“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.

“ED” stands for “Extra-Low Dispersion” Glass and is a reference to specialized glass used for the correction of chromatic aberrations.

“AF-S” refers to Auto Focus that features Nikon’s Silent Wave Motor or “SWM.”

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