50mm 1.4, 85mm 1.4 with my D600

[jettlich]

<p>Hello at Photo.net.<br>

I'd been using a D90 for 4 years, and recently upgraded to the <strong>D600</strong>. I'm really happy with it!<br>

I'd been using the <strong>50mm 1.4</strong>D w/ my D90 for portraits. Unfortunately, it dropped off a shelf a few weeks ago and the AF no longer works. We sent it to Nikon for a repair estimate to find that $220 is the prediction. Seems it might be more economical to just buy a new one from BH or an excellent-condition used one on BH or KEH.<br>

Anyway, any other suggestions on the 50mm? Should I change to the G instead?<br>

Also, I'm considering getting an <strong>85mm</strong>, likely the 1.4. I know the D will work on the D600, and is much more affordable than the G. I'm not a 'pro' but do a lot of portraiture of family, friends, and as a hobby. Love it. So, I'm thinking the 85mm D might be the best choice for me. Thoughts?<br>

Any feedback on D600 in combo w/ my broken 50mm (and whether to fix, buy new/used, etc.) and which 85mm to choose would be MUCH appreciated.<br>

Thanks a bunch!</p>

[roy_s4]

<p>I don't know about the G version, but my 50 1.4D is my favorite lens, and I have lots of lenses...not a pro by any means though...I have read lots of reviews comparing the D to the G version, and suggest you search online for opinions. I would never get rid of the D version. Mine is an early copy and made in Japan. I don't know if that has any significance. </p>

[Wouter Willemse]

<p>Jenna, I dont have a D600, so I cannot vouch 100% for what you can expect, but I must say I am really happy with my 50mm f/1.<strong>8G</strong> (on a D700); it's a really nice performer, and if the 2/3rd of a stop do not matter too much, you may save quite a bit of money. If you frequently use the lens wide-open, the f/1.4 lens might be a better choice, though (in which case I'd get the f/1.4G).<br>

I would not fix a 50mm f/1.4D for 220 - for the same money, you nearly have that f/1.8G with warranty, brand new.</p>

<p>As for the 85mm f/1.4, here too is worth considering the f/1.8G. But since I have neither the f/1.8G nor the f/1.4D I cannot say too many useful things there. My gutfeeling (based on quite some reading) makes me think the f/1.4D makes the nicer choice still, but it's still twice the price (or more) of the f/1.8G.<br>

And in both cases, the Sigma f/1.4 primes are highly rated too (both 50mm and 85mm).</p>

[ShunCheung]

<p>Jenna, as I suggested in your previous thread about dropping your 50mm/f1.4 AF-D, fixing it is almost certainly not economical: <a href="00b0jz">http://www.photo.net/nikon-camera-forum/00b0jz</a></p>

<p>For the same $220, you can buy a brand new 50mm/f1.8 AF-S. And if you also want a fast 85mm lens, I can highly recommend the new 85mm/f1.8 AF-S, which I tested for photo.net and then bought one for myself: <a href="../equipment/nikon/lenses/85mm-f1.8-g-af-s/review/">http://www.photo.net/equipment/nikon/lenses/85mm-f1.8-g-af-s/review/</a></p>

<p>I should disclose that I am planning to buy a 85mm/f1.4 AF-S myself since it is such an excellent lens, but IMO the 85mm/f1.8 AF-S is also a fine lens at a fraction of the price (the f1.8 costs roughly 1/3 as much as the f1.4 version). If the OP wants a 50mm and a 85mm, getting the two f1.8 AF-S lenses will only cost just over US$700 or so. I own both of those lenses and I have capture numerous images with them on the D600 (and also on the D800/D800E). Those are combos I can highly recommend.</p>

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Nikon f1.8 AF-S Lenses

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[raphael1]

Hello Jenna!

 

Congratulations on your recent acquisition of your d600 (an event that I am planning to execute soon).

 

I have the 50mm f1.8G, 85 mm f1.8D, 28mm f1.8G and 14mm f2.8 D.

 

I had the 50 mm f1.4 d before and extraordinary circumstances resulted in the gifting of this lens to someone with a great, urgent and

compelling need. This was a wonderful lens. Anyway when I went to replace it I purchased the 1.8G model.

 

This is a terrific lens and a monumental value. It is the lens on the camera until the situation requires a different lens.

 

Of special mention is the lens hood which is plastic. Many complain about this plasticky feature. I strongly disagree with this. The hood

mounts with a turn and lock method which is very and secure AND when not in use it reverses for compact storage in my camera bag.

Also when you bump into something with this hood on it is more forgiving. You may not use hoods but I try to keep the direct sun off the

lens whenever possible with the hope that this may help with contrast and flare.

 

The 85 mm focal length is a fundamental focal length for me. It is the focal length where brokeh issues are the most important. The 85mm

f1.4d is a legend (still) and now the new 85mm f1.4G is the new gold standard of performance and build quality. But when I upgrade my

85 mm 1.8d I will get the 85 mm f1.8g. This is a personal choice and any of these three choices is defensible.

 

My reasons are:

 

1). Price/performance

2). Size and weight

3). The size fits the d600 better.

4). I like focus motor and manual focus

 

The big win for me is the ability to travel light e.g. D600 (2 lbs.), 28, 50, 85 all f1.8 weighs 2 lbs, and the canvas bag weighs 1 lb.

 

So a total of 5 lbs. This is a feature I like very much.

 

Good luck with your choices- you can't lose here.

 

Brad Anderson

[themaz]

<p>I have the 50mm f1.8G lens, and it is always with my camera - either it is mounted, or it is in a lens bag attached to the strap. It is a touch soft when wide-open, but is "sharp enough" by f2.8 and is "tack sharp" around f4. Which, to be honest, is what you will get out of any 50mm lens. The only downside to it that I see is that it lacks VR - which for a lens built for low-light, is an almost inexcusable omission. I'd gladly pay an extra $100 for VR on it!</p>

[oskar_ojala]

<p>$220 is too much, a new 50/1.8G will cost less or the money could go a long way for buying a new 50/1.4G, both which are improved over the previous versions, so I'm recommending you buy either one of the G versions new and get a nice upgrade. Whether to get 1.8 or 1.4 is a personal choice depending on shooting style and finances; f1.4 is obviously faster, while the f1.8 is cheaper.<br>

For the 85 mm it's hard to give a general recommendation, since it depends a lot on what you value and are willing to spend. If you mainly shoot stopped down but occasionally want to use a large aperture, the the new 85/1.8G is a good choice. The 85/1.4G is a very nice lens, but in my opinion comes more into its own when using large apertures. The older 85/1.4D is softer and the AF is not as good as in the AF-S lenses, but for a certain look at large apertures it could be desirable. However, in terms of sharpness it's not as good as the newer lenses and if you mainly shoot stopped down then it's not the best choice.</p>