Focusing the Nikon D3500 with a 50mm f/1.8 Lens: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you looking to enhance your photography skills with a 50mm f/1.8 lens on your Nikon D3500? This guide will help you understand the limitations and solutions for achieving autofocus on this popular photography lens.

Understanding Autofocus for Nikon D3500

The Nikon D3500 does not have an in-body autofocus motor. As a result, it won't automatically focus when using certain lenses, such as the Nikon AF NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8 D. To enable autofocus, you need a lens that includes a focusing motor.

Suitable Lenses for Autofocus

The newer AF-S 50mm f/1.8G is the recommended lens for autofocus with your Nikon D3500. This lens includes an autofocus motor, making it compatible with a wide range of Nikon cameras that feature this feature.

Understanding the Lens Markings (M and M/A)

The 50mm f/1.8 lens has two focusing modes:

M: This mode stands for Manual Focus. In this setting, you have complete control over the focus by rotating the focus ring on the lens. You may need to adjust the focus manually to get the desired result. M/A: This setting allows for Auto Focus with Manual Override. The lens will attempt to auto-focus, but you can switch to manual focus if the auto-focus function doesn't provide the results you desire.

Compatibility of Different Nikon Cameras

It's essential to note that not all Nikon cameras support autofocus for the 50mm f/1.8 lens. The Nikon D40 or D4, which are some of the entry-level cameras, do not support autofocus for this lens. However, newer models in the D3xxx and D5xxx series, such as the Nikon D3500, offer built-in autofocus motors, making them compatible with the lens.

For users with other Nikon cameras, such as the D3300, D5600, or D7500, you can still use the 50mm f/1.8 lens, but you will need to focus manually. The M/A setting can help in situations where manual focus is a bit tricky.

Conclusion

To improve your photography experience with a 50mm f/1.8 lens on your Nikon D3500, ensure you have a lens with an autofocus motor. The AF-S 50mm f/1.8G is a great choice for this purpose. Remember to explore the M and M/A settings to get the best out of your lens and camera combination.

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