Nikon F-Mount Lens & Camera Compatibility

Nikon F-mount lens compatibility can be confusing because they range from fully mechanical to only having electronic contacts.

Nikon introduced the F-mount in 1959 with the Nikon F. The last camera to use it was the D6, released in 2020.

In general, higher-end cameras work with both old and new lenses. Entry-level DSLRs have the most limited compatibility.

Nikon F Mount Camera Lens Compatibility

Nikon F-mount compatibility can be tricky. It will depend on if a camera has electronic contacts and a meter coupling ridge.

DX Cameras (APS-C Sensors)

DX lenses are made for Nikon cameras with APS-C sensors (23.5mm x 15.6mm). They are smaller, lighter, and cheaper than full-frame FX lenses.

Full frame lenses can be used on DX cameras.

Has Built-in AF Motor

No Built-in AF Motor

Official Nikon article: Which lenses can be used with a DSLR camera which has no built-in autofocus motor?

FX Cameras (Full Frame)

There are 18 full frame F-mount camera models, produced between 2007 and 2020. The sensors measure 35.9mm x 23.9mm, which is the same size as a full 35mm film frame (36mm x 24mm).

FX cameras can use DX lenses, but the camera will automatically switch to crop mode. Only the center part of the sensor will be used. For example, the D850 drops from 45MP to around 19MP in crop mode.

Manual Focus 35mm Film SLRs

North American model names appear in (parenthesis).

Non-AI compatible

These cameras have an aperture follower tab that can be folded down to safely mount Non-AI lenses.

AI and AI-S only

Autofocus 35mm Film SLRs

These cameras were made to be used with AF and D series lenses. North American model names appear in parentheses.

What are the Differences Between F-Mount Lenses?

Non-Ai

Non-AI lenses were made between 1959 and 1977. They have metering prongs on the barrel and a solid rear lip that can damage the meter coupling ridge or EE servo coupling post on cameras made after 1977. A lens should rotate smoothly and lock into place. Do not try to force a lens to mount.

These lenses are easy to spot at the mount. Online sellers usually label them “Non-AI,” though some sellers may not know what they have.

Using Non-AI lenses safely:

• On the FM, FE, EL2, F3, F4, and Nikkormat FT3, fold down the aperture follower tab to mount them safely. The Nikon Df is the only DSLR with this feature.
• Mirrorless cameras can use an adapter.

Watch my YouTube videos on the process here.

Ai and Ai-S

AI stands for Automatic Indexing. The lens communicates the aperture setting to the camera through a mechanical tab, sometimes called rabbit ears.

AI-S (Automatic Indexing-Shutter) is an updated version that gives the camera more accurate aperture control, which matters most on cameras that use programmed auto exposure.

Visually, AI and AI-S lenses look similar with notches that connect to a camera. AI-S lenses can be identified by an additional notch on the mount and an orange minimum aperture marking.

These lenses work well on Nikon film SLRs like the FM2. On newer DX cameras that lack a meter coupling ridge, the camera will not receive aperture data automatically. You will need to shoot in manual mode and either use a separate light meter or adjust exposure by trial and error.

Early Nikon AF and D-Series

Early AF (Auto-Focus) and AF-D (Auto Focus-Distance Information) series lenses use a mechanical link for autofocus, visible on the back of the lens. Autofocus only works on cameras with a built-in screw drive motor. Many DX bodies and the F-to-Z adapter do not have one.

Manual focusing these lenses is not ideal. Unlike most manual focus lenses that have 180 degrees or more of rotation, D-series lenses have a short focus throw that makes precise focusing difficult. The focus linkage also moves while turning the ring, which feels awkward.

These lenses have CPU contacts and a meter coupling ridge, keeping them compatible with older cameras. To control the aperture through the camera, set the ring to the smallest opening (printed in orange).

Nikon AF-S Lenses

AF-S (Auto Focus-Silent Wave Motor) lenses have the autofocus motor built inside. They are quieter, smoother, and faster than lenses that rely on the camera’s motor.

Nikon AF-P Lenses

The 5 AF-P (Auto Focus-Pulse Motor) lenses were some of the last F-mount lenses made. They use a stepping motor which is faster, smoother, and quieter than AF-S lenses.

The lenses are not compatible with all cameras and some need to be using the latest firmware for AF-P compatibility.

See the full Nikon AF-P Lens Compatibility list for details.

G-Series and E-Series Lenses

G-Series and E-Series lenses have no aperture ring. The aperture is controlled through the camera using CPU contacts.

The E-Series lenses only use electronic contacts for their connection to the camera. The lens aperture is stopped down electronically, there is no mechanical aperture stop down lever.

IX Nikkor Lenses (Pronea Only)

IX Nikkor lenses were made only for the Pronea S and Pronea 6i APS film cameras. The rear element on lenses will hit the mirror on other cameras.