Nikon Nifty 50 or 35 f1.8

Tractor Boy

Tractor Boy

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Nick
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As title really.

Have decided that I need/ would like a good fast prime for indoors stuff and the kids etc and can't decide between the (nifty fifty) 50 f1.8 and the 35 f1.8. My thoughts on the 35mm are that you can always crop in a bit if needed.

Just wondered if anyone had any experience of the two used on a crop sensor ( I have a D300) :shrug:

Thanks
 
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i am also looking for the same as you im using a D60 i think im going to opt for the 50 1.4.
 
I had the 50mm and now have the 35mm, both f1.8. Both on D300s.

I think the bokeh is a little nicer on the 50mm, but I found the focal length a bit restrictive as a general purpose lens - better for portraits though.

The 35mm suits me much better.
 
using a D60, went for the 35mm (which I bought only yesterday, and now there's one for sale on here :bang: ) as I thought it gave the clearer image
 
Never used the 35mm but use the 50mm around 75% of time (AFS 1.4). I use this on a D300 and find focal length about right. Sometimes I will find myself needed shorter (typically small groups indoor, so put the Tamron on), other times I wish I had the 85mm, but overall, find it just right most of the time. But then most shots are of babies and kids who are smaller and often head/shoulders shots.

Have a look through your shots and see what lengths you shoot at, or keep your zoom on 35mm for a while, then redo the shots at 50mm and see which is best.
 
cambsno said:
Have a look through your shots and see what lengths you shoot at, or keep your zoom on 35mm for a while, then redo the shots at 50mm and see which is best.
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Thanks for the comments folks, I think I will have a play around as Simon suggested and see what what suits best. The 35mm AF-S in the for sale section just got me thinking a bit and that's never good for the bank balance :suspect:.
 
Or, dump primes and get a 24-70... was very tempted by Puddleduck's but he took it off before I could hit the button!
 
Nick, I'm having the same dilemma bud and, having read extensively, I think I'm going to opt for the 35mm f/1.8. Might regret it but it's not as though there's a shortage of 50mm glass on here!

It appears to me that the 35mm is a more rounded walkabout lens whilst the 50mm is better suited to portrait photography. Knowing I do none of the latter, the 35mm suits!
 
cambsno said:
Or, dump primes and get a 24-70... was very tempted by Puddleduck's but he took it off before I could hit the button!
Click to expand...

If only I had the money!! I think if I spent that kind of money on a lens I would get hung :suspect:

Astraeus said:
Nick, I'm having the same dilemma bud and, having read extensively, I think I'm going to opt for the 35mm f/1.8. Might regret it but it's not as though there's a shortage of 50mm glass on here!

It appears to me that the 35mm is a more rounded walkabout lens whilst the 50mm is better suited to portrait photography. Knowing I do none of the latter, the 35mm suits!
Click to expand...

Having played about last night I think that 50 actually suits what I need so will probably save smoe dosh and go for the nifty fifty when I find one.

Have you seen the 35 AF-S in the classifieds as this is what started me thinking :shrug:

Nick
 
go for the 35mm I'd say ;) no ulterior motive whatsoever to my recommendation :p

but naa in seriousness, the 35mm is great for walkies and 50mm for portraits. I considered a 50mm but baulked at the £300 price tag but either will leave you smiling
 
if you're primarily going to be using the fast lens for indoor shots, then the 35mm would be more useful.
I've got a 50mm Nikon and whenever I want to take a photo indoors, I always have a small voice in my head say "You should have got the 35mm".
 
Tractor Boy said:
If only I had the money!! I think if I spent that kind of money on a lens I would get hung :suspect:



Having played about last night I think that 50 actually suits what I need so will probably save smoe dosh and go for the nifty fifty when I find one.

Have you seen the 35 AF-S in the classifieds as this is what started me thinking :shrug:

Nick
Click to expand...

There have been a couple of 35mms on sale on here lately but I'm off to New York and can get a better price on a new one from B&H Photo & Video (£120). I suppose, for a profit, I could bring you one back. :nono: :suspect:

I just think I'll find myself saying "I wish I had the 35mm" if I bought the 50mm than I would be saying "I wish I had the 50mm" if I bought the 35mm. I can always step forward to take a photo but I can't always step back. :thumbs:
 
I have both the 35 f1.8 and the 50 f1.4 afs and they are both great lenses and sharp wide open. It solely depends on the amount of room you have and whether yo can back up enough to use the 50, generally the 35mm is more useful indoors on a dx sensor.

I find image quality very similar, bokeh not particularly fantastic on either.

I say go for the 35mm!
 
I have the 50mm f1.8 and love it, it is excellent for portraits on a cropped sensor,and in my opinion full body shots (lots on my site). I think its one lens all Nikon shooters should for its quality at a very low price. I dont think the extra cost of the f1.4 is worthwhile and doubt many people would use it wide open much, I rarely shoot my 1.8 wide open these days as my D90 still good at 3200iso. I never use the 50mm as a walkabout lens I prefer a zoom, usually a Nikon 28-105 f3.5, excellent sharp lens by the way and can be had v reasonable secondhand.
 
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