AF-S is a prefix for Nikkor lenses (nikkor is the dslr lens brand for nikon,in the past,nikon only use this name on those great and expensive lenses).
AF-S means the lens has a built in focusing motor, which the Silent Wave Motor, the SWM.

AF is another prefix, means that the lens can be used for autofocus, IF, the camera has a focusing motor in it.
AF lens has a focusing pin-hole on the mounting so that the focusing element inside the lens can be turned by the camera's focusing pin.

D40/d40x/d60 are the only nikon dslr camera that has no focusing motor, thus it cannot auto-focus even with AF lens, only lenses with built-in focusing motor,

Nikkor - AF-S
Sigma - HSM
Tamron - has not specific name yet,

one more thing, Nikkor has the AF-I lenses that can autofocus with d40/x/60 as well. Google it up.

yes, it support Nikon CLS.
Read on..
http://www.photographybay.com/2007/12/28/nikon-d60/

there is a 70-300 4-5.6 APO DG Macro with built-in motor for d40/x/60,
but it is not a HSM motor, so focusing is kinda noisier and slower i guess.
I haven't seen in here on Malaysia, but i read it is just released on other countries.
The price should be 100-200 bucks more expensive than the normal 70-300 APO (RM680).

oh ya, forget to ask u add my name to the list as well.
I am using nikon d40 too.. lol..

D60 supports CLS commander mode?

ya, from here it say it is supported just like the d80
http://www.photographybay.com/2007/12/28/nikon-d60/

OMG that's a good move by Nikon.

CLS really does wonders?

i am not so into Flash photography so I am not so poisoned by the Nikon CLS..

CLS can do wonders
you should try it someday



This post has been edited by MR.Shiney: Mar 17 2008, 04:34 AM

do a google or flickr search for CLS...see whether u can really d poison

hi guys,is me again.
hmm,i just call up j-one asking bout Manfrotto 190XPROB Pro Aluminum Tripod+486RC2,for the ball head previous i was choosing,484RC2,and it was RM 525 ready stock,as advice from sifu here.But what makes me confused is,jason from j-one say 486RC2 was a better,and sum-up that would cost me rm550 and would have to wait for 1 week.
Now i was caught in dilemmass,
190XPROB Pro Aluminum Tripod with 486RC2 better or 484RC2?
OR
a Nikkor 55-200VR would be better start?
any advice for a SLR beginner like me?

This post has been edited by Darkcursed: Mar 17 2008, 01:57 PM

ideal is to buy both then...

ask urself these question:
1) wat type of photo u like to take?
2) would u be taking out d lens more or d tripod more, when u go outing?

as 4 myself, i'll be taking tripod coz i do more landscape and night photo.
BUT tat's me n my $0.02

yeah,both of it really important!slowly lah,budget tight.hehe.

1.my best interest is landscape photo,and city night photo as well.
2.when i go out for landscape shooting,i would take a tripod if i have one,as i don't wanna blame my shakey hand later on.

i guess i would settle for a tripod,i was afraid i would regret not to get a lenses instead.

well i used to own 55-200VR...
but largely underused...only found tat i like landscape more after i bought it
it is a vr good lens...sharp, good bokeh too

haha think i confuse u more than help u...

mr shiney... yr bank account edi buka? ^^

been using d40 for a year...

add me in...

wifione and mindkiller added in the list

first of all, i will like to state that i am a poor student, so my comments are basically generated from financial constraint scenario.

ok, let's start off,

I, in my humble opinion, you dun need an expensive Manfrotto, u are using d40, and u are look for the 55-200VR, so i think u dun have any other lenses that is bigger and heavier than 55-200VR. So, i really really not recommend you to get the RM500+ Manfrotto tripod,
save the money, get a better lens. Although Manfrotto is great, but it is an expensive stuff.

Go to get the victory brand tripod, it has the features from Manfrotto, but it is just around RM150-170. Professional photographers go for manfrotto when they are at extreme situation, like, putting the tripod in the middle of the river, ponds, beaches etc. Or having a big big bazooka lens, that needs a good tripod to support it.

I owned a 55-200VR, it is a good budget telephoto lens, for RM800, it has SWM, VR, and internal focusing, what more could you ask ?
However, it is not really that sharp at tele ends with aperture wide opened, you'll have to step down the f8 or more to get a sharper image.
u might need to go beyond 55-200VR if u demands more.. try look for sigma lenses with HSM.

This post has been edited by mindkiller6610: Mar 17 2008, 10:09 PM

alright,thanks for the info for victory brand,been searching it in amazon.com for the price,in picture,it looks almost the same with manfrotto.
yeah,this was keeping bugging my mind,that's just rm 300 different.but all the time i was thinking of tripod first before lenses,maybe i must seriously consider on what my choice again with the tight budget.

yes, a tripod first then a lens wont be wrong...but not a rm500 ballhead...its not necessary...unless you are using a 70-200 f2.8 with a 1ds mark3 just get a decent one such as keep or other brand but with good value... my friend encountered bad experience with victory tripods though...

bro...i'd have to disagree...a little bit...
i know bout budget constraints and all...
but have u ever heard the saying ..."Poor man pays twice"?
if u have the $$$ now...y not get something good...
so u wouldnt have to upgrade every single time u change ur lense?
u might say that el cheapo tripods are able to withstand the camera weight...i'd have to agree on that...
but did u know...NOT all tripods can dampen the camera vibrations to a minimum...
this is where u'll c the significant of using el-cheapo and tried, teseted and true stuffs...=)
i bought a 190xprob + 488rc4 while i was still using the d40 and 18-55...
till now...the tripod is serving me well...
so for investment sake...i'd say...get the best YOUR money can buy...=)
peace!
my 2 cents worth!

wat happened to your friend's victory?

I dunno, but everytime i use my friend's victory 3001, it feels sturdy..
i am shocked when he told me it is only RM130+

This post has been edited by mindkiller6610: Mar 18 2008, 09:04 AM

yeah its an affordable china brand...my friend punya kaki i think went loose...