Usually no. Most of the time they're of the same optical quality, the difference usually in the D chip and some cosmetic differences. There might be a few cases where the optics are different, but I can't think of any right now.
Originally posted by Catalyst Is there any diff in terms of photo quality using these 2 types of lens? Are the non-Ds poorer in quality/performance? Thanks.
It largely depends on the lens in question. Several of the Non D lenses have had optical refinements. Most D series lenses focus faster than their non D progenitors, especially in the f2.8 class.