his valuable Nikon product reviews at the Resources

Table will be updated with the (E) lenses, soon!

Cal Jackson (cjackson) on December 12, 2015

Just discovered that the Nikon AF-S 200-500 does not work with the Nikon D90.

francesco miot (framio) on August 10, 2015

New lenses, such as the 300/f4E and the new 500 f4 E or 600/f4 E, which have the so called electronic diaphragm,cannot be used with older analogic slr cameras or older digital cameras such as D2X. Thus, the above compatibility table has to be updated. Many thanks.

David C Weaver (IMKAGAKU) on June 4, 2015

Great information regarding lens compatibility with older Nikon bodies that a few of use still have in use.

J. Ramon Palacios (jrp) on August 19, 2014

JRP is one of the two co-founders of Nikonians and has in-depth knowledge in many photographic areas Awarded for his contributions for the Resources

Please make your questions at the forums. We have so many articles (and so many other duties) that it is very tough to come by frequently to reply to queries.

User on August 1, 2014

Thanks for this page, I bookmarked it some time ago, it's very useful when I suffer from NAS... I wonder if there is not a typo: D7000 and D7100 are identified as working in MF mode with AF-D lenses, but they have a motor. Regards - Patrice

ian robert cope (ianrobertcope) on April 7, 2014

Hi , just new to the site , would like to confirm that my Nikon manual Focus 50mm 1.2 (Ai) because there is no CPU cannot use the light meter on a DF. When I put this lens on the DF there is some info on the LCD in A/M mode but the Fstop range is restricted ?? So I have to expose as if no light meter is that correct ?? regards ian

Donald E. Zimmerman (DonZim) on January 1, 2014

I have D200 and a Novoflex 400 mm f 5.6 with Nikon lens mount that I used with F2 for several years. Can I use the Novoflex on the D200 without damaging the D200. I would use manual light meter to determine exposure, then the manual focus and f/stop on the Novoflex, and shutter adjustment on the D200. I've read the setup guidelines for non-CPU lenses on D200 for using the metering system. In reviewing Youtube posts, I found one warning not to install earlier non-cpu lenses that would jam the lens onto the body. Suggestions?

Donna Read (DonnaRead54) on September 25, 2013

Will this work on a D40? Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 SLD DG Macro Lens with built in motor? Thanks

User on September 2, 2013

My daughter has a Nikon D80 body and a friend offered her a Nikkor 55-200 1.4-5.6G ED lens that he no longer users due to his camera upgrade to a full frame body. I was checking in to see if this 55-200 lens would fit her D80? Thanks

Jose R. Burset (jburset) on August 16, 2013

Good info...

Petre Manolache (petrem08) on July 5, 2013

This chart and explanations are for me a good reference.

Jerry Hanes (jhanes55) on June 19, 2013

second question? I have a 500 mm reflex NIKKOR C f8 will it be ok on my D600?

Jerry Hanes (jhanes55) on June 19, 2013

??? older lens w/ prong for indexing are they Pre -ai or ai?

Jack Carter (jcsocalphoto) on June 6, 2013

Thanks for this information - easy to read, easy to understand and most valuable when looking around for older lenses at a bargin! Nice chart.

Mohamed Elsayyed (MohamedElsayyed) on May 7, 2013

These charts are very useful. Thanks for sharing them.

Bennett Fletcher (BWFletcher) on March 22, 2013

Many pre-AI lenses were retrofitted with AI rings when auto indexing was introduced. I have 3 such (a 105/2.5 Nikkor-P, a 35/2.8, and a 24/2.8), and they work fine with D3, D4, D700, D800. Worth checking if you're looking at old lenses.

Zita Kemeny (zkemeny) on March 5, 2013

This chart is for me a good reference.

J. Ramon Palacios (jrp) on March 3, 2013

JRP is one of the two co-founders of Nikonians and has in-depth knowledge in many photographic areas Awarded for his contributions for the Resources

Geoffrey, Please post your question at the Nikon AF lenses forum. Thank you.

Geoffrey Hawson (geoffrey_hawson) on March 2, 2013

I am thinking of an upgrade. Have a D80 and have been waiting for the D300s replacement. Considering the D7100, but also wondering about a D609 if I can get my old SLR lenses to fit (or be modified in Australia) the list is below if someone is able to decipher it. I think they are all nom AI. LENS Serial Focal Length Designation Fstop Minimum Stop Nikkor-Q.C 606380 200 Auto 4 32 Zoom-Nokkor 2070782 35~70 3.3 ~4.5 22 Nikkor S.C 1502768 50 Auto 1.4 16 Nikkor-N.C 321016 28 Auto 2 22 Nikkor-P.C 559128 105 Auto 2.5 32

Rick Jobson (Rickjobson) on January 23, 2013

Great chart! Tried an old AI 28mm, 70-210mm E, AF-S 17-35,24-120VR, and 105mmVR on my D800 all work perfectly as the chart : ) for D600. Thanks

Ariel Encarnacion (archer4219) on January 13, 2013

Thanks for this quick and informative summary.

Kurt Pedersen (KurtP) on January 11, 2013

Thanks the information on this site is awesome

Bo Stahlbrandt (bgs) on December 20, 2012

bgs is one of the two co-founders of Nikonians, with in-depth knowledge in several areas Awarded for his valuable Nikon product reviews at the Resources

JRPs compatibility list is always helpful, thanks!

G