Prime Lens
Apr 17, 2017 20:45:52 #
I just found out I overpaid my estimated taxes last year and have a refund coming (bad news, I made less money last year but good news, I have a small windfall coming). I've decided to treat myself to my first Prime lens. I have a Nikon D7100 and three lenses. A tokina 11-16, Nikon 24-120, and my kit Nikon 55-300. I'd appreciate any recommendations for a Prime lens. Should I get a 35mm or a 50mm? Is 1.8 fine or should I go 1.4? I shoot everything from wildlife, to landscapes, to portraits (my grandson is 2 1/2).
Apr 17, 2017 21:02:27 #
The 50mm Nikon 1.8 is an excellent lens. Even though I have the Nikon trio, I shot just 50mm for about a year.
My next purchase will be a 35mm 1.8.
My next purchase will be a 35mm 1.8.
Apr 17, 2017 21:10:48 #
mas24
Loc: Southern CA
I own the 50mm f1.8 on a DX camera. Like you, I have other zoom lenses. The 24-120mm you own is a very good lens. I get good results from my prime 50mm. However, if you have the extra money, go for the 50mm f1.4. I heard it is a better lens. The 35mm is a lens, that some Nikon owners on this forum, say is a joy to have. Good luck.
Apr 17, 2017 21:12:02 #
Looks like you have everything covered with the glass u already own. But, hey, there's always room for one more. If I were you, 50mm f1.4 would be my pick. For those nice grandson pictures with a beautiful Bokeh....get the 50.
Apr 17, 2017 21:13:30 #
I would suggest the 35mm. The faster f-stop isn't really necessary. It's extra money you'll pay for little use. If it comes right down to that .4 difference in f-stops, you can compensate with a bit more ISO. The 35mm on the D7100 will be similar to a 50mm on a full frame camera.
--Bob
--Bob
Michael652 wrote:
I just found out I overpaid my estimated taxes las... (show quote)
Apr 17, 2017 21:20:45 #
Michael652 wrote:
I just found out I overpaid my estimated taxes las... (show quote)
Theoretically for a DX camera like a D7100 a 35mm is a "normal" lens, but any fast, f/1.4 to f/2.0 35mm or 50mm prime lens would be a good choice. You might also consider a 50mm or 55mm Micro-Nikkor if you decide to shoot close-up or macro. I'm sure you'll get more advise than you can use.
Apr 17, 2017 21:21:53 #
Either the 35mm and the 50mm would make an excellent choice. I own and regularly use both. Comparing the two, each requires a slightly different approach towards your intended subject. In most cases, it will be a matter of a few steps towards or away from the subject. Of course you can find out which of the two focal lengths is a better match for your photographic style by exploring each in depth on your 24-120 lens. Unless you do a lot of wide aperture shots (for example, at f2/8) I wouldn't bother with the more costly 1.4 version. There won't be very much advantage over the 1.8 version.
Apr 17, 2017 22:01:52 #
Michael652 wrote:
I just found out I overpaid my estimated taxes las... (show quote)
For an APS-C sensor camera like the D7100 I think a 35mm would be a good choice, f/1.8 would be fine.
Apr 17, 2017 22:35:28 #
Michael as others have mentioned... 35mm (50mm equivalence) is an appropriate prime to start with... albeit for grandson portraiture a 50mm (75mm equivalence) might be ideal thus the plastic fantastic AF 50mm f/1.8D Nikkor
If you are seeking a high acuity lens (Pro Glass) in 35mm then the choice is easy...
Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG HSM A Nikon
However if you wish to invest in the wisest price/value scenario in 35mm again the choice is easy...
Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G
This isn't my opinion but rather that of DxOMark
https://www.dxomark.com/Reviews/Best-lenses-for-the-24M-Pix-Nikon-D7100-Part-I/Best-prime-lenses-for-the-D7100
Note: For the very highest acuity available the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 200mm f/2G ED VR II literally walks away from everything else... But few can pony up the price of admission here...
Hope this helps Michael
If you are seeking a high acuity lens (Pro Glass) in 35mm then the choice is easy...
Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG HSM A Nikon
However if you wish to invest in the wisest price/value scenario in 35mm again the choice is easy...
Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G
This isn't my opinion but rather that of DxOMark
https://www.dxomark.com/Reviews/Best-lenses-for-the-24M-Pix-Nikon-D7100-Part-I/Best-prime-lenses-for-the-D7100
Note: For the very highest acuity available the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 200mm f/2G ED VR II literally walks away from everything else... But few can pony up the price of admission here...
Hope this helps Michael
Apr 18, 2017 05:41:51 #
shagbat
Loc: London
rmalarz wrote:
I would suggest the 35mm. The faster f-stop isn't really necessary. It's extra money you'll pay for little use. If it comes right down to that .4 difference in f-stops, you can compensate with a bit more ISO. The 35mm on the D7100 will be similar to a 50mm on a full frame camera.
--Bob
--Bob
Totally agree Bob. I have both the 35g and a 50d. These are probably the best value for money, lenses on the market.
Apr 18, 2017 06:00:18 #
StanRP
Loc: Ontario Canada
Michael652 wrote:
I just found out I overpaid my estimated taxes las... (show quote)
Should I get a 35mm or a 50mm?
Both are very good lens. They are small and easy to carry around - good in places where you do not want to make it obvious you have more than a simple P&S. For indoors, the 35 mm is IMHO better.
Apr 18, 2017 06:23:55 #
If you are going to be hand holding the camera a lot take a look at Tamron's new SP series of prime lenses. The reason is they all have stabilization. They also have a metal lens barrel and are fully weather sealed including a weather seal at the lens mount. I won't buy a lens if it doesn't have a weather seal at the lens mount. I bought the 45mm f/1.8 for my Nikons. The new lenses are the 35mm f/1.8, 45mm f/1.8, 85mm f/1.8, and 90mm f/2.8 macro.
Apr 18, 2017 06:25:25 #
I couldn't decide,so I purchased both. I lean toward the 35 and my wife prefers the 50. There,that should help!
Apr 18, 2017 06:42:39 #
the 50mm f1/8 is just fine ..it is the go to lens for most photos ..if you go with the 35mm you will find yourself with distorted portraits as it is really more of a wide angle lens..plus it will make people look a bit heavier..and you don't want to do that now do you..lol..
Apr 18, 2017 06:50:09 #
Michael652 wrote:
I just found out I overpaid my estimated taxes las... (show quote)
I'd get the 50 f/1.8, which has been a standard for decades - on FX, that it. Try some comparisons and a lens simulator.
http://lensvslens.com/
http://www.dpreview.com/products/compare/lenses
http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ISO-12233-Sample-Crops.aspx
http://www.diyphotography.net/this-website-helps-you-choose-your-next-lens-based-on-the-photos-you-like/
https://www.imaging-resource.com/IMCOMP/COMPS01.HTM
http://lenshero.com/lens-comparison
http://www.lenstip.com/lenses.html
http://www.dxomark.com/Lenses/Compare
http://www.lenscore.org/
http://lenshero.com/comparison/Nikon-AF-S-80-400mm-f4.5-5.6G-ED-VR-vs-Nikon-AF-S-200-500mm-f5.6E-ED-VR
Lens simulator
http://imaging.nikon.com/lineup/lens/simulator/
http://www.dpreview.com/galleries/9059751105/photos/2518330/olympus-zuiko-lens-field-of-view-comparison
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