Just bought 50mm 1.8G, but have questions (Page 4): Hi Jean, Looking at your lens lineup, I have some similar focal lengths. But, I opted for the 85mm 1.4 for a carry around lens. For...

SonyBug

Hi Jean, Looking at your lens lineup, I have some similar focal lengths. But, I opted for the 85mm 1.4 for a carry around lens. For these reasons. It gets me back a little further for portraits. Backing down the f scale to 4 or 5.6 gets me more into the sweet spot of the lens and opens up the DOF. In low (really low) light, I can go all the way down to f1.4. But with the D810 going up to 6000 ISO helps more than the low F stops. I do have a 50 mm, or maybe it is a 55mm macro, but with the 85, I hardly use it. The main thing is to enjoy taking the pictures!

ABJanes Loc: Jersey Boy now Virginia

I had issues at first but found that stepping back 10' (crop later), stopping down to f2.8 (but not always) and increasing my ISO to 1600 or as needed really helped. I have also found this iPhone App very helpful https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/simple-dof-calculator/id301222730?mt=8 I am studying Neil Van Niekerk, a nationally recognized wedding photographer, he often drags his shutter 1/60-1/100, increases his ISO 1000-1600 and bounces his flash using TTL so you get just a kiss of light to fill in the lack of ambient light. He also does test shots with and without the flash and increases or decreases his flash intensity with the FEC on a Speedlight. I am still learning with this lens but the keepers really WOW me but it is tricky for sure. Checkout the App.

Jean Chang wrote:

I have a nice lens collection, but they are all ra... (show quote)

(Download)

jazzman1 Loc: South Of The Border

Jean Chang wrote:

I have a nice lens collection, but they are all ra... (show quote)

You just need to lean how to use it. You have to learn to Zoom with your feet. Backup for some shots, move closer for others. In the case you present I think a wide angle would serve you better. I have a 10-18mm that would have been great for you.

dynaquest1 Loc: Austin, Texas

Jean Chang wrote:

My equipment includes (all Nikon):
Cameras: D810 FX, D300 DX, (Also a D800 that I would like to sell.)
Lenses (Nikon):
300mm f/4
300mm f/4 PF
70-300VR
18-200VR (DX)
24-120VR
Sigma 10-20mm (DX)

I am very surprised at your equipment as it includes some expensive, semi-pro/pro bodies and lenses. That you have a D300 too, implies that you have have upgraded from Nikon's best DX to an FX D800 and now a D810. What surprises me is that the content your original question regarding a 50mm primes lens suggested that you were relatively new to photography. Seems to me that someone experienced enough to want to spend the money you have on high-end equipment would already have a 50mm prime much less not be familiar with the advantages and disadvantages of the most popular (focal length) lens in the history of photography.

ABJanes Loc: Jersey Boy now Virginia

As a newbie, I would agree, top of the line equipment does not fix poor technique. I bought my 50MM f1.8, then googled on how to best shoot with it and then the fog lifted, my results improved. I shot humming birds the other day and read for 2 hours about recommended techniques before I touched the camera and I got some awesome shots. I piece together my knowledge base technique by technique. The Internet is so helpful. he

dynaquest1 wrote:

I am very surprised at your equipment as it includ... (show quote)

ole sarg Loc: south florida

I think you will be better off with a pancake lens. I think canon has the 40mm and that is a good one for what you are using the camera for.

The 50 is really a ff lens. it becomes a tele with a crop sensor camera.

Pablo8 Loc: Nottingham UK.

[quote=oldtigger]Sounds as though you've just described a nifty fifty,
***********************************************
But, sounds to me like the description of a 50mm lens on a Full-Frame digital body. Giving the lens a 'Fancy Name' does not make it any better, than the purpose it was designed for. Just a Marketing Ploy, to con' people into thinking it must be something special. It has been the 35mm film camera standard focal length for many years. Long before Digital cameras came on the scene.

Jean Chang Loc: Massachusetts

dynaquest1 wrote:

I am very surprised at your equipment as it includ... (show quote)

No, I am not new to photography. Have been a photog for over ten years. However, nearly all of it has been nature photography, mostly birds. My website shows the type of photos I usually take: www.jeanachang.com

It's very different using long lenses all the time for tiny subjects, and then suddenly shift to a new type of subject material. Up until now, I have had no use for a 50mm. I only seldom took indoor shots, landscapes, or people. So when I read about how "necessary" the 50mm is, I wanted to see what all the hullabaloo was about.

Tom Kelley Loc: Roanoke, Virginia

Jean Chang wrote:

I have a nice lens collection, but they are all ra... (show quote)

Interesting that you posted this, since i was just considering the nifty fifty for my T3i. I have the Sigma 150-300 C for my Wildlife and an SX50 that i use for my closer shots since it is very portable and does a pretty good job and i occasionally use it for REALLY LONG shots.

I do however, find myself wanting a lens to use on the shorter end like the 18-200, but would also like a reasonably fast aperture for night shots of the sky, hence the nifty fifty consideration.

II guess I'll probably need to buy both, or does anyone have any suggestions?

Jean Chang Loc: Massachusetts

ole sarg wrote:

I think you will be better off with a pancake lens. I think canon has the 40mm and that is a good one for what you are using the camera for.

The 50 is really a ff lens. it becomes a tele with a crop sensor camera.

Thanks for the suggestion. I never heard of a pancake lens. Just looked on B&H, but they don't have one for the Nikon. I have a Nikon D810.

Jean Chang Loc: Massachusetts

ABJanes wrote:

As a newbie, I would agree, top of the line equipment does not fix poor technique. I bought my 50MM f1.8, then googled on how to best shoot with it and then the fog lifted, my results improved. I shot humming birds the other day and read for 2 hours about recommended techniques before I touched the camera and I got some awesome shots. I piece together my knowledge base technique by technique. The Internet is so helpful. he

Yes, most of my info comes from the internet, and of course trial and error, which takes a little longer. That's why I love this forum--so many helpful people and ideas.

Jean Chang Loc: Massachusetts

jazzman1 wrote:

You just need to lean how to use it. You have to learn to Zoom with your feet. Backup for some shots, move closer for others. In the case you present I think a wide angle would serve you better. I have a 10-18mm that would have been great for you.

Yes, I realize there is no zoom on it. Most of my shooting is with a 300mm prime, so I am used to walking back and forth. However, there is a world of difference in my 300mm lenses and the 50mm. After practicing more, I'm starting to like the little lens.

Jean Chang Loc: Massachusetts

ABJanes wrote:

I had issues at first but found that stepping back... (show quote)

Thanks for that info! I'll look into the app. Adorable images!

Jean Chang Loc: Massachusetts

nikonbug wrote:

Hi Jean, Looking at your lens lineup, I have some ... (show quote)

I don't really do much portrait work. I was just looking for something small and light weight to take along to indoor events. Thanks for the post!

gjgallager Loc: North Central CT & Space Coast Florida

This lens might be a good option for you if you can find one. It came with my N80 35mm way back when but works nicely even now.

www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/28-80mm-g.htm

It's plastic, yes, but it's light as a feather...good luck.