Lens info for a noob!

cincyspider

I just ordered my DX5500, and am new to the Nikon family. I wanted to also start looking around for the 55-300 lens for that camera and am just a bit confused by some of the jargon. I assume I should be looking for only "DX" lenses for my camera??? And I know the VR is for Vibration Reduction, but I've also seen the 50-300 with a VRii designation...is that an upgrade to just the VR? Also...there is the letter G after the f-stop...what is this for? Thanks so much!!

cincyspider

.....also....I assume the AF is for auto focus, but what is the AF-S ED???

Parke1953

This should help you with some of the lettering on the lens.
https://support.nikonusa.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/9919/session/L3RpbWUvMTQ0MzI5NzA1NS9zaWQvVVpROFVzeG0=

Parke1953

All DX and most FX glass should work on your camera.

Parke1953

This should help you also.
https://support.nikonusa.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/14439

Ironheart

@cyncyspider, the 55-300 is not Nikon's strongest lens, but it is small and light. See this question here:
http://forum.nikonrumors.com/discussion/comment/157650/#Comment_157650

A secret decoder ring for Nikon's alphabet soup is here:
http://dpanswers.com/content/lenses_specs.php


G means it has no external aperture control
AF-S means it has it's own focus motor
ED is for Extra-low Dispersion element to correct chromatic abberation

tcole1983

You need af-s lenses for your d5500. Older af lenses won't autofocus. I wouldn't get anything else yet personally. Shoot with the 18-140 and figure out what you want. If you want more reach I second the 70-300 vr or maybe something else depending on funds. Or you might find you would rather get a fast prime.

NSXTypeR

I think you'll be somewhat overwhelmed by your camera once you start out- I still am.

Don't worry about lens choices so much, just shoot and learn as much as you can about your camera and lens first.

You need to figure out your photography style first before you take another plunge and buy another expensive lens.

haroldp

Good advice from NSXTypeR.

Rather than speculatively building a lens inventory, when you have a situation or know of one coming where what you have will work to the level you want, then think about what you need that will work.

Otherwise you will have lot's of shelfware.

We all have some, but keeping it under control is helpful.

Welcome to the forum
... H

esquilo

I just ordered my DX5500, and am new to the Nikon family.

Just to be picky, there is no X in D5500.

I wanted to also start looking around for the 55-300 lens for that camera and am just a bit confused by some of the jargon. I assume I should be looking for only "DX" lenses for my camera???

Both DX and FX lenses works on your D5500. Only CX lenses don't. They are for the Nikon1 system.

And I know the VR is for Vibration Reduction, but I've also seen the 50-300 with a VRii designation...is that an upgrade to just the VR?

Correct.

Also...there is the letter G after the f-stop...what is this for? Thanks so much!!

It mens there is no apperture ring. Don't worry, you wont need a aperture ring.

heartyfisher

With nikon lenses.. The ii is not upgraded vr but version 2 of the lense... usually..