Unveiling The Truth: Does The Nikon D5200 Boast An Autofocus Motor?

The Nikon D5200 is a popular entry-level DSLR camera that has been praised for its image quality, ease of use, and affordability. However, one question that often arises among potential buyers is whether the D5200 has an autofocus motor. In this blog post, we will delve into the world of autofocus motors and explore whether the Nikon D5200 indeed possesses this essential feature.

What is an Autofocus Motor?

An autofocus motor is a mechanism within a camera lens that is responsible for moving the lens elements to achieve focus. There are two main types of autofocus motors:

• Screw-driven autofocus (AF-S): This type of motor uses a screw mechanism to move the lens elements. It is typically found in entry-level and mid-range lenses.
• Ultrasonic autofocus (AF-U): This type of motor uses ultrasonic vibrations to move the lens elements. It is usually found in higher-end lenses and offers faster and quieter autofocus performance.

Does the Nikon D5200 Have an Autofocus Motor?

No, the Nikon D5200 does not have an autofocus motor. This means that the camera body itself does not have the ability to move the lens elements. Instead, the D5200 relies on the autofocus motor built into the lens.

Lenses Compatible with the Nikon D5200

Since the Nikon D5200 does not have an autofocus motor, it is only compatible with lenses that have built-in autofocus motors. These lenses are designated with the following acronyms:

• AF-S (Screw-driven autofocus)
• AF-P (Pulse motor autofocus)
• AF-I (Internal focusing autofocus)

Advantages of Lenses with Autofocus Motors

Using lenses with built-in autofocus motors offers several advantages:

• Faster autofocus: Autofocus motors enable faster and more precise autofocus performance compared to lenses without motors.
• Quieter operation: Ultrasonic autofocus motors are particularly quiet, making them ideal for situations where silence is important.
• Compatibility with all Nikon DSLRs: Lenses with autofocus motors are compatible with all Nikon DSLRs, regardless of whether the camera body has an autofocus motor.

Disadvantages of Lenses Without Autofocus Motors

There are also some disadvantages to using lenses without autofocus motors:

• Slower autofocus: Lenses without motors rely on the camera body’s autofocus motor, which can be slower and less accurate.
• Noisier operation: Screw-driven autofocus motors can be relatively noisy, which can be distracting in certain situations.
• Limited compatibility: Lenses without motors are only compatible with camera bodies that have autofocus motors.

In a nutshell: Making an Informed Decision

Whether or not the Nikon D5200 is the right camera for you depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize fast and accurate autofocus performance, then you will need to purchase lenses with built-in autofocus motors. However, if autofocus speed and noise are not as important to you, then the D5200 can still be a great option, especially if you plan to use it with older lenses that do not have autofocus motors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why does the Nikon D5200 not have an autofocus motor?
A: The D5200 is an entry-level camera designed to be affordable and easy to use. Incorporating an autofocus motor into the camera body would have increased its cost and complexity.

Q: Can I use lenses without autofocus motors on the Nikon D5200?
A: Yes, you can use lenses without autofocus motors on the D5200, but you will need to manually focus the lens using the focus ring.

Q: What are the best lenses for the Nikon D5200?
A: The best lenses for the D5200 are those with built-in autofocus motors, such as the Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR II lens.