Tag Archives: Prime Lens

50mm Lens

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I am looking to get a 50mm lens for my D700. I have been “borrowing” my friend’s for a while now, but I am starting to feel a little guilty (also, I am not going to deny, am in a bit of “toy buying mode”).

In any case, I knew there were a few choices but was not expecting so many. Now I am in a “compare” mode.

Right now I am leaning ever so slightly towards the 1.4D. My reasoning so far (though I haven’t actually held a 1.4D in my hand):

  • Less expensive than the 1.4G
  • Smaller / Lighter than the 1.4G but looks more sturdy (less plastic, more metal)
  • I am not finding a whole lot of negative on the 1.4D or a whole lot of positive (overwhelming) on the 1.4G

A lot of people seem to really like the 1.8G (it IS significantly less expensive), but it seems a bit bigger then the 1.4D (almost as large as the G) but weighs the least of the 3.

I guess I should note that I do have a 35mm f/2 (Manual Lens) on long term loan from my friend which is just as good as any of the ones I am looking at. But, it is:

  • Manual focus (which is not as big a deal)
  • Unable to meter on my D700

– manzoor

  • Nikkor
    • 1.2
    • 1.4
      • D
      • G
    • 1.8G
  • Sigma

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Lens

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The kit lens (18-55mm) that came with the D50 is OK but I really want to get something else. Here are some that I am considering:

  • 17-35mm f/2.8 2 –
  • 20-35mm f/2.8 2 –
  • 17-55mm f/2.8 2 – I really like the wide / zoom range of the kit lens and this is the closest. Unfortunately this is also one of the few lenses that I have not been able to rent / borrow. This will probably cost about the same as the 17-35mm, ~$1,450, and I would really hate it if this is notas good. I am trying to see if I can find a used one. If I do, I ‘ll buy it as a trial. If I like it, I’llgo ahead and buy the real thing.
  • 28-70mm f/2.8 1 – Gives me a bit more “zoom”, but ONLY a bit more. If I do end up getting the 17-55, I might actually skip this. On the other hand, if I end up getting the 17-35mm I may NOT have a choice but to get this ALSO :o(
  • 70-200mm – For that scenic landscape
  • 50mm f/1.4 1 – Portraits
  • 60mm 1 / 85mm / 105mm Macro – Macros are just soooo much fun ;o)

Unfortunately, none of these (except for the 50mm and the Macro) are any where close to within my budget :o(

Also, I have found that the same lens differ quite drastically in price depending on where it is manufatcured. Lenses made in Japan seem more expensive. But, I’m told, they are also the better ones.

– manzoor

  1. I have been able to borrow / rent these already
  2. I have rented a 17-35mm f/2.8 and also a 20-35mm f/2.8D was very happy with the results. My only reservation is the range. It’s too narrow. I might actually go for the 28-70mm instead even though I will loose the widest.