The User’s Review: Nikon Nikkor 28 - 80 mm zoom lenses D vs. G

I summarized the comparison between D and G models in the following figure and table. The advantages of each model are highlighted in the table.

Figure Nikon 28 - 80 mm D and G zoom lenses. The shorter ones are always G model.

Table Nikon AF 28 – 80mm D and G lens

Nikon AF 28-80mm	D	G
Production period	1995 – 1999	2001 – 2006
Color version	Black	Black or silver
Optic elements	8 in 8 groups	6 in 6 groups
Aperture ring with lock	Yes, 3.5 - 22	No
Maximum aperture (f)	3.5 - 5.6	3.3-5.6
Diaphragm blade #	7	7
Manual focusing ring	Wider	Narrower
Focusing ring movement	No	Yes with zooming
Focusing scale	No	No
Close focus (m)	0.4	0.35
Lens mount	Plastic	Plastic
Filter size (mm)	58, rotates	58, rotates
Weight (g)	264.3	194.1
Lens size (Ф & length, mm)	63, 57 - 113	66.21, 64.00 - 82.03
Full retraction at zoom length (mm)	between 38 - 50	at 50

Among D lenses, there are several versions. I see a narrower focus ring on D.  The problem with these lenses is that they are not durable because of most of moving PLASTIC parts. It’s common to see loose zoom and focus rings on old lenses. 

If I was given a pick of only one of them, I go with D lens, simply because it has an A-ring, which can be used on older Nikon bodies.