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NON CPU Lenses for D200
Back to D200 vs D70
Overview of new Tamron lenses (external link)
Tamron Adaptall 2 lenses on EBay Purchase lens with any mount, change out to a Nikon Adaptall 2 mount
What is a "non-CPU" lens?
CPU lenses can communicate distance information to the camera. In a nutshell, all AutoFocus lenses (AF) AND the PC Micro Nikor 85mm and the AI-p Nikkor lenses are CPU lenses. Everything else isn’t.
What lenses CANNOT be used with the D200?
The users manual p175 lists all of the incompatible lenses. There are a number of specific incompatible lenses (several PC and fisheye lenses and long telephoto zooms) but the one entry to notice that ALL non-AI lenses are incompatible (pre 1977) . Never force a lens to fit as Nikon warns that the camera can be damaged.
So what NON-CPU lens CAN be used on the d200?
Nikon’s chart on p.174 lists everything in detail. What is interesting here is that ALL
AI
AI-s
PC
and Series E Nikkors are compatible and are supported with metering, depth of field preview and electronic rangefinder functionability!
Basically all of you old manual focus post-1977 lenses will work. What’s more, Nikon mount off-brand lenses such as Sigma, Tokina, Tamron and Tamron Adaptall 2 will also work.
What about focusing these lenses?
Manual focus lenses have to be focused manually. However, the in-viewfinder focus rangefinder indicator light will remain functional to confirm best focus at a selected focusing spot (with some specific minor limitations as footnoted on p 174).
What metering functions will work with these lenses?
Most of these lenses, including the AI and AI-s and PC lenses as well as off-brand lenses will allow Color Matrix Metering and Spot Metering to function. The aperture on the lenses must be adjusted manually but the selected aperture is displayed in the viewfinder and on the control panel. Manual Mode and Aperture Priority Mode function just like they normally would while Program Mode and Shutter Priority Mode both default to functioning like Aperture Priority Mode. Metering is "full-aperture metering", meaning that the aperture remains wide open until the exposure is made.
What about depth of field Preview?
Fully functional.
Why bother with non-CPU lenses?
1. You may already own several of these.
2. Some of these lenses are incredibly sharp and durable.
3. Manual fixed focal-length lenses have a depth-of-field scale not available on modern zooms, an essential feature for certain kinds of photography.
4. Manual fixed focus lenses often have a larger maximum aperture for easier manual focusing, brighter image in the viewfinder and useful for low-light shooting.
5. Many lenses, such as Tokina, Tamron Adaptall 2, and Sigma are superb lenses at a price significantly lower than Nikon lenses.
6. Some lenses are unique to 3rd party manufacturers and not manufactured by Nikon.
7. Sometimes, it feels good to beat the system.
Is there any special procedure to allow these lenses to work on the D200?
Within the camera Shooting Menu is a sub-menu called “Non CPU Lens Data”. It is necessary to enter the focal length and maximum aperture of the lens you’re using for best accuracy. This just takes a few seconds. This information PLUS all f/stop and shutter speed metadata will be attached to the image file as it would with a Nikon AF lens. The only exception would be with a non-CPU zoom lens - focal length data would not be available.
So what exactly am I giving up by using Non-CPU lenses
Auto Focus.
3-D Matrix Metering.
ShutterPriority Mode.
Program Mode.
If you are using specialty lenses such as PC lenses, Medical Nikkor, or extension tubes, you are also giving up Color Matrix Metering. Reflex Nikkor gives up all metering. Consult the Nikon manual for full specifics.
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