Nikkor 35mm 1.8 vs 50mm 1.4

[alekseyy]

Hi everyone,
I have a nikon d3000 and I am still using 18-55 lens that came with the body.
Now I want to upgrade my lens and I need an advice from you guys.
I shoot all kinds of subjects: nature, people, events, etc., I still didn't find one subject that I really really like
My 18-55 lens does not perform well in dark setting with natural light.

Okay, so I know that 50mm 1.4 lens is superior to 35mm, but my my problem is price. 35mm is almost twice cheaper.
Do you think it is worthwhile to save up more for 50mm or should I go with 35mm?
The main reason why I hesitate is that I don't want to regret later that I didn't buy 50mm.
Another question is, do you think it is worth it to have both 50mm and 35mm? Don't they mostly cover the same needs?

Thanks

[RecurrentNerve]

Firstly, no, it's not really worth having both. Personally I think the 35mm is better value. The difference in max aperture is negligible, and the difference in focal length can be made up by standing closer!

I have just bought the 35mm myself and am really pleased with it. You will definitely notice a difference in quality compared to your 18-55, and you certainly won't regret getting it.

[vandergus]

I shot with the 50mm f1.8 for a while and didn't really like the focal length. It tends to limit you to tighter, single subject shots. If that's what you want then get the 50mm f1.4. I ended up selling mine, though, and getting the 35mm f1.8. Definitely a better focal length for me. I would even go wider if anything were available but 35mm is close enough. It sees a lot of time on my D40.

As for owning both eventually, I think they could both have a place in your bag. I use a 60mm lens along side my 35mm and they compliment each other nicely. Ya know, for when I want those tight, single subject shots.

[inkista]

The main reasons to get the 50/1.4, in my view, would be if you plan on moving to full frame in the near future, or if you plan on using the lens stopped down to f/8 a lot.

I'd suggest looking at the dpreview test data, comparing the two lenses directly, to see what I mean.

[ravncat]

I think the choice is pretty dependant on focal length, you can forget the aperture for this, they're both good, which focal length do you like working with

[alekseyy]

Thank you very much for your opinions!
I think I will stick with buying 35mm and later get a 85mm or something.

[AmyH19]

The 35mm should suit your needs right now, it's a very nice little lens for the money, way better than your 18-55, I've had both lenses.

The 50mm 1.4 would be better suited to portrait photography.

[senorpyz]

I'd go for the 35mm, its cheaper and its a better focal length for a DX sensor

the 50mm would be better for a FX sensor

[olive]

I have both and I tend to favor the 35mm on the d5000. I get a better range of creativity and plain nicer, clearer shots.