What is a good 50mm for the Nikdon D60?

[eleysanne]

I want to get a 50mm is to practice my portrait skills and learn how to let go of the zoom (on my kit lens).

I am still pretty new to photography, and I am looking to buy a decently priced 50mm lens for my Nikon D60. Unfortunately, I read online somewhere that the Nikon 50mm f/1.8 D doesn't autofocus with the D60...

How important is the autofocus? Do I have other alternatives with AF for less than $200?

Thanks in advance for any ideas!

[RLucas]

Hey eleysanne! I'm sorry, but you probably will not be able to find much that will autofocus on your camera for under $400.00 or so. To me, on my D40 with the 50mm 1.8, and no split prism focus indicator, it was a major PITA to focus for me. The little focus confirmation dot was blinking all the time. You may have better luck with it than I did.

If you don't mind going a little wider, you can pick up the 35mm af-s for right around $200.00 or so. You may be able to pick it up a little cheaper used.
Nikon Nikkor Lens - 35 mm - F/1.8 - Nikon F

[autofocus]

Sound advice Luke...and the 35 is supposed to be a pretty good lens (don't own one though)

[eleysanne]

thanks for the feedback, guys!

I had been looking at the 35mm lens, but thought it might be too wide for my taste. Since you recommended it, I went back to flickr and looked at pictures taken with the 35mm one, and there was less distortion than what I was expecting...

I just ordered one and it will hopefully come in before Christmas! (my present to myself =P)

Thanks again for all the input!

[lerabu]

Just to chip in

I think that with the crop factor on the D60 a 35mm is like a 50mm on film no?

[RLucas]

Originally Posted by lerabu

Just to chip in

I think that with the crop factor on the D60 a 35mm is like a 50mm on film no?

You are correct. You will have the same field of view as 52.5mm on a Full Frame or 35mm film camera. Assuming the crop factor is 1.5.