D80 & AF Lenses

Tony

Alligator Snapping Turtle/Past Pres
Been checking out Ebay here and there for a decent used macro lens. Probably will end up getting the 60mm F2.8 as they are cheaper and more versatile than the 105mm for a beginner like me.

There are three common different "generation" autofocus lenses on Ebay... AF, AF-D, AF-S, with the older ones being significantly cheaper than the newer ones.

From this compatibility chart, http://www.nikonians.org/nikon/slr-lens.html, I was able to see that all of these lenses will work with our D80.

All are listed as functioning properly, with the only note saying that the "AF" lens will result in "No distance info through the lens for TTL flash. Nikon speedlights will use their own sensor."

What the heck does this mean? I know that TTL is "through-the-lens" and it has to do with the camera measuring the amount of light coming in through the lens and adjusting the flash automatically. How does distance come into play here? Is this something not worth skimping on?

Also, would there be a noticeable difference between the different models in focusing speed/ability?

Not trying to totally cheap out, just wouldn't mind saving a couple hundred dollars on a lens if there is some built-in lens functionality that is already covered by the D80 frame.
 

Spine

Members
Any of the Nikon 60mm will work fine. I have read some pretty good arguments for both the older style and the newest one. Here is a link to a site the Bobby Phillips told us about when he gave a talk on fish photography at a CCA meeting.

I am far from a expert on this subject, I usually ask people like Bobby or Franny and Mike Hill who actually know what they are talking about.:):)

http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/60mm-afd-vs-afs.htm
 
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