Would anyone buy D lenses over G lenses just for build quality?

I own/have owned about 40 Nikon lenses.  Don't automatically assume the D lenses have a higher build quality.  Many have cracking issues with the AF/MF ring, for example.

I've gradually changed almost all my AF-D lenses for AF-S/G lenses.  The image quality has ranged from better to vastly superior for the G lenses.

While some talk about the "plastic build", I can tell you the pro lenses are of metal construction with an outside plastic shell - think of it as a protective "bumper".  And they hold up quite well - no more "brassing", and scratches are invisible since its the same color throughout the material.

I do miss the aperture ring sometimes - and that's why my macro lenses have aperture rings.

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Ken Elliott
Equipment in profile.