What’s Your Preference?

dbevisjr · #1 (**permalink**) 10-24-2010, 10:24 PM

I am wanting to get a prime lens for my Nikon D60. I am considering two different lenses. First the 35mm f/1.8 AF-S DX, and second the 50mm f/1.8 AF. I know that I will not have autofocus if I go with the 50mm and the difference in the DOF at f/1.8 for either lens is minute. I am hoping to hear from members who have used BOTH and found that they clearly favor one or the other, and why. TIA

OsmosisStudios · #2 (**permalink**) 10-24-2010, 10:52 PM

I prefer the 50. The 35 has a sort of "sterile" feeling to it. Dont know what it is, btu it's just not as "nice" as the 50. Of course, the 50 has always AF-ed for me, and when it doesnt I have a split-prism (Ie on my FE)

dbevisjr · #3 (**permalink**) 10-24-2010, 11:08 PM

But will the 50mm AF autofocus on a DX body? It was my understanding that it does not. If it does then that will make my decision so much easier. I was torn between the auto on the AF-S and the quality of the image with the AF that I must focus myself. When I had my AE-1 I had the split prism and it rather spoiled me but the D60 lacks that feature and is difficult to focus manually (at least with the kit lenses I already have). Thanks Osmosis.

vandergus · #4 (**permalink**) 10-24-2010, 11:19 PM

I started with the 50mm but went to the 35mm f1.8 because I didn't like the field of view of the 50. I understand what OS is saying about how it can look sterile, though. I think the newer "designed for digital" lenses really go for the contrast. Some people call it pop others may think it looks artificial. I have an old 28mm f2 from back in the film age and it definitely has different look than the 35mm f1.8 despite being of similar focal length. It's largely a personal preference thing and you'll have to decide for yourself on that one.

OsmosisStudios · #5 (**permalink**) 10-24-2010, 11:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dbevisjr

But will the 50mm AF autofocus on a DX body?

On a DX body? yeah. Just not on the D40/40x/60/3000/5000/3100 bodies. You need AF-S for that. But on the D50/70/80/90/100/200/300/300s/1/2h/2x/2xs it works great.

dbevisjr · #6 (**permalink**) 10-25-2010, 12:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OsmosisStudios

On a DX body? yeah. Just not on the D40/40x/60/3000/5000/3100 bodies. You need AF-S for that. But on the D50/70/80/90/100/200/300/300s/1/2h/2x/2xs it works great.

OK. I have the D60. I think I have mostly made my mind up on the 50mm already though. If I need the speed of the AF I will just have to use the 18-55 AF-S that I have. When this lens is in my bag I will be able to start research on a macro. Thanks Osmosis.

dbevisjr · #7 (**permalink**) 10-25-2010, 12:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vandergus

I started with the 50mm but went to the 35mm f1.8 because I didn't like the field of view of the 50. I understand what OS is saying about how it can look sterile, though. I think the newer "designed for digital" lenses really go for the contrast. Some people call it pop others may think it looks artificial. I have an old 28mm f2 from back in the film age and it definitely has different look than the 35mm f1.8 despite being of similar focal length. It's largely a personal preference thing and you'll have to decide for yourself on that one.

Thanks vandergus. Since the 50mm is just over half the price of the 35mm I will start with it and if not pleased I will look into the 35 later. I wish my local shop rented lenses. Then I could try both before making the decision. Glad I have a better job now than I did the first time I started this hobby.

TheMoons678 · #8 (**permalink**) 10-25-2010, 04:01 AM

35mm AF-S f/1.8: $175

selling the D60 body for $275, buying a D80 body for $375 (~$100 upgrade)
50mm f/1.8 AF: $90

I chose to go with the latter option.

dbevisjr · #9 (**permalink**) 10-26-2010, 12:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheMoons678

35mm AF-S f/1.8: $175

selling the D60 body for $275, buying a D80 body for $375 (~$100 upgrade)
50mm f/1.8 AF: $90

I chose to go with the latter option.

Actually I started thinking about that this morning at work. But one difference. Buy the 50mm now so I have it for the holidays and upgrade the body in the springtime. Thanks for your input.