Portrait lens?

[lynweber]

I have a D5000 and I have a 18-55 and 55-200 lense. I am looking for a good portrait lense. I have been told that the 50mm 1.8 would be good any other comparables? Doenst have to be Nikon. I am shooting indoors currently in studio if that matters.

Thanks!

[ddr]

budget?

nikon 35mm f/1.8
sigma 50mm f/1.4

[Shokinen]

They 50mm f/1.8 will not auto-focus on your D5000.

You will have to look at the 35mm f/1.8 (280$) or the 50mm f/1.4 (580$).

[lynweber]

budget less then $200.

[Shokinen]

Than you'll have to manually focus with the 50mm.

[Skippy2]

Originally Posted by Shokinen

They 50mm f/1.8 will not auto-focus on your D5000.

You will have to look at the 35mm f/1.8 (280$) or the 50mm f/1.4 (580$).

Does the Nikon 50mm f/1.8 auto focus with the D80? and what is the difference other than price when shooting portraits between the 50mm f/1.8 and the f/1.4, not sure which one to go for.

Thanks

Skip xx

[Shokinen]

Yes it will. The D80 has a built-in motor to auto-focus with these lenses.

The difference is that you will be able to increase your shutterspeed in order to get the same exposure. It basically a faster lens.

Honestly, unless you have a real specific need, I wouldn't spend that much money for a prime.

[OsmosisStudios]

Originally Posted by Skippy2

Does the Nikon 50mm f/1.8 auto focus with the D80? and what is the difference other than price when shooting portraits between the 50mm f/1.8 and the f/1.4, not sure which one to go for.

Thanks

Skip xx

Yup: the D80 has a built-in motor for the AF system on that lens to work.

the differences between the 50 1.4 and 50 1.8 are subtle, but important. First and foremost is the obvious: 2/3 of a stop more aperture. This means more less and shallower depth of field. it also means that at f/1.8, the 1.4 version is already stopped for a bit, and is therefore sharper than the 1.8 is at the same aperture. Past about f/4 though theyre comparable.

The 1.4 also has nicer bokeh than the 1.8.