Here are the optical designs of most auto-focus Nikon FX lenses. Also, you can familiarize yourself with optical circuits of all Nikon DX lenses.
Full-frame autofocus optical circuits from Nikon
The optical design is the very heart of the lens. The quality of the image directly depends on its quality of performance. With the development of technology, special elements have begun to be included in optical schemes that improve image quality. In more detail here. It is rather difficult to find a picture of an optical circuit; usually, all the pattern drawings are very small in size, about 100 * 100 pixels. I converted the found optical circuits to the Radozhiva standard of 720 pixels on the long side of the image, while the quality of the resulting image was slightly affected.
Nikon 105mm f / 2.0D AF DC-Nikkor
7 elements in 6 groups. No specialized elements, but this is a specialized portrait lens with chic bokeh. The lens is very interesting for its defocusing ability, long focal length and huge aperture for such a focal length. This lens is considered the smallest copy of 135mm DC.
Optical design Nikon 105mm f / 2.0D AF DC-Nikkor
Nikon 105mm f / 2.8D AF Micro-Nikkor
9 elements in 8 groups. Optical design does not include not a single specific element.
Optical design Nikon 105mm f / 2.8D AF Micro-Nikkor
Nikon 105mm f / 2.8G IF-ED AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor
14 elements in 12 groups with 1 ED element and nanocrystalline lens coating. This lens is slightly above average optical complexity. Nikon's first macro lens with image stabilization.
Optical design of the Nikon 105mm f / 2.8G IF-ED AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor
Nikon 135mm f / 2.0D AF DC-Nikkor
7 elements in 6 groups... Not a single specific optical element. It turns out that only ordinary optical glass is spent on creating a super-portrait lens with a defocusing system. This is one of the “icons” of Nikon lenses. The lens is specially designed for portrait photography. Has a simplified version in the face of 105mm DC.
Optical design Nikon 135mm f / 2.0D AF DC-Nikkor
Nikon 14mm f / 2.8D ED AF Nikkor
14 elements in 12 groups. 2 ASP and one ED element. The lens is of medium quality. Only one single 14mm fixed lens. Gives the most maximum viewing angle in a full frame.
Optical design Nikon 14mm f / 2.8D ED AF Nikkor
Nikon 16mm f / 2.8D AF Fisheye-Nikkor
8 elements in 5 groups. Not a single special item. The only native fisheye for a full frame. It has a unique Close-Range Correction (CRC) system for excellent focusing both at long and short distances.
Optical design Nikon 16mm f / 2.8D AF Fisheye-Nikkor
Nikon 180mm f / 2.8D IF-ED AF Nikkor
8 elements in 6 groups. 1 ED element. The ED element is one, but look at its dimensions. The only 180mm fast autofocus lens.
Optical design Nikon 180mm f / 2.8D IF-ED AF Nikkor
Nikon 18mm f / 2.8D AF Nikkor
13 elements in 10 groups. One ASP element. It’s hard to make a good super wide angle. The lens is mainly assembled with optical glass.
Optical design Nikon 18mm f / 2.8D AF Nikkor
Nikon 200mm f / 2.0G ED AF-S VR II Nikkor
13 elements in 9 groups. 3 elements ED, 1 Super-ED, Nano Crystal coating + 1 protective glass. This is a lens very high the complexity of optical performance. Very dear, one of the few that has a secret Super-ed. It is also a nanocrystalline monster with a stabilizer and aperture F2.0 at its 200mm focal length.
Optical design Nikon 200mm f / 2.0G ED AF-S VR II Nikkor
Nikon 200mm f / 2.0G IF-ED AF-S VR Nikkor
13 elements in 9 groups. 3 elements ED, 1 Super-ED, Nano Crystal coating. This is the previous version of the Nikon 200mm f / 2.0G ED AF-S VR II Nikkor. In the updated version of Nikon 200mm f / 2.0G ED AF-S VR II Nikkor improved the stabilization system. I did not find the optical circuit.
Nikon 200mm f / 4.0D IF-ED AF Micro-Nikkor
13 elements in 8 groups 2 ED elements. A lens of medium complexity. Great macaroons. Nikon's one-of-a-kind 200m lens.
Optical design Nikon 200mm f / 4.0D IF-ED AF Micro-Nikkor
Nikon 20mm f / 2.8D AF Nikkor
12 elements in 9 groups. The optical design does not include any special optical elements.
Optical design Nikon 20mm f / 2.8D AF Nikkor
Nikon 24mm f / 1.4G ED AF-S Nikkor
12 elements in 10 groups. 2 ED elements, 2 aspherical elements and a nanocrystalline coating. Lens of high optical complexity. Worth the money. One of a kind.
Optical design Nikon 24mm f / 1.4G ED AF-S Nikkor
Nikon 24mm f / 2.8D AF Nikkor
9 elements in 9 groups. Not a single specific element. A simpler previous option.
