Help Needed For Choosing A Portrait Lens

[shazzabess]

I have a Nikon D5000 and would like a lens that I can use for taking shots of my new grandson and the odd family portrait.
I have done a bit of googling and some recommend 50mm F/1.8 and others 35mm F/1.8.
As I am a newby at all of this I am starting to find it all a bit confusing and am not sure what choice to make. Also I'm on a very tight budget which is making it even harder.
I would really appreciate any comments regarding these two lens or even other suggestions.

[inkista]

The 50/1.8 won't autofocus on your D5000, the 35/1.8 will. Only lenses with AF-S (a silent wave focus motor) can autofocus on the D5000. If your eyesight is good, then the 50/1.8 probably won't be too much of an issue until the grandson starts running around. But if you'd prefer to have autofocus function and wide maximum aperture, you've really only got the one choice. And the 35mm is going to be a better fit on a "crop" body camera, like your D5000 for general purpose use.

Also, be aware these lenses are what are known as "primes", with a fixed focal length. They don't zoom at all. The reason they're generally recommended as portrait primes is the wide maximum aperture and the low cost. They're both very good, sharp, general purpose lenses. You'll probably be happy with the image quality you get from either one--they're both going to be a bit nicer than the 18-55 kit lens in that regard.

[autofocus]

The 35 is a nice lens (we have it) it's tack sharp, and fast enough to handle those dim available light opportunities. It would be my recommendation and it's ability to autofocus on your camera is a real plus, especially when shooting those little, fast moving kiddies. Once again, it's become hard to get, and you may have to be a little patient before Nikon decides to manufacture another run of them.

[Dajuan]

Actually, I wouldn't consider the 35mm a portrait lens. The 50 would fall into that description only when used on a cropped sensor, like you D5000. I've always been taught that portrait lenses start at 85mm, while the 50mm (full frame) would be an environmental lens (scenic).

[autofocus]

Originally Posted by Dajuan

Actually, I wouldn't consider the 35mm a portrait lens. The 50 would fall into that description only when used on a cropped sensor, like you D5000. I've always been taught that portrait lenses start at 85mm, while the 50mm (full frame) would be an environmental lens (scenic).

OK, operative word "limited budget"..the 35 at $200 fills that bill.. not to mention the OP as a newbie trying to shoot fast moving kids would want a lens that will autofocus. That considered, what would you recommend?