Torn between two DX lenses (Page 3): The 35mm is considered a normal lens on a DX. Normal as in old 35mm camera days which was a 50mm f1.8 lens. While a 50mm full frame lens is about...

drklrd Loc: Cincinnati Ohio

TampaRalph wrote:

I have a d3300 with three zoom kit lenses (18-55, ... (show quote)

The 35mm is considered a normal lens on a DX. Normal as in old 35mm camera days which was a 50mm f1.8 lens. While a 50mm full frame lens is about an 80mm on a DX.

TampaRalph Loc: Tampa, FL

Again, I have to thank you all for your responses and advice. There are obviously a lot of very talented and knowledgeable folks in this group, and I am glad I happened across it. I honestly wish I had a bucket of money to spend because I would buy every lens that every one of you suggested! But, I am on a budget that puts any true "pro" quality lens out of range. Given that a 50mm FX lens on my DX body put's me in the "goldilocks" range for portraiture (thanks for that, Alan!), I think going for the 50mm f/1.8 is the best bang for my buck right now (unless I can find an f/1.4 used for under $300, which is not likely). An f/1.2 is definitely out of my range and would probably be overkill anyway.

I'll make due with the short kit lens for street shots and happy snaps of my grandson for now, though I'm thinking I might just sacrifice that bottle of Macallan for the 35mm DX lens...

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

TampaRalph wrote:

I think going for the 50mm f/1.8 is the best bang for my buck right now (unless I can find an f/1.4 used for under $300, which is not likely).

$325 happens sometimes on Fred Miranda's site, though THIS 50mm f1.4 is sold.
There is an 85mm 1.8G listed for $350 HERE

KEH has some used ones that get closer to $300 HERE.
Good luck!

Screamin Scott Loc: Marshfield Wi, Baltimore Md, now Dallas Ga

I am old school and I'd use older "Pro" level lenses. With the camera you have though, autofocus wouldn't be available with the older glass. You should not rule out used gear as you can save some money going that route. KEH is my goto for used gear but there are other outlets as well. Oh, I would agree that both the 35mm DX (which I own) nor the 40mm Micro are not suited for portraiture. You need something longer...

LoneRangeFinder Loc: Left field

Screamin Scott wrote:

I am old school and I'd use older "Pro" level lenses. With the camera you have though, autofocus wouldn't be available with the older glass. You should not rule out used gear as you can save some money going that route. KEH is my goto for used gear but there are other outlets as well. Oh, I would agree that both the 35mm DX (which I own) nor the 40mm Micro are not suited for portraiture. You need something longer...

Absolutely.....

Screamin Scott Loc: Marshfield Wi, Baltimore Md, now Dallas Ga

While those shorter lenses may have "revised angles of view due to the smaller sensors", there is no change in anything else such as focus distance, focal length or perspectives. The only change is in the angle of view...

CO

artemus wrote:

I purchased a Tamron sp 45mm 1.8 Di Vc on ebay used. It was in mint condition and takes excellent pictures! I bid $385 and won.

I also have that lens. Very few prime lenses have stabilization. I use it for model photo shoots on a DX Nikon. The vibration compensation really helps when you can't use a tripod. It also has a metal lens barrel and is fully weather sealed.

anderzander

I use an old Nikon 55mm Macro purchased in 1972, love the lens, but these images are a lot better than what I do, a great set to look at.

stevinri Loc: Rhode Island

AF-S DX Micro-Nikkor 40mm f/2.8 This might help.

Bumbbel Bee
Bumbbel Bee...

(Download)

drmike99 Loc: Fairfield Connecticut

stevinri wrote:

AF-S DX Micro-Nikkor 40mm f/2.8 This might help.

Also with the 40mm f2.8 micro, D7100.

(Download)

CatMarley Loc: North Carolina

Here is a link for an 85mm f1.8 at a ridiculously low price: https://www.bestbuy.com/site/nikon-af-s-nikkor-85mm-f-1-8g-medium-telephoto-lens-black/6839379.p?skuId=6839379&cmp=RMX&extStoreId=1155&ref=212&loc=1&gclid=CPj1tYLVtdoCFbmYswodoHQNDA&gclsrc=ds

Good reviews too!

Screamin Scott Loc: Marshfield Wi, Baltimore Md, now Dallas Ga

Still way above his budget of $300.

CatMarley wrote:

Here is a link for an 85mm f1.8 at a ridiculously low price: https://www.bestbuy.com/site/nikon-af-s-nikkor-85mm-f-1-8g-medium-telephoto-lens-black/6839379.p?skuId=6839379&cmp=RMX&extStoreId=1155&ref=212&loc=1&gclid=CPj1tYLVtdoCFbmYswodoHQNDA&gclsrc=ds

Good reviews too!

TampaRalph Loc: Tampa, FL

CatMarley wrote:

Here is a link for an 85mm f1.8 at a ridiculously low price: https://www.bestbuy.com/site/nikon-af-s-nikkor-85mm-f-1-8g-medium-telephoto-lens-black/6839379.p?skuId=6839379&cmp=RMX&extStoreId=1155&ref=212&loc=1&gclid=CPj1tYLVtdoCFbmYswodoHQNDA&gclsrc=ds

Good reviews too!

That is a bit pricey for me at the present time, but I thank you for bringing it to my attention. Oh, if only I'd hit the lottery... ;)

CatMarley Loc: North Carolina

TampaRalph wrote:

That is a bit pricey for me at the present time, but I thank you for bringing it to my attention. Oh, if only I'd hit the lottery... ;)

I think it is a good thing to think about. The 85 f/1.4 is $1600. Only one stop down is one quarter the price. If I were still shooting Nikon, I would buy one. I figure it is only three grocery store payments, and I need to lose weight! If you are into portraits, this is the lens!

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

GoofyNewfie wrote:

There is an 85mm 1.8G listed for $350 http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1539581/0?keyword=Nikon,85mm#14431174]

Bought and sold from Fred Miranda quite a bit.
Great site!

The 85 was one of my favorite short teles in film days. I used it about as much as my 105.
I use it on my Fuji X-E2 sometimes. The sensor is the same size as the OP’s Nikon.