[Closed] Nikon camera advice and lens compatibility....

Neither of those camera bodies have internal auto-focus motors built in.

But if your lenses are AF-S which you say they are, then the lens has the AF motor built-in, so doesn't need to rely on the camera body.

You just need to be aware of this if you buy any lenses further down the line and realise that either the lens needs to have it's own AF motor built-in or you'll have to manually focus the lens.

Thanks stumpy yes both have af-s in gold letters on the lenses......is it worth having the auto focus motor on the body?

Yes, both those lenses will work on those cameras.

.is it worth having the auto focus motor on the body?

It gives a wider choice of lenses, esp cheaper ones which don't have motors built in. If you're not going to be buying lots of cheap lenses, then it doesn't really matter.

Is it worth getting the 5200 over the 3200?

Thanks so far!

As an alternative, you could consider a slightly older but more 'high end' body that incorporates an AF motor, which would then give you AF capability with a whole load more lenses. Such bodies may also offer mechanical aperture control, so you could use even older manual focus lenses, which can be fantastic value for money, an which will significantly widen the scope for photography. Not sure of your budget, but something like a D300s can be had for £250 or so, and is a superb camera, and in my opinion, better than the earlier D3000/5000 range models.

But then for just a little more money, you could get a D7000, which is a step above the D300s, and also includes the built in AF motor and mechanical aperture control.

This is a helpful link for compatibility checking: https://www.nikonians.org/reviews/nikon-slr-camera-and-lens-compatibility

As an alternative, you could consider a slightly older but more 'high end' body that incorporates an AF motor, which would then give you AF capability with a whole load more lenses

+1 for this. Although the newer bodies ARE smaller and lighter, particularly vs. the D300 which is pretty weighty. so thats worth thinking about. I always like to drop into a shop to have a feel of them.

vondally - Member

Thanks stumpy yes both have af-s in gold letters on the lenses......is it worth having the auto focus motor on the body?

As above, depends if you want to add lenses at a later date - most have motors built-in but not all.
The lens will still work, it just won't auto focus, so you'll have to twiddle the focus ring yourself.....might be fine, might not. It depends what you're taking pictures of to a large extent; landscape - probably not an issues, fast sports action - you'll probably want auto focus.

Dunno about which camera would be worth having; I am sure there will be plenty of reviews out there which will give you a pointer.

I'd be looking at a D90, I reckon it's the best of both worlds. Not too big, but runs all lens drives.

"Although the newer bodies ARE smaller and lighter, particularly vs. the D300 which is pretty weighty."

I did think this, after posting. The OP might not want a big, chunky camera to take about with them. Personally, I'd rather pay the weight penalty for greater robustness and weather sealing. I was admiring a D5 yesterday; that is not a compact lightweight camera! 😆

But the built-in AF motor and mechanical aperture control could be a really important feature, as I've stated above. So many fantastic older manual focus bargain lenses out there!