Unveiling The Autofocus Motor Secret: Does The Nikon D90 Have One?

The Nikon D90, a mid-range DSLR camera introduced in 2008, has garnered considerable attention among photography enthusiasts. Its advanced features and user-friendly design have made it a popular choice for both amateur and professional photographers. However, one question that often arises is whether the Nikon D90 is equipped with an autofocus motor. This blog post aims to provide a comprehensive exploration of this topic, delving into the technical aspects and implications for photographers.

Understanding Autofocus Motors:

Before addressing the specific case of the Nikon D90, it is essential to understand the role of autofocus motors in DSLR cameras. Autofocus motors are responsible for driving the lens elements to achieve precise focus on the subject. There are two primary types of autofocus motors commonly found in DSLR cameras:

1. Built-in Autofocus Motor (AF Motor):

• Integrated within the camera body
• Drives the lens’s focus mechanism directly
• Offers faster and more accurate autofocus performance

2. Lens-based Autofocus Motor:

• Located inside the lens itself
• Requires the camera to have a compatible autofocus system
• Can provide quieter and smoother autofocus operation

Does Nikon D90 Have an Autofocus Motor?

The Nikon D90 falls under the category of cameras that do not possess a built-in autofocus motor. This means that it relies on the autofocus motor located within compatible lenses to achieve focus. Nikon refers to this as the “AF-S” (Autofocus-Silent) system.

Implications for Photographers:

The absence of a built-in autofocus motor in the Nikon D90 has several implications for photographers:

1. Lens Compatibility:

• Requires the use of lenses equipped with an autofocus motor
• Compatible lenses typically have the designation “AF-S” or “AF-I” in their name

2. Autofocus Performance:

• Autofocus speed and accuracy depend on the lens’s autofocus motor
• Lenses with higher-quality autofocus motors will perform better

3. Compatibility with Older Lenses:

• Non-AF-S lenses, such as older manual focus lenses, cannot autofocus on the Nikon D90 without an adapter

4. Third-Party Lenses:

• Some third-party lenses may not have compatible autofocus motors, limiting their functionality on the Nikon D90

Advantages of Using Lenses with Autofocus Motors:

Despite the lack of a built-in autofocus motor in the Nikon D90, photographers can still enjoy the benefits of autofocus by using lenses equipped with autofocus motors. These advantages include:

1. Faster and More Accurate Autofocus:

• Lenses with high-quality autofocus motors can achieve focus quickly and precisely
• Especially beneficial for capturing fast-moving subjects or in low-light conditions

2. Quieter Autofocus Operation:

• Lenses with silent wave motors (SWM) or ultrasonic motors (USM) operate quietly, making them ideal for situations where silence is essential

3. Improved Tracking Performance:

• Lenses with advanced autofocus motors can track moving subjects more effectively, ensuring sharp focus throughout the shot

Alternative Options for Autofocus:

While the Nikon D90 does not have a built-in autofocus motor, there are alternative options available for photographers who desire autofocus capabilities:

1. AF-S Lenses:

• Using lenses with built-in autofocus motors is the most straightforward solution
• Offers the best autofocus performance and compatibility with the Nikon D90

2. AF-C Lenses with an External Autofocus Motor:

• Certain lenses, such as the Nikon AF-C 80-200mm f/2.8D ED, have a built-in autofocus motor but require an external autofocus motor unit
• This setup can provide autofocus functionality on the Nikon D90

3. Third-Party Autofocus Adapters:

• Some third-party manufacturers offer adapters that allow non-AF-S lenses to autofocus on the Nikon D90
• These adapters typically require the use of a separate autofocus motor

Recommendations:

The Nikon D90’s lack of a built-in autofocus motor may be considered a limitation by some photographers. However, the camera’s compatibility with lenses equipped with autofocus motors provides a viable solution for achieving autofocus functionality. By carefully selecting lenses with high-quality autofocus motors, photographers can still enjoy the benefits of fast, accurate, and quiet autofocus performance with the Nikon D90.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q1. What are the advantages of using lenses with autofocus motors on the Nikon D90?
A1. Lenses with autofocus motors offer faster and more accurate autofocus, quieter operation, and improved tracking performance.

Q2. Can I use non-AF-S lenses on the Nikon D90?
A2. Non-AF-S lenses can be used with an adapter, but they will not autofocus automatically. You will need to manually focus the lens.

Q3. What are some alternative options for autofocus on the Nikon D90?
A3. You can use AF-S lenses, AF-C lenses with an external autofocus motor unit, or third-party autofocus adapters.