Originally Posted by
arthurking83
So, did the lens sometimes focus and then sometimes not focus, or something, or did it not focus or something?
There are many versions of this lens, the earliest version was what's known as an AF-D type lens, which is screw driven .... and doesn't have an internal motor for AF.
This is the earliest model and the model number is A16.
I think the second version of this lens had a model number of A016, which was specifically made after Nikon announced the motorless camera bodies, starting with the D40 and now in the D5200 range.
If you inadvertently received or ordered a non VC model of this lens, it may have been the original A16 model, which of course will not focus on a D5100.
I have the original A16 model version, and I think it's one of the best APS-C lenses made. It may feel flimsy in some ways compared to other lenses, but after 6-7 odd years of plentiful usage, mine still produces good strong images.
I can't think of any lens that beats it for value for money. Now tho, with many lenses in this range have optical stabilisation, and even tho at this lens focal length you'd think it was a wasted feature, I think it's better to have and not use it, than to not have it at all.
Saying that the price of the non VC model is still pretty darn good.
Even tho you have had the bitter experience with the lens, I still think it's worth another try.