Can't decide - which lens?

Rosiebud · 15 Feb 2013

I have funds for a new lens :clap:

Hubby is buying me a Nikon AF-S 80-200 2.8 but now I'm undecided between a Nikon 50mm 1.4G and a Nikon 85mm 1.8G - would love the Nikon 85mm 1.4 but funds don't run into those figures!

Any advice would be greatly appreciated

musicalbloke · 15 Feb 2013

If it were me, I'd go with the 50mm purely because the 85mm would overlap the 80-200mm.

rjbell · 15 Feb 2013

If you are going for a 50mm f1.4 i would be tempted to go with the 50mm f1.8 leaving enough money for the 35mm f1.8 too. Not sure what you shoot but i find the 35mm focal length much more useful than a 50mm on a crop sensor camera like yours and mine.

PaulButler · 15 Feb 2013

What other lenses do you have?

Rosiebud · 15 Feb 2013

I've already got the 35mm f1.8 plus a Tamron 17-50 f2.8

The only other lens I'd like is the 105mm f2.8 purely for fun as I'm interested in macro although I mainly do pet portraits

PaulButler · 15 Feb 2013

You are pretty well covered from 17 up to 200 with some nice glass. The 85mm is a very nice portrait lens, even on DX but can sometimes be a little long if indoors. Both the 50mm 1.8 & 1.4 are nice lenses, if you have no specific need for f1.4 then the f1.8 version is in my view a better buy. The 17-50 tammy will cover most 50mm needs though ...

One worth thinking about is the Tamron 60mm f2 macro lens - it is a really nice portrait lens on DX and a good macro lens - it is DX only though. Also a UWA lens like a Tokina 11-16mm f2.8 - lovely lens this.

simonblue · 15 Feb 2013

Me I would go for the 50mm F1.4,with the range you have already got I think the 50mm would be the best buy

jeff6125 · 15 Feb 2013

I'd echo the thoughts of the others too. Get the 50mm f1.4 unless you know you have a specific need for 85mm you'll end up debating which lens and miss the shot.

HoppyUK · 16 Feb 2013

Rosiebud said:
I have funds for a new lens

Hubby is buying me a Nikon AF-S 80-200 2.8 but now I'm undecided between a Nikon 50mm 1.4G and a Nikon 85mm 1.8G - would love the Nikon 85mm 1.4 but funds don't run into those figures!

Any advice would be greatly appreciated

Wait till you get the new zoom and have had a chance to use it. You will have both 50mm and 85mm covered either way so the question is really which focal length you want with a very low f/number.