When Nikon announced its first full-frame mirrorless cameras back in 2018, their DSLR users were very happy to know that they could continue to use their F-mount lenses on the Z cameras. This, of course, would be achieved through the use of their proprietary FTZ adapter, which allowed such lenses to be mounted onto the Z line of mirrorless bodies. While a sizeable number of us were thrilled at this option, many AF-D lens owners were disappointed to know that their lenses, while they could be mounted, couldn’t autofocus on the newer mirrorless Z cameras. That might change next year if Nikon finally brings out an adapter that long-term users of Nikon lenses have been craving for.
The Problem
To understand the need for this adapter, let’s take a closer look at the conundrum. Nikon’s F-mount autofocus lenses can be broadly classified into two categories—AF-S and AF-D. Typically, lenses classified as AF-S come with a built-in autofocus motor, while those classified as AF-D (also known as screw-drive) rely on an AF motor inside Nikon’s SLRs and DSLRs to perform autofocus. The Nikon D300 seen above is one such camera that has an AF motor inside the body and is capable of autofocusing AF-D lenses. Nikon’s prosumer and professional cameras typically come with such motors in the bodies, while the entry-level bodies from the D3000 series didn’t and were incapable of autofocusing with AF-D lenses.
Why didn’t the FTZ and the newer FTZ II adapters come with an autofocus motor? Presumably, to keep costs down and to ensure the adapter wasn’t a chunky brick on your svelte Z camera. Also, most AF-D lens users had probably switched to the faster, more accurate focusing AF-S lenses that were designed to work with DSLRs. AF-D lenses, while they still could be used on compatible DSLRs, were slower, noticeably noisier, and often hunted focus depending on the situation. I wouldn’t blame Nikon for assuming that most such users would have moved on to AF-S lenses. It turns out we were all wrong as a much older set of photographers still love and swear by their AF-D lenses, and they dearly wish they could use them with full autofocus capabilities on Z cameras (undoubtedly, the Zf is the top choice on their list).
The Solution
In principle, such an adapter would allow AF-D lenses to autofocus on any Z camera by housing a capable AF motor inside itself, much like the LA-FE2 Monster Adapter, which was made to allow such autofocusing on Sony E-mount cameras. Numerous F-mount adapters have been made to date for Nikon’s Z cameras. So far, no adapter has been able to reliably support autofocus on AF-D lenses.
That would then mean that I could use lenses like the Nikon 17-35mm f2.8D seen above on my Nikon D4. It was my favorite wide-angle F-mount lens, and I loved it because it was a really wide f2.8 lens that could still take screw-on filters. Sadly, the fact that it didn’t autofocus on the Nikon FTZ adapters meant it found its way to a new home a few weeks ago. This is a problem that the possibly upcoming adapter, reported by NikonRumors, could solve.
Many People Want This Adapter
Even if it’s primarily baby boomers and Gen X photographers eagerly waiting for this kind of adapter, Nikon can’t afford to overlook them. This could be a game-changing move if Nikon beats everyone else to it. The F-mount lenses, especially the AF-D line, are nothing short of iconic. Some of my best photographic moments came from those lenses—sharp, reliable, and packed with character. Nikon scored big when they made it possible to use AF-S F-mount lenses with their mirrorless FTZ adapter. That move alone swayed many DSLR users, myself included, toward embracing the Z-mount system. And let me tell you, the Z-mount lenses—particularly the S-line—are in a whole different league. They’re insanely fast, super-sharp, and perform flawlessly, no matter the conditions.
Still, there’s something about the soul of those older lenses, especially the AF-D series, that photographers like me just can’t let go of. Nikon knows this. They’ve started bringing out f1.4 primes in the Z lineup, which adds even more depth to their offerings, but here’s the kicker: an autofocus-capable adapter for AF-D lenses could be the bridge many hesitant DSLR users need to cross into Nikon’s mirrorless ecosystem. It’s the perfect gateway. Use the lenses you already love and trust, then realize just how much more the Z system has to offer. It’s not just about nostalgia—it’s about practicality meeting progression.
I Hope Nikon Hears Us
Sure, it wouldn’t be perfect. I imagine this adapter might be bulkier, noisier, and a bit heavier on battery life compared to the FTZ. However, Nikon has a reputation for crafting engineering marvels, and I believe they could make it work. This wouldn’t be about perfection; it’d be about giving long-time Nikon users—those who’ve stayed loyal through decades—a way forward without making them feel like they’re being forced to abandon their roots. For photographers still clinging to their AF-D lenses, this would be more than just a piece of gear—it’d be a promise that Nikon remembers and respects their history. I get this feeling completely—I’ve got sentimental pieces of gear I’ll never part with, either. An adapter like this wouldn’t just be a tool—it’d be a connection to the past and a reason to believe in Nikon’s future.