DSLR AUTO FOCUS

SOURCE

AF-Area Mode	Nikon Focus Modes
	AF-S Mode	AF-C Mode	AF-A Mode
Note: Not all of the above focus modes may be available on your Nikon DSLR. The new AF-F and other AF-Area video modes are not included in the above chart.
Single-Point AF-Area Mode	Camera acquires focus only once and on the selected single focus point only.	Camera focuses on the selected single focus point only and will reacquire focus if the subject moves.	Camera detects if subject is stationary or moving and will automatically select whether to use AF-S or AF-C. Only one focus point is used in either case.
Dynamic AF-Area Mode	Disabled, works just like Single-Point AF	You choose an initial focus point and once the camera acquires focus on the subject, it will engage the surrounding focus points to track subject movement. The number of surrounding focus points to use can be selected in camera menu.	Camera detects if subject is stationary or moving and will automatically select whether to use AF-S or AF-C.
Dynamic AF-Area with 3D-Tracking	Disabled, works just like Single-Point AF	Instead of using a particular number of surrounding focus points, the 3D-Tracking activates all available focus points and uses color recognition to track subjects. You pick the initial focus point and the camera will track the subject across the frame automatically, letting you recompose the shot without losing focus on the subject.	Camera detects if subject is stationary or moving and will automatically select whether to use AF-S or AF-C.
Auto-Area AF Mode	Camera automatically picks a focus point, depending on what’s in the frame.	Camera automatically picks a focus point on a moving subject and will track the subject in the frame.	Camera detects if subject is stationary or moving and will automatically select whether to use AF-S or AF-C.

Nikon Lens

Source

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		AF1	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
	MANUAL FOCUS NIKKOR LENSES				AUTOFOCUS NIKKOR LENSES
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	NO!	MF1	MF2		NO!	AF2,3	AF	AF	AF	AF	DXvg
D3x	NO!	MF1	MF2		NO!	AF2,3	AF	AF	AF	AF	DXvg
D3s	NO!	MF1	MF2		NO!	AF2,3	AF	AF	AF	AF	DXvg
D700	NO!	MF1	MF2		NO!	AF2,3	AF	AF	AF	AF	DXvg
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
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	VR9	DX
D80	NO!	MF4	MF2		NO!	AF3	AF	AF	AF	VR	DX
D60	NO!	MF4	MF2		NO!	MF2,3	MF	AF	MF10	VR9	DX
D90	NO!	MF4	MF2		NO!	AF2,3	AF	AF	AF	VR9	DX
D5000	NO!	MF4	MF2		NO!	MF2,3	MF	AF	MF10	VR9	DX
D5100	NO!	MF4	MF2		NO!	AF2,3	MF	AF	MF10	VR9	DX
D3000	NO!	MF4	MF2		NO!	MF2,3	MF	AF	MF10	VR9	DX
D3100	NO!	MF4	MF2		NO!	MF2,3	MF	AF	MF10	VR9	DX
D7000	NO!	MF1	MF2		NO!	AF2	AF	AF	AF	VR9	DX
* Always consult your camera manual.

NIKKOR LENS NOMENCLATURE
LENS 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 ApertureIndexing. 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.
E	Manual 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. 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 F3AF.
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. 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. 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.
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 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. 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.
9	The VR system will only function with G VR and D VR lenses
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 function.