Nikon D3200 and AF-P Lenses Compatibility: A Comprehensive Guide
The Nikon D3200, a popular entry-level DSLR, does not support the AF-P DX Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G ED VR lens and many other newer AF-P lenses. This article provides an in-depth look at the reasons behind this incompatibility, the advantages of AF-P lenses, and alternative options for compatible lenses.
The Incompatibility of Nikon D3200 with AF-P Lenses
The Nikon D3200 is compatible primarily with earlier autofocus (AF) lenses but lacks the necessary firmware to support newer AF-P lenses. The D3200 is equipped with an older autofocus system that uses different technologies compared to the newer AF-P lenses, which utilize Stepping Motor technology. This explains why the D3200 cannot recognize and utilize the AF-P DX Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G ED VR lens.
Advantages of AF-P Lenses
AF-P lenses, introduced in 2016, offer several advantages over older AF lenses that make them ideal for modern photography and videography. They use Stepping Motor technology, which allows for rapid and quiet operation, making them perfect for both still images and movies. The ability to change focus settings from the camera menu, without the need for lens-specific switches, provides a more intuitive and flexible shooting experience.
New AF-P Lenses and Their Specifications
The first AF-P DX-format lens was introduced in January 2016, and the first AF-P FX-format lens was introduced in July 2017. These lenses are specifically designed for Nikon’s DX format cameras and are generally available at low cost, often included in camera kits. They offer several advantages, including advanced focusing mechanisms and built-in vibration reduction (VR) technology.
However, due to the firmware limitations in the Nikon D3200, you cannot use these newer AF-P lenses effectively. For those interested in telephoto lenses for the D3200, the NIKKOR ED 70-300mm AF-S VR Zoom f/4.5-5.6G is a more appropriate choice, though it has some limitations.
Compatible Cameras with AF-P Lenses
Several cameras from the Nikon lineup are fully compatible with AF-P lenses, including the D850, D500, D3400, D5600, and D7500. Additionally, the D5, D750, D610, D600, D5500, D5300, and D3300 can use AF-P lenses after updating their firmware to the latest versions. Cameras with restrictions include the D4, D4S, D3, D3X, D3S, Df, D300, D300S, D700, D800, D800E, D810, D810A, D5200, D7000, D7100, and D7200.
When using AF-P DX-format lenses with certain models, such as the D810A, D810, Df, D7200, and D7100, or AF-P FX-format lenses with models like the D4, D4S, D3, D3X, D3S, D810A, D810, D800, D800E, Df, D700, D7200, or D7100, you may face some limitations, such as the inability to disable the VR function or the need to initialize the focus after the standby timer expires.
For users of the Nikon D3200, it's crucial to understand that while all AF-P lenses are not compatible with the D3200, some older AF lenses like the AF-S or AF-D series may still work effectively. If you're specifically looking for a telephoto lens that works well with the D3200, the AF-S or AF-D series lenses are the way to go.
For further information, you can refer to the official Nikon DSLR camera and lens compatibility chart to find the most up-to-date information on compatibility and any additional restrictions.