Meaning of lens widths with crop sensors

[Kate1]

Hello
I have a Nikon D5000, which like many dig cameras has a sensor which magnifies images by 1.5 (I think that is the way to describe it). When I use my 35mm prime lens that means I am effectively using a 50mm lens. But what does that mean exactly? If I stand at the same distance from my subject with the 35mm on my camera, and then use a full-frame camera with a 50mm lens, will the picture be exactly the same?
I hope this question makes sense. I'm trying to get my head around options for lenses to get for my camera, given I'm not planning to upgrade to a FF camera anytime soon..

[SusanH1970]

This article from the DPS blog should help: Crop Factor Explained

[Kate1]

Thanks Susan. That's a very good start!

[jojonac]

I would think that both pictures would show the same amount of stuff, but the %100 zoom in would be different.

[ML Photography]

Originally Posted by jojonac

I would think that both pictures would show the same amount of stuff, but the %100 zoom in would be different.

I basically agree with jojonac.

In fact, the amount of "space" captured will be roughly the same, the differences will only be mainly in a very little wideangle distortion with the 35mm and a different depth of focus.
Since DOF depends on three factors (focal length, aperture and distance from the subject), a higher focal length is going to yield a narrower DOF.

I hope this helps...

Bye,
Marco.

[Henry Wilt]

Tamron has a tool to show focal lengths "here" which if you have a play around with it, setting the slider to 35mm or 50mm and click on the digital or full frame buttons, I believe it answer your question with a visual demonstration.
I hope that helps.

[Kate1]

Thanks everyone. That all adds to the answer to my question. Experimentation is the next step - I'll add a 50mm prime to my 35mm and see what effect it has. I really appreciate being able to come here to ask these questions and get good advice.

[vsa]

I think it's no use confusing yourself with the multiplying of focal lengths unless you shoot both crop and full frame at the same time.

To me 50mm lens is just 50mm and I just compare the lenses to each other and don't care about the full frame equivalent. I most likely won't be upgrading to full frame so I just shoot one system and that's it.

Of course I know my lenses would look a bit wider on full frame if I ever switched to that but why make things more confusing than they are at the moment. :)

[Kate1]

I think that's a good approach vsa. Thanks!