Generally speaking, Nikon D lenses are not officially designated as weather sealed.
Based on available information and the provided reference, Nikon does not explicitly label their lenses, including the D series, as "weather sealed" in the same way some other manufacturers (like Canon with their L series) market this feature.
Understanding Weather Resistance
While many professional-grade Nikon lenses, often G or E types, feature rubber gaskets around the lens mount and sealed switches or focus rings to offer some degree of dust and moisture resistance, this protection is typically referred to as weather resistance rather than full weather sealing.
As the reference points out:
- Consumer-grade lenses, such as the AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED (a common D-series lens), are not weather proof.
- Unlike some competitors who market weather sealing extensively, Nikon does not designate anything about weather sealing on all their lens line-up.
What This Means in Practice
For users of Nikon D lenses, especially consumer models, it's important to be cautious when shooting in adverse weather conditions:
- Avoid heavy rain or splashing: These lenses are not designed to withstand significant exposure to water.
- Dust protection: While some resistance may be present, dust can still enter, especially during lens changes.
- Humidity: High humidity or condensation can still potentially affect internal components.
Even with bodies that have weather sealing, like the D300 mentioned in the reference, the weather resistance of the camera body only helps if the lens is also sealed to a similar standard, which is often not the case for D lenses, particularly consumer models.
In conclusion, do not assume that Nikon D lenses are weather sealed. Treat them with care in wet or dusty environments.
