Lens for Nikon D3000

[lady_c]

I'm looking for a prime lens for my D3000. The purpose is to take good pictures of my baby. I love head shots/close up.

I can't decide between the Nikon 35mm AF-S f/1.8 DX and AF-S 50mm f/1.4G. I am leaning more towards the 35mm since it's less expensive and looks like it can do the job... at least from what I've read so far. Can anyone pls give me some pointers??? I'm currently taking a lot of pictures indoor, but eventually will take more pictures outdoor. Does this make a difference in choosing a lens?

Thanks!
C.

[Shokinen]

The differences will be:

1- How close you will have to be from your subject in order to fill your frame.
The 35mm cannot focus closer than ~12inches so it might be something to think about.

See the picture below, this is the closest you can get with the 35mm



2- 2/3 of a stop faster. This mean that if the 35mm @ f1.8 is set at 1/100sec, the 50mm @ f1.4 will have to be set at 1/160sec in order to get the same quantity of light getting in your camera. So if your subject is moving in low light, the 50mm is better (if your are looking for sharpness of course). Keep in mind f1.4 is very narrow so you will have to be carefull not to get the nose in focus and the eyes out of focus if you use that aperture (again, look at the picture and notice how it doesn't take much to get out of focus).

3- What's left in your wallet

[lady_c]

Thanks for your input & sample pictures, Shokinen!

[SuperDan]

Also, isnt the 50a manual focus only for the DX format?

[LoveDSLR]

Originally Posted by lady_c

I love head shots/close up.

135mm in full frame will be ideal for head shots. Go for the 50mm f/1.4 AF-S.

[OsmosisStudios]

Originally Posted by LoveDSLR

135mm in full frame will be ideal for head shots. Go for the 50mm f/1.4 AF-S.

This length would be prohibitive for pictures of a baby.

[Raoul Isidro]

The 35mm is better for the D5000 as it behaves like a 50mm on the viewfinder.
The 50mm on the D5000 is treading onto telephoto territory...
Cheers!

[Raoul Isidro]

Originally Posted by SuperDan

Also, isnt the 50a manual focus only for the DX format?

The new Nikon 50mm F1.4 G lens will have AF function to work on all Nikon DSLRs including the D40.
It has the AF motor within the lens.