Fast Prime Lens For My D50

I have had my D50 for about a month now, and have shot thousands of

photos with it. I'm looking to get my hands on a faster lens, as I am

prone to available indoor light shooting, and dislike excessive flash

use.

 

I've seen many recommendations for the Nikon 50mm f/1.8D, and can

totally see how this is a good buy. But has anyone used something like

a Sigma 28mm f/1.8 with a dSLR? I'm cautious to venture into the land

of third-party optics, and yet I feel limited at 50mm due to the mag

ratio.

 

If I wanted to have a fast Nikkor, I'd buy the 50/1.4 for the extra

dough. Any other ideas for a 30mm or lower fast lens? Thanks everyone.

Before anyone asks, I should also point out that my budget, like so many others, is severely limited. I'm not even 20 and being a student and trying to work at the same time is not always a high-yield venture. So I'm only looking to spend around $300. Thanks guys.

The obvious choice is the Sigma 30/1.4 HSM. It's slightly more expensive though. I haven't used the Sigma 28/1.8 but heard it has slow and noisy AF.

If you can buy from a store that offers returns, try the Simga and see how you like it. If you can afford it, buy the Nikon as well and test them side by side. Keep the winner.

 

The Nikon 1.8 gives exceptional images and for about $100 is a bargain. If you need wider angle, the nikon 28 2.8 is your choice. If you are looking for the best possible image quality, stick with Nikon products - they are usually better, work better with the camera and flash, but do usually cost more.

 

FYI: The difference between 28mm and 50mm is just a couple of steps in either direction. Having owned and used both, I prefer the 50mm but there are times when it is too strong and the 28mm came in handy. It really depends on what you are photographing and how you photograph.

 

If you have the budget, by both.

All of these are good lenses, I'm sure. But just to thrown in my view, I've just bought and am

using a Nikon 35mm F2 D on a D70, and I'm very pleased. Given the 'crop factor', on the D70

this lens is very close to a standard lens on 35mm.

 

Reasons for buying this one? - well, it's a bit faster than the wider Nikkors (well, the

affordable ones...), and it's quite a bit smaller and lighter than the admittedly faster Sigma

lenses. I'm happy.

For $300 I'd look at either the Nikon 35 2.0 or the 50 1.4 (MUCH better than the 1.8).

I'll through in my 2 bits for the Sigma 1.4/30mm - a great lens.

 

I was pulling my hair out in a similar fashion 1-2 months ago, combing the various forums trying to decide on a prime (as well as a wide angle) to supplement my D70+kit lens.

 

I had read concerns about durability, focusing speed & noise, build quality etc. etc. until my head was doing the Linda Blair thing. I finally bit the bullet and sprung for the Sigma 1.4/30mm (and the Sigma 10-20mm wide angle) and haven't looked back. Build quality is great, and have no focusing or noise issues.

 

More over, after finally making a decision and buying the lenses, I realized I could now take the pictures I wanted, and didn't have to worry about the specifications and details. Sure, in lab tests one lens is perhaps technically sharper wide open, or another lense is split second faster focusing... however I think any of the lenses mentioned here have enough "good" reviews that you can rest assured they are decent lenses, and would be hard pressed to notice their differences in the real world without a magifying lens or 200% crops. If you are worried about 3rd party glass, ideally you'll be able to try the lens on your camera first to make sure it is not bad apple out of the bunch. Just my 2 bits...

 

Sean in Tokyo.

I use Sigma 30 f1.4 along with Nikkor 85 f1.4 and find no fault with the Sigma when shooting fast action (basketball) in available light, dimly lit gym. Highly recommended for high-speed 30-ish focal length.

Nikkor's 35mm/f2.0D-AF lens is fantastic and has the added benefit of close focus (IIRC it

can do 1:4 magnification).

Your budget does not stretch so far for the new version, but I find the 20mm/2.8 a wonderful tool. My single most-used lens... but that depends on what you like to shot. Thought I would mention it since it is seldom referred to in the "what-prime-to-buy" threads...

wow this is the most response i've ever gotten to a post here. thanks a bunch for all the tips. I found the plan for me I think: I like the idea of staying with Nikon glass for the no-hassle service and compatibility reasons, so I think the 50mm/1.8 and the 28mm/2.8 bought together will suit my needs just fine. The combo comes in under 400, plus I can get free shipping from Adorama out here to SoCal.(coupon from order through Amazon.com, bonus!) Again thanks to all you helpfull people. Catch you on the flip side.

Jim, you have made a wise choice. Have fun.

Good choice. You will be very happy with them.