35mm f/1.8 or 50mm f/1.8

[bigben6]

Ahhhh i cannot decide... esentially they are priced identically

the 35mm is 196

the 50mm is 216 and 20 bucks is not enough difference to sway me....

Seems like IQ is identical....
I just want something light and fast, i will be shooting on a D40 so i have a cropped sensor which makes them both zoom some, so I am leaning to the 35mm so it is usable indoors, but then i worry at night or in the gym i wont have enough zoom, can anyone sway me either way with personal experience?

[kirbinster]

Well long ago when they made 35mm film SLRs they decided that the best general purpose lens was 50mm, not 75mm. That said on a crop body camera you should most likely follow that logic and buy the 35mm, which will behave similarly to a 50mm on a film or FX body camera.

[IABoomer]

I own the 35mm on a D5000, and there have been instances where I'd like to be closer to 24mm because the 35mm in a smaller room is a bit tight. I can't imagine what the 50mm would be like.

I'd say start with the 35mm now, then save for a 70-200 for shooting sports if that's your thing.

[bigben6]

Originally Posted by IABoomer

I own the 35mm on a D5000, and there have been instances where I'd like to be closer to 24mm because the 35mm in a smaller room is a bit tight. I can't imagine what the 50mm would be like.

I'd say start with the 35mm now, then save for a 70-200 for shooting sports if that's your thing.

And thats a solid argument, because with the 35mm i can shoot indoors without a flash (im assuming) and that would make my gear MUCH MUCH lighter....

[mbrobich]

Sell your D40 body for $200. Sell your 18-55 for $75. That makes $275 plus the $200 you were going to spend and upgrade your camera to the D5100 that has an amazingly low light sensitive sensor and use your 18-105VR on it. That will make all the difference.

Also sell your speed light if its not TTL compliant and get one that is. I have a cheap $80 Vivitar that is TTL and it is WOW for indoor shooting. Adjusts for whatever exposure the meter tells it.

You'll have a much faster and much better sensor and won't have spent much more money. I think this is one of those instances where you can say "It's not always about the lenses.."

My 2 cents....Good luck !!

[bigben6]

Originally Posted by mbrobich

Sell your D40 body for $200. Sell your 18-55 for $75. That makes $275 plus the $200 you were going to spend and upgrade your camera to the D5100 that has an amazingly low light sensitive sensor and use your 18-105VR on it. That will make all the difference.

Also sell your speed light if its not TTL compliant and get one that is. I have a cheap $80 Vivitar that is TTL and it is WOW for indoor shooting. Adjusts for whatever exposure the meter tells it.

You'll have a much faster and much better sensor and won't have spent much more money. I think this is one of those instances where you can say "It's not always about the lenses.."

My 2 cents....Good luck !!

The HOPE was to get the prime for Xmas, I am torn with your idea, have been for a bit, as I do not need to sell the d40, it works as intended, reliable, but i know the current crop of entry level DSLR's are MUCH better in low light and at higher ISO's.....

[Fishpic]

I have both a 35 and a 50. Not sure I have ever used either in a gym....I prefer the 35 in most cases when I am on my feet and the 50 when I am fixed.

[bigben6]

As a follow up, i went to a couple in door Xmas parties and made myself shoot @ 35mm and 50mm for periods of time, this forced me to think about how i will have to position myself and ease of use with either lens.

I then marked off 10-15-and 20 foot distances and shoot my daughter at 50mm, 35mm, then stayed at 35mm and moved up so where i was framing identically to the 50mm shot.

These two exercises were great, firstly cause it made it apparent to ME that i want the 35mm without question, and secondly, it was just good exercise in how focal length changes things even if it is only 15mm.

[mbrobich]

Excellent of you to do this. Great learning tool !

Congrats on making the decision !

Originally Posted by bigben6

As a follow up, i went to a couple in door Xmas parties and made myself shoot @ 35mm and 50mm for periods of time, this forced me to think about how i will have to position myself and ease of use with either lens.

I then marked off 10-15-and 20 foot distances and shoot my daughter at 50mm, 35mm, then stayed at 35mm and moved up so where i was framing identically to the 50mm shot.

These two exercises were great, firstly cause it made it apparent to ME that i want the 35mm without question, and secondly, it was just good exercise in how focal length changes things even if it is only 15mm.