Optical design Nikon 24mm f / 2.8D AF Nikkor
Nikon 28mm f / 1.4D AF Nikkor
11 elements in 8 groups. 1 aspherical element. One of the first lenses with aspherical elements.
Optical design Nikon 28mm f / 1.4D AF Nikkor
Nikon 28mm f / 1.8G AF-S Nikkor
11 elements in 9 groups. 2 aspherical lenses and nanocrystalline coating. The new lens in the line.
Optical design Nikon 28mm f / 1.8G AF-S Nikkor
Nikon 28mm f / 2.8D AF Nikkor
6 elements in 6 groups. No frills.
Optical design Nikon 28mm f / 2.8D AF Nikkor
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 300mm f / 2.8D IF-ED
11 elements in 8 groups. I did not find an optical circuit.
Nikon AF Nikkor 300mm f / 2.8 IF-ED
8 elements in 6 groups. I did not find an optical circuit.
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 300mm f / 2.8D IF-ED II
11 elements in 8 groups, 3 ED elements. There are many versions of 300mm fast fixes.
Optical design Nikon AF-S Nikkor 300mm f / 2.8D IF-ED II
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f / 2.8G ED VR II
11 elements in 8 groups, 3 elements ED and Nano Crystal coating. Another version of 300
Optical design Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f / 2.8G ED VR II
Nikon 300mm f / 2.8G IF-ED AF-S VR Nikkor
11 elements in 8 groups, including 3 ED item. The first version with a stabilizer.
Nikon 300mm f / 4.0D IF-ED AF-S Nikkor
10 elements in 6 groups, 2 ED elements. Darker option than f / 2.8
Optical design Nikon 300mm f / 4.0D IF-ED AF-S Nikkor
Nikon 35mm f / 1.4G AF-S Nikkor
10 elements in 7 groups, 1 ASP element with Nano Crystal Coat
Optical design Nikon 35mm f / 1.4G AF-S Nikkor
Nikon 35mm f / 2.0D AF Nikkor
6 elements in 5 groups. Old 35mm fix.
Optical design Nikon 35mm f / 2.0D AF Nikkor
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 400mm f / 2.8D IF-ED
11 elements in 9 groups. Optical design not found. Has been replaced by Nikon 400mm f / 2.8D IF-ED II AF-S Nikkor
Nikon 400mm f / 2.8D IF-ED II AF-S Nikkor
11 elements in 9 groups and 3 ED elements. The lens has been upgraded to Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 400mm f / 2.8G ED VR
Optical design Nikon AF-S Nikkor 400mm f / 2.8D IF-ED II
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 400mm f / 2.8G ED VR
14 elements in 11 groups in which 3 elements from ED и 1 nanocrystalline coated element и 1 meniscus protective glass element. Very high quality lens.
Optical design Nikon 400mm f / 2.8G ED VR AF-S NIKKOR
Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f / 1.8
6 elements in 5 groups. Optical design not found. Has been replaced by a version of Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f / 1.8D
Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f / 1.8D
6 elements in 5 groups. One of the most affordable fix lenses from Nikon.
Optical design Nikon 50mm f / 1.8D AF Nikkor
Nikon 50mm f / 1.8G AF-S Nikkor
7 elements in 6 groups with 1 aspherical lens. The only fifty dollars with a special element.
Optical design Nikon 50mm f / 1.8G AF-S Nikkor
Nikon 50mm f / 1.4 AF Nikkor
7 elements in 6 groups. Old super fast fix. Has been replaced with a version of Nikon 50mm f / 1.4D AF Nikkor
Nikon 50mm f / 1.4D AF Nikkor
7 elements in 6 groups. Old super fast fix.
Optical design Nikon 50mm f / 1.4D AF Nikkor
Nikon 50mm f / 1.4G AF-S Nikkor
8 elements in 7 groups. Super fast modern fifty dollars.
Optical design Nikon 50mm f / 1.4G AF-S Nikkor
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f / 4G ED VR
14 elements in 11 groups, 3 elements from ED glass and 1 element coated with a nanocrystalline coating and 1 meniscus protective glass element
Optical design Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f / 4G ED VR
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 500mm f / 4D IF-ED
11 elements in 9 groups. Optical design not found.
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 500mm f / 4D IF-ED II
11 elements in 9 groups with 3 ED elements
Optical design Nikon AF-S Nikkor 500mm f / 4D IF-ED II
Nikon 60mm f / 2.8D AF Micro-Nikkor
8 elements in 7 groups. Very popular cheesecake.
Optical design Nikon 60mm f / 2.8D AF Micro-Nikkor
Nikon 60mm f / 2.8G AF-S ED Micro Nikkor
12 elements in 9 groups, 1 ED, 2 aspherical lenses, 1 nanocrystalline coated lens. High quality workmanship.
