Help with Nikon 50MM f/1.8D lens: I just purchased this lens for my D5100 & didn't realize I had to focus manually.Could someone please tell me what do I need if I want to purchase a...

Marilyng Loc: Lorain,Oh.

I just purchased this lens for my D5100 & didn't realize I had to focus manually.Could someone please tell me what do I need if I want to purchase a 50mm lens. When I went to do a search I only got more confused. Am I correct that I need a AF-S because my camera doesn't have a motor & the AF-S lenses do? Do I need a 1.8 or a 1.4???? Thanks so much for your help.

Db7423 Loc: Pittsburgh, PA

The D5100 doesn't have a autofocus motor so you need it in the lens. Many say the 1.8 is sharper than the 1.4 but if you do a lot of low light photography the 1.4 AF-S may may be a better choice for you. ;)

Marilyng Loc: Lorain,Oh.

Db7423 wrote:

The D5100 doesn't have a autofocus motor so you need it in the lens. Many say the 1.8 is sharper than the 1.4 but if you do a lot of low light photography the 1.4 AF-S may may be a better choice for you. ;)

Ok,thank you.I wanted it for family photos for the holiday but I guess that isn't going to happen since I purchased the wrong lens!!!!

Db7423 Loc: Pittsburgh, PA

Marilyng wrote:

Ok,thank you.I wanted it for family photos for the holiday but I guess that isn't going to happen since I purchased the wrong lens!!!!

Bummer. Who did you get it from? Many suppliers I am familiar with allow 30-days for a full credit return.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Marilyng wrote:

I just purchased this lens for my D5100 & didn't realize I had to focus manually.Could someone please tell me what do I need if I want to purchase a 50mm lens. When I went to do a search I only got more confused. Am I correct that I need a AF-S because my camera doesn't have a motor & the AF-S lenses do? Do I need a 1.8 or a 1.4???? Thanks so much for your help.

So it's not this lens, then?

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/766516-USA/Nikon_2199_AF_S_Nikkor_50mm_f_1_8G.html

If you bought it from a dealer, I'm sure he'd gladly sell you the more expensive one.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Marilyng wrote:

Ok,thank you.I wanted it for family photos for the holiday but I guess that isn't going to happen since I purchased the wrong lens!!!!

You'd be surprised how fast easy it is to focus that lens. It's bright! Until fairly recently, there was no such thing as autofocus.

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

The f/1.4 lens is only 1/2-stop brighter (viewing wide-open) than the f/1.8, but is noticeably heavier (larger glass).
98% of the time, you will notice no viewing/capture difference.

A 50D lens requires a focusing motor in camera body (like a D90); a 50G lens has a built-in focusing motor.

Marilyng Loc: Lorain,Oh.

jerryc41 wrote:

So it's not this lens, then?

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/766516-USA/Nikon_2199_AF_S_Nikkor_50mm_f_1_8G.html

If you bought it from a dealer, I'm sure he'd gladly sell you the more expensive one.

I bought it from Best Buy but on e-bay.I will try & sell it here, if I can't sell it them I will have to keep it & do manual focus!

juicesqueezer Loc: Okeechobee, Florida

Marilyng: I have the 5100 and you should have no problem with using manual focus on that lens. It is a great lens and I think the 1.8 is just as good as the 1.4, if not better.
If you want an auto focus lens, you have to purchase the lens with the motor.

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

Marilyng wrote:

I just purchased this lens for my D5100 & didn't realize I had to focus manually.Could someone please tell me what do I need if I want to purchase a 50mm lens. When I went to do a search I only got more confused. Am I correct that I need a AF-S because my camera doesn't have a motor & the AF-S lenses do? Do I need a 1.8 or a 1.4???? Thanks so much for your help.

Always make sure that ANY Nikon lens you buy starts with the letters "AF-S", you will need that designation in order to autofocus on your body. Aftermarket lenses get more confusing, but Nikons are much simpler.

Marilyng Loc: Lorain,Oh.

MT Shooter wrote:

Always make sure that ANY Nikon lens you buy starts with the letters "AF-S", you will need that designation in order to autofocus on your body. Aftermarket lenses get more confusing, but Nikons are much simpler.

yes, I have it marked down to always make sure I have AF-S on a lens before I purchase it!!!
Thank you!

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

Is not another key a "G" lens? Not positive but I think the Nikon needed to be a "G" Vs "D"?

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

DaveO wrote:

Is not another key a "G" lens? Not positive but I think the Nikon needed to be a "G" Vs "D"?

Correct.
"D" lenses require an A-F motor in camera body, and have no VR. "G" lenses will A-F on any Nikon DSLR, and many have VR.

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

Nikonian72 wrote:

Correct.
"D" lenses require an A-F motor in camera body, and have no VR. "G" lenses will A-F on any Nikon DSLR, and have VR.

Not quite Douglass. There were many G lenses that did not have VR at all. Many of the notables were the 18-55, 18-70, 18-135, 70-300, 35mm, 50mm, 85mm, 300mm, 500mm, 600mm and many more. Some of which are still manufactured.
It is entirely correct if you meant to say that no "D" lenses have VR available.

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

Only point I was trying to make is that if Marilyng gets a Nikon lens than she needs to get one that ends in "G". My knowledge is limited so I don't want to express absolutes.