Ahealy4

I currently own a Nikon d5100. I purchased and have used a Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 35mm 1:1.8G lens. I love the lens. I have read quite a bit about the equivalent 50mm lens 1.8G lens. Most of my photography is family pictures. I take vacation pictures but would like to start using my camera more. Should I purchase and own both? Will I see a big difference?

MtnMan Loc: ID

With the 5100 you want the f1.8 35mm. The 50mm acts as a 75mm telephoto. Too short for most telephoto needs and too long for indoor use.

I have both because I use the 50mm on my FX D800. (Wife still has the D5100 I got the 35mm for.) The D800 has an in-camera focus motor so I was able to buy the older model for it for $126 new and it works like a G lens on your camera.

amehta Loc: Boston

I do not think you will see a big difference. I shoot with prime lenses most of the time, and I find it is easier if they do not have similar focal lengths. Otherwise I might as well use a zoom. :-)

If you want a second prime, the Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.8G would give you a much different type of picture than your 35mm.

oldtigger Loc: Roanoke Virginia-USA

i shoot both fx and ff so have both 35 and 50 but if i had only the FX camera i would pair the 35mm with an 85mm

jimmya Loc: Phoenix

If the Nikon 50 is anything like my Canon 50 then you'd really enjoy a 50. I use mine for indoor portraits under window light and love it.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

The two Nikon lenses are both rated very sharp and 'fast' with the same maximum aperture. The difference will be in the perspective of a longer focal length. As you may know already, the 35mm on a DX camera provides an equivalent field of view of 52mm or approximately the same as your eyes. What you see through the camera's view finder is the same as what you see when you lower the camera away from your eyes. The 50mm on a DX camera is about 80mm or a sight 'zoom'. So, standing (or sitting) the same distance from the same subject, your 50mm will zoom in closer to the subject than the 35mm when mounted to your D5100. You'll have a harder time capture a wide group when indoors as there might not be enough space to back-up to capture the wider scene. Now, if you're in a group and want to capture individuals, the 50mm on a DX model will capture individuals near to you in a way you'd have to get much closer if using the 35mm in the same situation. I enjoy a 50mm on the Canon equivalent models to the D5100 in outdoor walkaround situations such as a garden or indoors in museums. You can get in close for details without having to get in as close as the 35mm lens.

dandi Loc: near Seattle, WA

I have D5100 and these three lenses. I totally agree with this advice. You will benefit much more from AF-S 85/1.8- excellent lens. 35 mm and 85 mm - will take care of most of your family pictures, I think.

RH-1

Reply to CHG CANON. Agree particularly w first sentences.
35mms for DX 50mms for FX. I have 50 mms fast glass for my d7100 and d5300 -- not very useful.