Nikon DX 50mm vs 35mm
Jan 9, 2015 12:05:13 #
lporrel
Loc: California
I found 50mm to generally be too long on my APS-C (aka DX) camera for indoor use. It was great for portraits, but I found myself using the 35mm 90% of the time.
Jan 9, 2015 12:23:50 #
Raz Theo wrote:
OK, I'm a cheapskate. I reckon that's what you ca... (show quote)
I tried the 50mm but eventually got the 35mm to use (I think I gave the 50 to my daughter.) The f1.8 gets used, by me, more frequently inside buildings, like cathedrals in Mexico, where the larger f-stop will let me take photos. But that also means I often need the slight extra wide-angle capabilities as well. (Cathedrals and churches in Mexico tend to be very low-light structures and flash is not only prohibited, but a diplomatic disaster. Also direct flash doesn't give the images that I want, but bounce is impossible. [I could use my GF lightsphere but that runs into the first problem--a Mexican jail would be an unpleasant experience.)
Jan 9, 2015 12:58:17 #
Raz Theo wrote:
OK, I'm a cheapskate. I reckon that's what you ca... (show quote)
I have the first two. The AF 50mm one is about half the price ($106). Both are great but with a DX the 50mm is a bit long indoors for me. I use it on an FX.
I like the fact that the AF has an aperture ring. That lets me use it in manual with an adapter on my Sony E mount.
Jan 9, 2015 14:04:10 #
I prefer the 50 mm because indoors I don't have to get right in the subject's face to fill the frame so I am not quite as annoying as usual and the 50 mm is more versatile as a portrait lens and as an urban street lens. I note the trend of advice is toward the 35mm so I just thought I would throw in my opinion.
Jan 9, 2015 15:15:05 #
sinatraman wrote:
buy used nikon lenses at keh.com they are the largest used camera equipment company in the world. you could get 2 lenses for what you would pay for new. they put a free 6 month warranty on what they sell. even lenses that are rated bgn or ug are still in excellent shape. i would get both the 35 and the 50 af. excellant company to deal with. ebay caant touch em.
Thanks for the KEH heads-up. It's quite a website.
Jan 9, 2015 17:48:46 #
A word of caution regarding using a 35mm for portraits. When using film, a 105mm was considered an ideal lens for portraiture since it allowed the photog. to maintain a suitable distance from the subject (no intimidation). With the 35mm you are going to have to get fairly close to the subject making them very conscious of the camera and you also may introduce some distortion. Perhaps (for portraits) the 50mm with its DX factor making it an effective 70mm, it would be a better choice. All depends on how often you are doing portraits.
Jan 9, 2015 20:54:01 #
imageal wrote:
A word of caution regarding using a 35mm for portr... (show quote)
You're right. If I go with the 35 I wouldn't use it for portraits.
Thanks.
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