Nikkor Prime Lens 35mm or 50mm

[flomaster]

ok so I currently have 2 Nikkor Lenses. an 18-135mm F/3.5-5.6 AF-S DX and an 70-300mm F/4-5.6 AF.

I am looking for a lens that is better suited for taking indoor shots. we have a new baby and I'd love to capture those moments.

so I am looking for the Pros and Cons of the Nikkor 35mm and 50mm glass

I am using a D80 so having an AF-S lens is not a MUST have I'd like to save money but none of these are out of my price range.
-=Jason=-
Nikon 50mm f/1.4D Auto Focus AF Nikkor Lens - with 5 Year U.S.A. Warranty $324.95





Nikon 50mm f/1.8D AF Standard Auto Focus Nikkor Lens - with 5 Year U.S.A. Warranty $124.95









Nikon 35mm f/1.8G AF-S DX Wide Angle Auto Focus Nikkor Lens - U.S.A. Warranty $199.95






Nikon 35mm f/2D AF Wide Angle Auto Focus Nikkor Lens - with 5 Year U.S.A. Warranty $359.95

[Nicole]

I voted for the 50mm f/1.4, but really, I'd say they're all good choices (though I have no experience with the 35mm lenses). In any case, to decide whether the 50mm or the 35mm is better suited to you, I'd suggest trying out both focal lengths using your 18-135mm lens. For some people, the 50mm is too long for indoors and they prefer the 35mm. I've had both the 50mm f/1.8 and the f/1.4 (the f/1.4 is what I have now). I find that I get much nicer contrast with the f/1.4 than I did with the f/1.8. I happen to like the 50mm length though, so that's why I'm partial to that.

[toddybear]

I have the 50mm 1.4 and it is not a lens that I use often. I think that the 35mm 1.8 is a better choice.

[flomaster]

Thanks for your input Nicole if I did buy the 50mm it would be the F/1.4 for sure.

Toddybear, why don't you use your 50mm very often if I might ask? do you have another lens you have on the camera XX% of the time?

-=Jason=-

[toddybear]

Most of the time I am using a 17-50 f/2.8 or a 85mm. The 50 is nice but I think that 35mm gives a better perspective on a DX.

[flomaster]

Originally Posted by toddybear

Most of the time I am using a 17-50 f/2.8 or a 85mm. The 50 is nice but I think that 35mm gives a better perspective on a DX.

Cool thanks for the info.

I can always or most of the time take a couple steps close with a 35mm with a 50 you might not have the option to take the steps back. so its a toss up.

I really want the 50mm for the 1.4 ability, but would love to have the 35mm for the focal length.


while reading Ken Rockwell The Nikon FX Dream Teamhe says for a DX body the 3 pieces of Glass to have in your bag should be Nikon 10-24mm Nikon 35mm f/1.8 Nikon 55-200mm VR

seems like you would be covering all the bases with these 3 lens. so I am leaning towards the 35mm more and more.

-=Jason=-

[flomaster]

I am going to play around with my 18-135 at 35mm and 50mm and see which focal length I like and buy that lens.

-=Jason=-

[flomaster]

thats is I am buying the 35mm lens got home and started taking photos inside my small house and found the 50mm to be more then I like. plus a 35mm on my 1.6 crop camera is more like a true 50mm anyways thanks for the help guys

-=Jason=-