Nikon 50mm f1.8 Made In China vs Made In Japan

[nickzkcin]

non-D lenses are a older model than the AF-D counterparts. They're made in a different location geographically. Compare if you want, they're different lenses, much like AF-D vs AF-S.
There's your answer.

 

[DeadEnd]

D is the distance information which helps to assist in the exposure. It helps particularly in situation where you shoot your subject reflected from the mirror using flash. Without D, your exposure might be underexpose. Other than that, there is no diff with or w/o the D chip.

Having own and used both, I find that the MIJ are slightly sharper and the built quality are much better. Older lens from Nikon tends to have better bulit quality but sharpness varies.