The famous 50mm (a few questions)

[Starlite9711]

Ok, so I have ALMOST bought the 50mm 1.8 about 15 times, and everytime I talk myself out of it (or my hubby does, or the camera guy, or the photography teacher...etc, etc) I see everyones fabulous photos and how much is RAVED about that lens here, but when I go to buy I run into issues.

First of all... I have the Nikon D40x and for some reason of which I do not understand prime lenses will NOT auto focus. (had I known this ahead of time i wouldn't have purchased this camera) For those of you with the d40x & a prime lens, is it an issue? I have dabbled with manual focus a bit, and while it is a bit of a pain, its not that bad. Should this be a reason NOT to get this lens????

Second issue is that I have been told that for "portraits" or any photos of peoples faces that this lens will skew the head. That an 85mm is the lowest you should go. I haven't seen this to be a huge issue in everyone elses photos, should this be a reason NOT to get this lens???

Enable me.

[katrinak]

I don't have a Nikon so I can't answer that question but I can give perspective on the skewed heads!

85mm is the ideal focal length for portrait photography but that doesn't mean you MUST take photos at the length. If you look through my gallery about 75% were taken with the Canon 50mm 1.4 L Series. For indoor little ones who move a lot and are in a lot different lighting situations I think it is a nice go to lens. 85mm does mean that for everyday photos you are going to need to be further back to focus.

The 50mm 1.8 is a great way to go because the price is low and aperture wide! HTH.

[hendon]

Bailey, I SO understand where you are coming from! I have the d40x and wouldn't have brought it had I know about the prime lenses not being able to autofocus!

I brought the 50mm 1.8 because I figured at least it was cheap enough (compared to the 1.4), and I could still use it if I upgraded cameras. I haven't used it much because I HATE having to manual focus. I have 4 year old twins - they don't wait for you to focus! And although people have said it's not that big a deal I still just don't get the point of having to manual focus.

Anyway, I have just discovered on the Nikon site the announcement of the AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G. It states 'The lens' Silent Wave Motor (SWM) ensures quick, quiet autofocus. Autofocus shooting is made possible with SLR models that do not have a built-in motor, such as the D40 series and D60'. http://www.nikon.com/about/news/2008/0922_nikkor_01.htm . I believe it's due out in December and will be about $450.00US?? (I can't for the life of me remember where I read the price, so don't quote me).

I've been weighing up upgrading to a d80 but my husband would have a fit since it was only earlier this year I needed the d40x! And I just can't find a way to do it without him knowing! The price of this new lens is pretty expensive, but for me it's a cheaper option than the new camera (and much less husband grief ).

Anyway, it's an option that I/we didn't have before . I will have to find out more about the lens, but I'm leaning that way at the moment. My d40x really is a nice camera and I have no other issue with it. Sorry for the long story , but hope it helps somehow.

[audrey77]

Yes... the lens that will autofocus will be out this December.... and right now the stores are preselling it for 450.... I am going to wait until it hits amazon and get it for cheaper.

I currently own the Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D... and have no problem focusing it manually- just look for the dot that shows up in the viewfinder (bottom left). I have a Nikon D40. I use it to shoot portraits of my 2.5 year old and my 8 week old. It's for closeups mainly.

[Carol Elliott]

I also have a Canon, but have never had any skewed heads when using the 50 mm 1.8. My teenage daughter would have been sure to point out that I made her look funny or rather dorky and then proceed to delete the pictures!

[katrinak]

Originally Posted by allmine

I also have a Canon, but have never had any skewed heads when using the 50 mm 1.8. My teenage daughter would have been sure to point out that I made her look funny or rather dorky and then proceed to delete the pictures!

The skewed heads really happen most when you use a wide angle lens too close! Take a look at my avatar self portrait for an example of that skew

[bluelemur01]

Keep in mind that the 50mm 1.8 is NOT built especially for digital cameras. It is built/sized for a film camera with a 35mm film area. So, when it's used on the digital cameras with the smaller sensor, it will actually ACT more like an 80mm lens! This is the "conversion factor" you hear about; if you use film lenses on a digital camera, they act like a longer lens. This is why it often gives such "perfect" ratios for portraits when used on digital cames with non-full-frame sensors.

So don't be talked out of it on that account...it will NOT give a skewed head at all, if you photograph at least a few feet away on eye level.

