“G” is a reference to a G-Type lens and is distinguishable from a standard D-Type lens by its lack of an aperture control ring. G-Type lenses relay distance information to compatible DSLRs like a D-Type lens but rely wholly on electronic aperture control through a camera body.

“AF-P” refers to Auto Focus that features a smooth and quiet pulse motor. Please note, AF-P lenses have very limited compatibility. Refer to the camera compatibility list under Resources to determine whether or not this is the appropriate lens for your needs.

“VR” or “Vibration Reduction” is a reference to Nikon’s proprietary in-lens image stabilization.

“DX” refers to lenses designed for cameras with a crop sensor format and is an abbreviation for “digital short back.”

Sadly, if you don’t own one of the latest generation or two of the lower DX DSLRs, you still may be stuck with older lenses. The D7100 and D7200 can’t turn off VR, which is a shame.

It’s difficult at this point to say what’s going on with AF-P. Nikon seems to be making a pivot of some kind, but they’ve done almost nothing to help users of their previous Nikon DSLR bodies come along with wherever that pivot is leading them.

So here are our conclusions:

D3400, D5500, and D5600 users: This is the basic wide-angle zoom to use, no questions asked.

D500, D3300, and D5300 users: If you have the current firmware, this is probably the basic wide-angle lens to use
.

D5200, D7100, and D7200 users: Note that you can’t set VR to off. If that’s okay with you, consider this lens
.

All other older DX users: Don’t rent this lens.