Nikon 50mm primes

[bulb763]

I've been looking at getting one of these recently, and (as ever, it seems) things aren't as straightforward as I'd imagined.

I've narrowed the choice down to the f1.8 (although a 1.4 would be nice!), but I've seen some that are AF and some that are AF-D, which seem a tad more expensive. Can someone explain what the difference is, and whether the AF-D is worth the extra.

Thanks

PS for use with a D50, if it makes a difference

[speedychrissie]

i dont know what autofocus "D" means, but i have the bog standard 1.8 autofocus 50mm and it is awesome. well worth getting.

[jason-l]

A 'D' lens passes focus distance info to the camera.... ...as I understand it, this is used by the matrix metering and with TTL flash.

[trackdemon]

AFAIK the f1.4 has gone out of production (or perhaps its the 1.8?). Either way I couldn't get my hands on a 1.4, but the image quality I get from the 1.8 is superb, there is a discernable increase in sharpness as compared to my 24-120ED VR @ 50mm. Which of course there should be! 50mm f1.8 must be the best value lense going @ <£100

[freddies_dad]

I have the 50mm f/1.8 AF-D and it's a great lens. Of course there's a different disciplin to taking pictures with a prime and not a zoom (you have to physically move to frame the shot properly - takes a bit of getting used to when you're a bit of an idiot like me). But the quality is fantastic.

If you PM me I'll send you a shot showing just how detailed it is.

It's light too - something I didn't think I'd notice but I do.

Edited by freddies_dad on Wednesday 13th December 21:14

[bulb763]

Thanks guys. So basically the only difference is to do with distance info / flash settings. Would I miss this feature if I went for the AF rather than AF-D? Im still a bit of a novice, but I imagine its main use would be portrait sort of stuff, in all sorts of light. I dont have a speedlight, and I'm not likely to in the near future either. would the D have an effect on the built in flash?

[freddies_dad]

bulb763 said:

I dont have a speedlight, and I'm not likely to in the near future either.

Get one, get one, get one, get one, get one, get one!

Actually, I have one but only because I was lucky enough to get it as a present but it makes such a difference to the quality of the shots taken with flash. Have you heard of the SB-400 that's due out early next year. Looks pretty good and it may even reach the £100 price point - RRP is £149 I think. Still a lot of money whichever way you look at it but it'd be worth keeping an eye out for.

Anyway, I'm not really sure what the difference would be to the built in flash, to be honest. If you are confident with the manual settings on the camera I'm sure after a bit of practice you'd know what adjustments you'll need to make. In some respects, that means you'll be taking the picture, rather than the camera!

[bulb763]

haha its on the list!

Incidentally, Ive been in every Jessops, Currys and independant camera shop within a 25 mile radius and no one has any in. I've had a look on Park Cameras on the net and they are on there for £99. Thing is, I could have sworn they were £20 cheaper than that at the weekend. Are these lenses in short supply or something?!

[freddies_dad]

www.warehouseexpress.co.uk have them for £79 (AF 50mm f/1.8 D). I would give you a direct link but I can't seem to get one.

Just search for "Nikor 50mm"

That's where I got mine (but I'm sure I paid £96) - I'd call to check they have stock though as they don't have an online check.

Edited by freddies_dad on Thursday 14th December 10:39

[speedychrissie]

i got mine from bristol cameras who got one in for me in about a week. jessops said they could get one in, but it would probably take 6 weeks!!!

although, you can ask jessops to check their computer to see which other jessops have one in stock (if any of them do).

[_dobbo_]

Mine came from ebay in hong kong, at the time this was by far the cheapest option for me, even allowing for getting stung for VAT.

[greg964]

Ken Rockwell has a review of the AF lens, he hasnt seen the D yet, but based on other lenses, he seems to think the 'D' makes little difference. AF and AF-D

I ordered an f/1.8 AF-D from OneStopDigital in HK, £69 delivered. Its wrapped up and under the christmas tree though, so i havent used it yet and can't comment!

[freddies_dad]

greg964 said:

£69 delivered.

Great price Warehouseexpress is £79 plus £7.95 delivery.

[bulb763]

yeah i thought about buying from oversees. Im a bit wary about what would happen if something went wrong tho - I cant exactly phone them up or take it back!

[_dobbo_]

Nikon lenses come with a worldwide warranty so it shouldn't be too much of a worry.

Plus it doesn't get much more simple than the 50mm anyway, so there really isn't much to go wrong!

[bulb763]

Thanks again. If I don't get one for Christmas, I'll be getting one from onestopdigital I think. Can't wait