Nikon D3200 Digital Field Guide

Lens Basics

The camera is basically a light-tight box that captures the light; it is the lens that focuses that light to create an image on the digital sensor. Modern camera lenses are made up of multiple glass (or plastic) lenses, all positioned to focus the light traveling through them onto the sensor. There are a great many lenses available for the Nikon D3200 and the choices can be confusing. Once you have a better understanding of the differences among lenses and why some cost so much more than others, it will be much easier to choose the best lenses for your shooting needs.

Lenses are classified by their focal lengths, and their widest aperture or aperture range. There is also Vibration Reduction (VR) technology built in to some Nikon lenses that allows for sharper photos at slower shutter speeds. There are also lenses with built-in focusing motors that allow the D3200 to autofocus. There are many features that go into how a lens is described and named. Before you get into the various types of lenses, take a look at the Nikon lens codes. Knowing those can help demystify all of the lens choices.

4.1 There are many lenses available for the Nikon D3200.

Nikon lens codes

Sooner or later, the kit lens that came with your camera will seem limiting, and you will want to get another lens or two. Shopping for lenses can be a confusing exercise because of the number of terms and codes ...