I think I've bought the wrong lens

[QuartzDad]

Bought a Nikon D3200 many, many years ago, it's been unused for many, many years...

Did the NC500 last week, took it with me and got a bit frustrated with the lack of zoom on the included 18-55 lens. So this arrived today.

But unless I'm a doofus - which is entirely possible, I am the archetypal know nothing - it doesn't appear to do auto-focus? Only one red dot illuminates in the viewfinder, it doesn't ping like the original lens does when half pressing the shutter button and only by rotating the ring at the end of the barrel does the focus change.

The original lens also has a A-M switch, the new one doesn't.

I was assuming the "Auto Focus: Yes" in the specs had me covered...



Am I missing a setting somewhere? If I have bought the wrong thing, links to what would be the right thing would be appreciated. It's probably going to be relegated to the back of the cupboard again shortly but who knows.

[wildoliver]

Unfortunately that doesn't say what the lens actually is, so my help is limited, but it's possible it's one of the lenses which uses the autofocus motor in body, that from memory the 3200 doesn't have, from memory that only came in on the 7 series bodies.

Post up what the lens is and can help some more.

[QuartzDad]

Nikon AF Nikkor 70-300mm f/4-5.6G

[Jordie Barretts sock]

wildoliver said:

Unfortunately that doesn't say what the lens actually is, so my help is limited, but it's possible it's one of the lenses which uses the autofocus motor in body, that from memory the 3200 doesn't have, from memory that only came in on the 7 series bodies.

Post up what the lens is and can help some more.

My 5 series has it. Don't think the 3 series do though.

(Feel like I'm talking about BMWs)

[wildoliver]

Yep that lens won't autofocus on your body I'm afraid.

It's a pity because while it's a cheap and to a degree nasty lens it's not a bad lens.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Nikon_F-mo...

[QuartzDad]

Thanks all. I feel invested now so organised an upgrade to an AF-S from MPB; £154 vs £74 for the manual focus.

[Simpo Two]

QuartzDad said:

Thanks all. I feel invested now so organised an upgrade to an AF-S from MPB; £154 vs £74 for the manual focus.

The VR version of the 70-300 is the best IMHO. In fact with the high-ISO ability of my D500 I use it in preference to my Sigma 70-200 f2.8.

[jingars]

Simpo Two said:

QuartzDad said:

Thanks all. I feel invested now so organised an upgrade to an AF-S from MPB; £154 vs £74 for the manual focus.

The VR version of the 70-300 is the best IMHO. In fact with the high-ISO ability of my D500 I use it in preference to my Sigma 70-200 f2.8.

In the last year I have acquired severe GAS and gone (almost) fully Nikon Z-mount. The sole F-Mount lens I have retained is my 70-300 VR.

[GravelBen]

Simpo Two said:

The VR version of the 70-300 is the best IMHO. In fact with the high-ISO ability of my D500 I use it in preference to my Sigma 70-200 f2.8.

Interesting, I agree the 70-300 VR is very good and punches well above its price point, but I've barely used mine the last couple of years since getting the Sigma 100-300 f4 (generally only use the 70-300 if I want to pack a bit lighter).