Ikonomos Loc: Adelaide, South Australia

Hi,
I can't make up my mind on what to buy.
Nikon 50mm G 1.8 @$299
Nikon 35mm G 1.8 @ $ 650 ( used )
Nikkor 23mm AF 2.8 @ $295 (Used)
All in Australian dollars.
I am looking for a light weight lens to carry around all day on my 610, for street & landscape photography, occasionally with people included.
I need it to be fast also as I like shooting the above in low light & at night, both indoors & out.
I also have a limited budget of under $1000.
Any advice would be much appreciated.

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

I would get the 50mm but the 1.4, not the 1.8.
SS

CO

Also take a look at Tamron's new SP series prime lenses. They all have vibration compensation. They have a metal lens barrel and are fully weather sealed. I got the 45mm f/1.8 for my Nikons. The vibration compensation is great for situations where you can't use a tripod. The new lenses are the 35mm f/1.8, 45mm f/1.8, 85mm f/1.8, and 90mm f/2.8 macro.

dcampbell52 Loc: Clearwater Fl

I agree with Sharpshooter... Go with the 50mm but get the f/1.4. I have the 50mm 1.4 and use it almost exclusively for low light or portraits on both my D610 and my D7100. I also have a 10-24 Tamron but the f/stops are considerably higher. I also have an 18-70, a 70-300 and an 80-400 that I tend to use with most other shots. I primarily shoot real estate, portraits and nature so the zooms are more advantages to me but I love having the 50mm for its lowlight and general use.

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

Why would the average guy waste his money on a 1.4 in lieu of a 1.8? Most could not tell the difference and fewer would be shooting wide open all the time even if there were a big difference. Two thirds of a stop??

dcampbell52 Loc: Clearwater Fl

Quality of glass, diameter of the lens, and the cost difference isn't as much as the gain in utility and quality. And the ability to shoot as ISO 100 vs 200 or higher in many instances. Yes it isn't much but it could be the difference in hand holding and needing a tripod. If you need it you've got it. If you get the f/1.8 and end up needing the 1.4 than you have to sell the 1.8 at 1/3 to half the price you paid and then pay the difference. Do it right the first time and be done with it.

WayneT Loc: Paris, TN

You can pick up the 50mm f1.4D for as little as $200 US on eBay.

streetmarty Loc: Brockton, Ma

Another great answer!

streetmarty Loc: Brockton, Ma

https://www.nikonusa.com/en/nikon-store/refurbished-cameras.page#!/tag:8ps:Lenses

50mm 1.4 is a great lens, I have owned both 1.4 and 1.8. Also Nikon refurbished (from Nikon) is great. I have spent thousands and never had an issue, more than happy every time! Good luck.

DavidPine Loc: Fredericksburg, TX

The 24-120 f/4 is a great walking around lens.

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

I would wonder how many can really say the difference was worth the extra. Certainly there are some,but how many constantly use a small prime? Just saying that if it a major concern in your day to day shooting,than by all means go for it. If two thirds of a stop is a game changer and you often shoot wide open,be happy and get the 1.4. Just an opinion particularly for those that don't want to spend dollars for something that may be of limited benefit for them.

dcampbell52 Loc: Clearwater Fl

It depends. Do you REALY have to purchase NEW? Buy a refurbished or used lens. You can get the Nikkor 1.4 for about $50 to $100 more than the 1.8. If you are THAT concerned by the difference in cost versus quality, build and performance, then maybe you DO need to buy the f/1.8. But, if that is the case, then why ask others to justify your purchase. If you are serious about your equipment and want something that will allow you to eliminate the excuse of "well, its the best my lens would do" then fine, save the money and get the f/1.8 but don't ask for advice on which one to choose. If you don't like the advice then don't ask for it. Money isn't the ONLY difference in these two lenses. Are we comparing a G lens to a D lens? Auto focus to manual? Yes, on NEW lenses the price is high, but, you can get great used lenses for good prices. I got a Nikkor 50mm 1.4 lens in "A+ condition" for $120 dollars from B&H. They also have refurbished lenses and All have some kind of warranty.

Note: my prices are all in American dollars.
By the way DaveO, part of the difference is that I earn my living with my lenses. I consider my lenses to be an investment and not just a whim. However, the difference in the quality of glass and build offsets the more expensive price.

Mac Loc: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia now Hernando Co. Fl.

The 50mm, I love shooting with mine.

Mac Loc: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia now Hernando Co. Fl.

Deleted.

Mac Loc: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia now Hernando Co. Fl.

He says he likes to shoot landscape and street at night, so that extra may be of help to him in that type of photography.
I agree with what you say about "the average Guy", I have the f/1.4 and for me the f/1.8 would be fine, but in his shooting preference the f/1.4 may be better for him.