Shutter Bugger

I dont know what you are talking about either.

Auto Focus 50mm f1.8D

Shutter Bugger

Ken Rockwell says the D version has less distortion and less cost.

It also has an outer aperture ring that gives you the option
of being able to use it on All Nikon F mount cameras.

I have the 50mm f1.4 AF-D.

On a D700 it is sharp and focuses
very very fast. I can use it on my Nikon film camera as well. I havn't used a 50mm AF D on a D90. The op would have to research that point... I'm guessing it would focus fast enough though. I can use it on my Nikon film camera as well.

RGH

The Nifty-fifty was referring to a 50mm on a 35mm camera. A wonderful perspective for a walk around lens. You will not get that on your D90 using a 50 mm lens. The 50mm is my favorite lens on my FX Cameras. I like it better and use it more than my 24mm-70mm. With your D90 you might consider trying to find a used NikonAF-S Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G DX Lens. It is a DX LENS but it is the closest you will get to the film 35mm’s “Nifty-fifty. Buying a used one, when you change to FX, you should be able to sell it again, just as will all do on occasion. This is just my opinion. What is very nice about the forum is sharing different ideas and opinions that help everybody. Fun to read every morning, I love it.

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

I have quite a few lenses in the 50mm range. From older manual focus Nikkor 50mm F2, 50mm F1.8 & 50mm F1.4, In AF the Nikkor 50mm f1.8 again & f1.4 as well. Not to even mention the 50mm lenses in Leica, Minolta, Konica, Yashica, Pentax or Helios mounts... Depending on your use, most any will do. As for "softness", well many lenses are "soft" wide open, but sharpen up a stop or two down. It's likely that most of your shots won't be wide open anyway due to the very shallow depth of field... Once stopped down, there will be no appreciable difference between any of them. They are the least expensive way to get "pro" quality glass without having to spend the big bucks.... Personally, I think you would be more than satisfied with the older "D" version.

brucewells Loc: Central Kentucky

Nor I. The 'D' lens will autofocus, and will likely be a very good lens. The 'G' version (I believe) gives the ability to tweek focus manually after it auto-focuses. This is a big plus, for me, but may not be worthwhile for others.

I'm fond of all the 'D' lenses, but technology is leaving them behind.

RF-4 Phantom Flyer Loc: Gilbert, Arizona USA

My only camera is a D90. I started out shooting with the 50mm f1.4 D. It is truly a very fine low light lens. It works very well on the D90. The one thing I did not like about it was the perspective since on a DX camera it is like a 75 to 80 mm view. I was always having to take a few steps back to fit everything in - not always possible indoors. Two months ago I got the 35mm 1.8 Af-s G. I have not used the 50mm since. The view/perspective is much more to my liking and fells much more "normal" to me. I got my 35mm new from Adorama including two caps, case & hood with a freebie polarizing filter thrown in for $196, Used prices were only $30 or so cheaper and did not include the 5 year warranty. I HIGHLY recommend 35mm over the 50mm. Just my 2cents worth.
p.s. If you decide on the 50mm f1.4 D. I have one for sale.

rwinch Loc: Walkersville, MD

NOTE: The D90 will drive the AF - it does have the internal focusing motor.

Moles Loc: South Carolina

The 50mm 1.4 is a great lens for indoor sports and other low-light situations. Otherwise, double the money for 2/3 of a stop may not be worth it to you.

RonHolloway Loc: Jacksonville, Fl

Hi, I'm new to the forum, and really appreciate all the advice, I am an old film shooter and have only been digetal for a year or so, again thanks for sharing all your advice

georgevedwards Loc: Essex, Maryland.

Yes, and Yes. I bought the 50mmf1.4 for nearly $500 and it is not really worth all that money (at least with my tight finances), I am sure the f1.8 is pretty damn close and it is priced right. I probably would have gotten one but when I was a teenager getting into photography my father was always talking about the superiority of the F1.4 lens he had for being so fast. I actually didn't understand what fast meant at the time, but then he just said "that means it is really good". So I just wanted the F1.4 because of a childhood dream basically. I didn't realize another price you pay is the lack of depth of field it has at 1.4. If you take a closeup and focus on the nose tip the ears may be blurred. I had heard of the good bokeh, but I wasn't prepared for the closeup anomaly. At least f1.8 is an improvement there too. As far as the "nifty fifty reference", the 50mmFX lens on a DX camera gives you the crop of a 70mm DX lens, which is often cited as the preferred length for a portrait lens. It does have that advantage: allowing a close up without getting in the persons face.

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

Perspective & field of view are different animals. Perspective changes with focal length. You are referencing the differences in the FOV of the different focal lengths. Here is a link to a site that explains perspective & focal lengths...

http://www.creativephotobook.co.uk/pg04011.html

Mark7829 Loc: Calfornia

Yes and Yes

shelty Loc: Medford, OR

I've made tests with my lens and found that I have to stop it down to at least f8 before I get any real sharpness out of it.

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

Sounds like sample variation, technique issues or you just got a lemon... I have tested all of mine out & wide open they leave a bit to be desired, but they are all sharp by F4....

wingclui44 Loc: CT USA

[quote=francesca3]I can buy this lens for $196.00.

Q #1. I have a D90 and this lens is, I think, good for both DX and FX cameras. Is it?

Q #2. Because it is an f1.8 lens I am thinking that it will be very useful. Am I right?

There are other 50mm Nikon lenses available, but all are at least $300.00. I don't have a lot of money but I could save up to buy one of the more expensive nifty-fifties, kind of depending on advice from you all.

Thanks.[/quot

You may consider this one, the early version of the AF 50mm lens. I had it for a long time, and continue using it on my D200 and Df. light weight and sharp. You can find it used way under $100. Here's the words from Ken Rockwell.