50mm lens question
Mar 10, 2018 08:29:44 #
Would like to hear input as to buying a 50mm lens, I use a Nikon crop sensor camera (D3200) and need to choose between f/1.8 and f/1.4 Nikkor lens. Any suggestions?
Mar 10, 2018 08:41:30 #
nimblenuts wrote:
Would like to hear input as to buying a 50mm lens, I use a Nikon crop sensor camera (D3200) and need to choose between f/1.8 and f/1.4 Nikkor lens. Any suggestions?
The difference between f/1.8 and f/1.4, when it comes to DoF and shooting in low light, isn't all that great. Unless you need f/1.4 for a specific reason go with the f/1.8.
Mar 10, 2018 08:49:57 #
Many say the "nifty fifty" should be in everybody's bag, and for it's utility and low light capability I would tend to agree with that. We have the Nikon f/1.4, and for many years it was my wife's favorite lens (she's also a photographer) In the past, I remember reading test results for both the Canon and Nikon f/1.8 and less expensive versions, and both were very well reviewed, and quite on par with the more expensive f/1.4 counterparts. If money is no object buy the f/1.4, but I'm not sure if it buys you much over the less expensive f/1.8 models, and I might be tempted to recommend that, and save some money. Good luck with your decision.
Mar 10, 2018 08:51:28 #
It depends on your use. Do you realy need that extra 2/3 stop to offset the price? If you primarily do indoor low light and out of hand, you may need it. If you use a tripod or outside, the stop is highly debatable. I have the 1.8 and never needed any wider.
Mar 10, 2018 08:52:15 #
Save your money and get the f1.8. Like Mac said the difference in low light shooting between them is not that much.
Plus it has been said that the f1.8 is a little sharper than the f1.4.
will
Plus it has been said that the f1.8 is a little sharper than the f1.4.
will
Mar 10, 2018 09:20:52 #
Mac wrote:
The difference between f/1.8 and f/1.4, when it comes to DoF and shooting in low light, isn't all that great. Unless you need f/1.4 for a specific reason go with the f/1.8.
The difference is small and I personally don't use the lens wide open any way. However, I would pick the f/2.0 lens if available than the f/1.8. I hate the in between stop.
Mar 10, 2018 09:30:22 #
nimblenuts wrote:
Would like to hear input as to buying a 50mm lens, I use a Nikon crop sensor camera (D3200) and need to choose between f/1.8 and f/1.4 Nikkor lens. Any suggestions?
As above, a lot depends upon what you use the lens for. You also have to remember that a 50 on a crop sensor is equivilent to a 75 on a full frame. So if you want the same angle of view a 35 would be closer
Mar 10, 2018 20:03:43 #
Kiwi1
Loc: New Zealand
boberic wrote:
As above, a lot depends upon what you use the lens for. You also have to remember that a 50 on a crop sensor is equivilent to a 75 on a full frame. So if you want the same angle of view a 35 would be closer
Yes, I agree was my first thought why are you buying a 50mm for DX as its a bit restricting unless you were thinking of it for portrait use. I have both the 50mm FX 1.8, 50mm 1.2 and 35mm 1.8 DX. I have had 50mm 1.4's in the past but they tend to soften when used at 1.4. In fact most of the reviews I have seen place the 50mm 1.8 sharper across the range than the 1.4. In fact when the 50mm was compared to the Sigma 1.4 it showed just how average the Nikon was.
So if it was a 'normal' lens you were thinking to get you can't go passed the 35mm 1.8 DX and its a steal at the price. I think I have mostly read in every DX kit the 35mm is a 'must have' not the 50mm as there are much better choices for portrait like the 85mm 1.8.
Mar 10, 2018 21:06:51 #
nimblenuts wrote:
Would like to hear input as to buying a 50mm lens, I use a Nikon crop sensor camera (D3200) and need to choose between f/1.8 and f/1.4 Nikkor lens. Any suggestions?
There are reasons why both lenses are manufactured. Do your research and find out those reasons. Who uses each lens can also be of great value to you. Good luck in your quest and let us know which you have chosen.
Mar 10, 2018 21:08:50 #
Mar 10, 2018 23:04:04 #
nimblenuts wrote:
Would like to hear input as to buying a 50mm lens, I use a Nikon crop sensor camera (D3200) and need to choose between f/1.8 and f/1.4 Nikkor lens. Any suggestions?
Answers will be useful to you only if those responding know what you want to gain from purchasing the lens.
Mar 10, 2018 23:06:55 #
Looking to create decent bokeh and have good image quality. Some for portraits.
Mar 10, 2018 23:22:47 #
nimblenuts wrote:
Looking to create decent bokeh and have good image quality. Some for portraits.
Well, the 50 will do all of those things quite well, however, a longer lens will produce better decoupled backgrounds (bokeh) than the 50. Image quality will be there, but remember, image quality is as much about the photographer as it is the gear. It's fine for portraits, we used ours extensively for portrait work. That's all well and good, but for what you're looking for an f/1.8 85mm might be a better consideration...you will just need a little more distance between you and the subject for portrait work. Hope this helps.
Mar 11, 2018 07:19:52 #
nimblenuts wrote:
Would like to hear input as to buying a 50mm lens, I use a Nikon crop sensor camera (D3200) and need to choose between f/1.8 and f/1.4 Nikkor lens. Any suggestions?
f/1.8. It's cheaper, smaller, lighter, and very good at taking pictures. Do you really have to capture a speck more light?
Mar 11, 2018 08:04:08 #
The difference between f/1.4 and f/1.8 is not that significant. Also consider Tamron's new SP series prime lenses. The reason is that they all have vibration compensation. They also have a metal lens barrel and are fully weather sealed. I purchased the 45mm SP VC f/1.8 for my Nikons. I use it for model photo shoots where using a tripod is not practical.
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