However, I find that for ME, autofocus is a life-saver esp. when taking pics of fast moving things like toddlers. I have a hard time with manual focus. But if you're going to use a tripod and photograph slow things, that should not be an issue either.

gl!
J

[kb522]

I started out with the D40. I never realized how quickly my love of photography would grow. As I learned more I really, really, really wanted the 50mm lens. I did get it and tried several times to manual focus with it on the D40. I have to say that (at least for me) it was very frustrating. The pictures that I got were in focus were AWESOME, but for every one great pic, I had many not so great, out of focus pics. My 5 year old does a pretty good job sitting still, but the missed shots were just too annoying to me.

I ended up selling my D40 and purchasing the D80 instead. I have never regretted it and I learned a valuable lesson! If I were in your situation, I would wait for the AF lens coming out in December. Unless you just want to purchase a new camera!

I hope this helps. I don't want to sound negative, and you probably have more patience than me... :-) Manual focus can definitely be done!

[cedarhil]

I have the 50mm 1.4 and the 85 1.8. I have used the heck out of my 50mm. Don't get me wrong, I love the 85 but the quality of the Canon at 1.4 is awesome and I love it for natural lighting and indoor photos.
This is my favorite lens, but don't hold me to that because I am asking for a 28mm for Christmas!

[Starlite9711]

Thanks for the update on the new lens and everyone's input. I am going to talk to dh about it, I WANT a new camera, but the rationale of new camera and cheaper lens, or expensive lens, no new camera? Or deal with the problem and get the cheaper lens?! I am thinking that with a 3 year old and 1 year old, manual focus will not be fun and I will have wasted my money, until I can get the new camera. I found it for 439.95 at adorama. Hmmmmm what to do, what to do.

[katrinak]

Bailey, I didn't think I wanted a new camera until I got unexpectedly upgraded for my anniversary. I almost made him send it back...but then I held it and took some photos and the upgrade wa UNBELIEVABLE. Of course I'm a Canon girl, but I'm assuming things will be similar for you Nikonians. I say upgrade camera and get the cheap 50mm lens if you can swing it! Manual foucs with your little ones doesn't sound like fun!!

[Amy L]

I am in the same boat....Nikon d40x with 50mm f/1.8 that doesn't autofocus. It is frustrating to me too. I also didn't realize I would learn so much about photography and love it so much. So I am asking for a new camera for Christmas! I know it is more expensive than buying a new lens, but I plan to give my present camera to my son who is a great budding photographer. His d40x was stolen while he was in Spain (along with about 6 weeks worth of photos!).

Have you thought about selling your d40x on Ebay? A friend of mine did this and got a good price for it. Add that to the price of a new camera, and it probably won't be too much different than the new lens. Good luck with your decision!

[HeidiKnight]

There is no question you should upgrade the camera body first. The 50mm f1.8 is a super inexpensive lens and I find that it is just more feasible for me to use it over my 85 mm in cramped quarters. In fact, I usually need to be outside to use the 85mm because I have to get so much farther back for some shots.

[audrey77]

Even at 55mm- Yeah... you need to be outdoors/far away!

[kathie02]

I would definitely go for the new camera...with the introduction of the D90, you can pick a D80 at a terrific price!!!

[Starlite9711]

OK, I am enabled, lol....now I have to convince DH...err Santa. Lol
So you think the D80 is a good bet? Any other Nikonians have any suggestions?

[msbrad]

I have several friends with the nikon D80. They all love it. I almost bought that one. I ended up with Canon XTI and very happy.
I have the 50mm lens and love it. Great for those lowlight situations.
m

[hendon]

Bailey if I could sneak the d80 into my house easier than the new lens I would! Go for the new camera!

[hendon]

You know what Bailey - I've just read what I last typed to you - and I'm going to take my own advice! I've just enquired about trading my d40x for a d80 and the price difference is cheaper than the new lens will be - so I'm going to go for it! I'm sure dh can't complain once I explain I'm going to save money.

[Melissa6169]

Originally Posted by hendon

I've just enquired about trading my d40x for a d80 and the price difference is cheaper than the new lens will be - so I'm going to go for it!.

Where do you trade?

[hendon]

I'm in New Zealand sorry Melissa so probably not much help to you.

[Melissa6169]

Originally Posted by hendon

I'm in New Zealand sorry Melissa so probably not much help to you.

Oh yes...no help
However, I did do a google search and quite a few places do trade.
Thanks for the reply

[kb522]

I upgraded from the D40 to the D80 and absolutely LOVE it! Some of the controls are in different places than on the D40, but it was quick to get used to, and actually nicer because you don't have to go through all the menu screens to make changes (like on white balance settings, automatic timer, ISO, etc.) You definitely won't be sorry!

[bjwtville]

I had the D70s and it was a fantastic camera...great with the kids etc. My husband uses it now as I up'd to the D300. go for it!