Nikon 50mm f/1.8D or Nikon 50mm f/1.8 AF-S

[knittybaker]

I just got D-7000 (body only) and wanted to buy the 50mm macro lens. I will be using it primarily for food photography, though I will use it for travel and outdoor photos too. I don't know whether I should get the 50mm f/1.8D or 50mm f/1.8 AF-S. The difference is one has the silent motor and price differential is $80. Is it worth getting the AF-S or is the D one good enough? Any input is appreciated!

[qoedjo]

try to compare the quality of bokeh for each
i know the bokeh for f/1.8D is superb
i dont know about f/1.8 AF-S one

[ravncat]

Originally Posted by knittybaker

I just got D-7000 (body only) and wanted to buy the 50mm macro lens. I will be using it primarily for food photography, though I will use it for travel and outdoor photos too. I don't know whether I should get the 50mm f/1.8D or 50mm f/1.8 AF-S. The difference is one has the silent motor and price differential is $80. Is it worth getting the AF-S or is the D one good enough? Any input is appreciated!

Neither the 50 1.8d nor 50 1.8 afs is a macro lens. Both are good options as a nice prime 50mm lens, and you can use extension tubes, a reversing ring or a closeup attachment to use them like a macro lens. The af-s is bigger the af-d is smaller, not sure of the quality differences between them yet, the 50 1.8 is still very new

[OsmosisStudios]

Originally Posted by qoedjo

try to compare the quality of bokeh for each
i know the bokeh for f/1.8D is superb
i dont know about f/1.8 AF-S one

Clearly you havent played with lenses with truly good bokeh then. The 50/1.8D is good because it's the first lens most people use to get truly shallow depth of field, so the bokeh is better than what it looks like at f/4 or so on most kit lenses. Try an 85/1.4 or the 200/2. Those have wonderful bokeh

[knittybaker]

I have not played much with bokeh. I currently own Sony P&S (DSC HX1) so the D7000 is quite an upgrade.

Ravncat - if the 50mm is not a true macro lens, which one would you recommend? I'm hoping to spend less than $350 if it's possible.

OsmosisStudios - those lenses are very nice but I'm working with a budget here and currently cannot afford such pricey lenses.

[scootermcq]

[QUOTE=knittybaker;1271254}
Ravncat - if the 50mm is not a true macro lens, which one would you recommend? I'm hoping to spend less than $350 if it's possible.
[/QUOTE]

You do not want a "true" macro for food photography. On a crop sensor, you have 23mm across at 1:1 ratio. Most food items are larger than 23mm. All you need is a lens capable of close focusing.

[knittybaker]

Thanks Scott.

I ordered the 50mm f/1.8 AF-S today, . Looking forward to using it!

[jleech]

Let us know how it works for you. I am also looking at that lense.
I am comparing with Nikon AF-S 35mm f/1.8G DX to see which to
purchase for walk around lense.
Thanks much

[RLucas]

Keep in mind the close focus distance for the lens as well.
The 50mm f/1.8 D close focus distance is 1.5'.
You can get the 35mm f/2 D in which the close focus is .8'. They are pricier though. about $300- $350 used.
Just a thought. I love mine, and the distortion is not bad either.

[mishu01]

Originally Posted by knittybaker

The difference is one has the silent motor and price differential is $80. Is it worth getting the AF-S or is the D one good enough?

Congrats for ordering the AF-S version. I have it and I can say that definitely deserves the extra $$$. It has a nicer bokeh than the "D" version and it is very good even wide open. I'm sure you will be delighted using it. It is very silent and the AF is quite fast and very precise.

I tested it with Kenko extension tubes and works very well.