Optical design Nikon 60mm f / 2.8G AF-S ED Micro Nikkor
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 600mm f / 4G ED VR
15 elements in 12 groups: 3 elements from ED glass and 1 element coated with a nanocrystalline coating and 1 meniscus protective glass element.
Optical design Nikon AF-S 600mm f / 4.0G ED VR Nikkor
Nikon 600mm f / 4.0D IF-ED II AF-S Nikkor
10 elements in 7 groups. The circuit includes 3 ED elements.
Optical design Nikon 600mm f / 4.0D IF-ED II AF-S Nikkor
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 600mm f / 4D IF-ED
10 elements in 7 groups. Optical design not found.
Nikon 85mm f / 1.8D AF Nikkor and Nikon 85mm f / 1.8 AF Nikkor
6 elements in 6 groups. The most affordable portrait lens.
Optical design Nikon 85mm f / 1.8D AF Nikkor
Nikon 85mm f / 1.8G AF-S Nikkor
9 elements in 9 groups. New portrait lens.
Optical design Nikon 85mm f / 1.8G AF-S Nikkor
Nikon 85mm f / 1.4D IF AF Nikkor
9 elements in 8 groups. Legendary lens, but made quite simple
Optical design Nikon 85mm f / 1.4D IF AF Nikkor
Nikon 85mm f / 1.4G AF-S Nikkor
10 elements in 9 groups with nanocrystalline coating. One of the flagships among Nikon portrait lenses.
Optical design Nikon 85mm f / 1.4G AF-S Nikkor
Nikon 800mm f / 5.6 IF-ED AF Nikkor
8 elements in 6 groups. I did not find an optical circuit.
Conclusions:
Knowing the optical design, you can roughly estimate the real cost of the lens, as well as its capabilities. The more special optical elements are used, the better.
Help to the project. Thanks for attention. Arkady Shapoval.
Thank you so much for the review! What do you think, is it worth taking 20mm 2.8D for shooting indoors and nature on a crop. Or can you do with a universal zoom? Will this fix beautifully blur the background?
This fix has too short a focal length to blur the background behind large objects.
Not by topic, vibachte. HURRAH! Nikon has let Nikon D600 camera into amateur FF http://www.thg.ru/technews/20120914_105333.html sooner than read about it.
I updated the line in the morning https://radojuva.com.ua/2012/02/evolyuciya-kamer-nikon/
Optical design NIKON AF-S 300mm f / 2,8G VR IF-ED: http://www.foto.ru/lite/product.php?id=11801&acc=1
Thank you for the link, but note that there is a scheme without displaying special elements, because it does not fit into my article.
And I have a NIKKOR AF-S 35mm 1: 1,8G NIKON DX lens, it is rarely used by photographers, why? NIKON 5000D Camera
Why so? 35 1.8 is a fairly popular model.
Gonna take Nikkor 50 / 1.4 for the D7000 for portraits. I choose between G and D. They say D focuses faster. But G is more modern, with a stub, the focuser ring does not rotate at a / f. Color distortions are approximately the same (different in different apertures). What do you advise?
Nikon in fifty dollars does not practice stabilizers. I recommend the G version, the picture is more pleasant than that of D.
Sorry, G without a stub, but anyway.
there is not much difference among portrait painters. the new 85 1.8 seems the same compared to the screwdriver 85 1.4.
The question is, what is better to take Nikkor 85mm f / 1.8G AF-S or Nikkor 105mm Micro ?? I want to buy Nikkor 105mm Micro now, but I still linger in between.
Nikon 35mm f / 2.0D AF Nikkor as a regular for the D7100, does the author have an opinion? There are no tests in comparison with 35 and 50 on a crop. Other wide angle lenses are much more expensive. If in conjunction with the Nikon 85mm f / 1.8G AF-S Nikkor is enough for shooting a child outdoors and at home, or would you recommend something more universal? I respect your opinion very much, thanks for the useful and interesting reviews from personal experience.
I took the AF-S NIKKOR 35 mm 1: 1.8 G in exchange for the whale 18-55, for the NIKON 5100 camera, and left it that way. :) Nice glass.
U menya NIKON 5100, posovetuyte nedorogoy portretniy ob ”ektiv pojaluysta!
somehow at the end all the logic breaks down.
the Nikon 85mm f / 1.4G AF-S Nikkor is very expensive and very good there is not a single aspherical and ED element.
is it that the optical design is so well designed that such a lens can be assembled from simple elements?
or is 85mm so good for designers?
Hello, I have Nikon d600fx which two kinds of lenses you can put on so that you can take pictures at concerts and of course weddings, banquets. Thanks)
I suggest first you learn to shoot, preferably not on the machine, so that after banquets and weddings you did not start to beat.
Hello, such a question arose. Does nikon have waterproof lenses?