Nikon 50mm f/1.8: AF $115 or AF-S $255?
May 20, 2012, 11:25 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: BNE, Australia...not too far from the nearest Qantas Pub err Club
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Nikon 50mm f/1.8: AF $115 or AF-S $255?
Hi all,
I have a Nikon D60 with 18-105 and 55-200 lenses. These are great for most of our needs, save for the family shots. Even with a good flash, these high "f" lenses just don't cut it.
$115 buys the AF lens. Con(?) - AF doesn't work on the D60. Pro - the AF (which isn't in my case!) appears to be a better lens?
In the real world of taking family photos, am I going to need Auto Focus?
(Many years ago I seemed to be able to focus OK with a Minolta X-700
)
Suggestions appreciated...
I have a Nikon D60 with 18-105 and 55-200 lenses. These are great for most of our needs, save for the family shots. Even with a good flash, these high "f" lenses just don't cut it.
$115 buys the AF lens. Con(?) - AF doesn't work on the D60. Pro - the AF (which isn't in my case!) appears to be a better lens?
In the real world of taking family photos, am I going to need Auto Focus?
(Many years ago I seemed to be able to focus OK with a Minolta X-700
)Suggestions appreciated...
May 21, 2012, 3:07 am
#2
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Finland
Programs: Almost anything with six to twelve steps...
Posts: 1,033
The AF-S is supposed to be better built and, thanks to the aspherical design, slightly sharper, but it features a bit more distortion.
I would personally go for the AF-S as the DOF especially with large apertures is quite shallow and accurate manual focusing can be tough (the DoF at f/1.8 at 3 meters distance is only about +- 12 cm).
Cheers,
T.
I would personally go for the AF-S as the DOF especially with large apertures is quite shallow and accurate manual focusing can be tough (the DoF at f/1.8 at 3 meters distance is only about +- 12 cm).
Cheers,
T.
May 21, 2012, 7:08 am
#3
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Baltimore MD
Posts: 3,457
Go AF-S.. you can always manually focus it if you wish...
But with family pictures (and I'm making an assumption your family moves as quickly as mine) you're going to want the ability to auto focus...
you're never going to regret having the ability to autofocus....
of course you could probably get a used 1.4 AF for about the same price as a new 1.8 AF-S.....
FDW
But with family pictures (and I'm making an assumption your family moves as quickly as mine) you're going to want the ability to auto focus...
you're never going to regret having the ability to autofocus....
of course you could probably get a used 1.4 AF for about the same price as a new 1.8 AF-S.....
FDW
May 21, 2012, 7:21 am
#4
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Austin, TX
Programs: SPG Plat with Ambassador, AA EXP, AA 1MM, National Executive Elite
Posts: 60
Don't buy the 50 beofre you look at the 35.
Your camera has a 1.5x crop factor so a 50mm lens will give you the full frame equivalent of a 75. May be a little tight for general shooting.
Buy the 35mm f/1.8 AF-S (2183). It is about $200 online. It will get you the 50mm view.
Buy the 35mm f/1.8 AF-S (2183). It is about $200 online. It will get you the 50mm view.
May 21, 2012, 7:27 am
#5
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Boston Suburbrs
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Posts: 1,205
Thats what I did. I'm happy with it.
May 21, 2012, 4:06 pm
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: BNE, Australia...not too far from the nearest Qantas Pub err Club
Posts: 3,636
Great stuff will do. Thanks for the reminder about the cropping.
May 22, 2012, 9:18 pm
#7
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May 23, 2012, 3:07 pm
#8
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: BNE, Australia...not too far from the nearest Qantas Pub err Club
Posts: 3,636
I've purchased the 35mm f/1.8 AF-S, A$250 landed. Should be able to get some great photos in conjunction with the SB600. Appreciate the suggestions and advice.