Nikon Lens Advise Wanted

[jeanneholverstott]

I have the following two lens with my Nikon D90:
AF-S VR Zoom-NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED
AF-S DX VR NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G

Opinions/advice would be highly appreciated on the following:
1. DoF is a high priority to me. Should I upgrade to the f/1.8 50mm?
2. What are the major differences between the 35mm and 50mm (with comparable f-stops)? Is one "better" than the other?

As you might guess from my questions, I am new to this world of photography (something everyone says). Any advice you have is appreciated.

[Digidave]

Keep in mind that with a fixed focus length lens, your feet will be doing the zooming. You don't mention what camera so I'll assume it's a DX body with a crop factor.

I own the Nikkor 50mm & it can get a little tight in small spaces. If I had the option of a cheap 35mm at the time I would gone for it instead of the 50mm. That would probably be your best bet for a beginner.

[Fraucha]

His camera is a D90, so I would get the Nikkor 35mm f1.8 for about $200, the crop factor makes it about a 53mm lens. It's fast, clean and cheap. If you go to a 50mm you are getting about a 75mm (crop factor). I carry the 35 in my pocket regardless of what I have mounted on camera.

[Almond.Butterscotch]

+1 on the 35mm. I love that little thing. Its cheap ($200), light, small, fast, and a great focal length for general purpose use. It's my workhorse, I use it for everything.

Shameless plug: Nikon 35mm f/1.8 - a set on Flickr

[Shokinen]

35mm is a focal lenght I really like.

My 16-85mm is the lens I'm probably using the most due to the convinience, and I'
m very often at 35mm.

It is a personnal choice based on what you are shooting the most and the situation you have encounter. Some like it, others hate it.

Go through your pictures, and see if you are using the 55mm end or the mid range of your 18-55. It'll give you an idea.

[scootermcq]

I have both lenses. I love them both, and they both have their places. If you are shooting where you have space, I would suggest the 50mm. It will compress the background more and give you more of the bokeh that you desire. I should also mention that the 35mm gives your subject unnatural proportions if you are shooting too close to the subject, where the 50mm gives you a more natural look. For things like a head shot, I would not grab the 35mm, but the 50mm.