Lens choice 35mm vs. 50mm

[sam_gordon]

I have a Nikon D5000 with the two kit lenses (18-55mm & 55-200mm). I'm debating getting another lens for "general" (but low light use). There's a 35mm f1.8 and a 50mm f1.8 for the same price (~$200).

By "low light", I'm talking indoor shots with no flash, or outdoor night shots. I'm thinking the 35mm might be a little wide for what I want.

Any thoughts or suggestions?

 

[havoc315]

Ask yourself.. When taking similar distance shots with your 18-55.. Which do you do more often-- zoom all the way in (55mm) or zoom about half-way (right around 35).

On a crop body, I think most people would prefer the flexibility of being a bit wider with the 35mm. But it really depends how/what you want to shoot.

I use a 50/1.7 indoors. I like it, but I do find it's a bit too much telephoto at times.

 

[wbeem]

The Nikon 50mm f/1.8 is damn sharp and a great lens for the price. Everybody should have one.

That said, I agree with the previous post. What do you need this lens to do? What problem are you trying to solve? For low light, the 35mm will give you a little bit more leniency for handholding at a slow shutter speed because the focal length is just a tad shorter. Something to consider.

 

[2Tiggies]

For versatility, the 35 mm seems to be more popular. But it's a very personal choice for the reasons outlined above and I have to say I love my 50 mm lens and did not feel at all restricted by it being a bit 'tight'; at least nowhere near the extent to which I have seen others being cautioned about not having enough space to back up. I have no inclination whatsoever to get a 35 mm because my 50 suits my needs and I do like to get in tight with a lot of my shots anyway.

The Nikon 50mm f/1.8 is damn sharp and a great lens for the price. Everybody should have one.

I agree everyone should have one On the point of sharpness however, I find the lens generally a little on the soft side. It's great for portraits and I am very happy with the flash free low light shots I used it for but I don't know that I would refer to it as sharp, by comparison to some of my others (which are all very standard lenses). Do you think it could be the lens? I just assumed that's how it was intended to be. It is much sharper from around F7.1 to about F13 but still not tack sharp IMO.

 

[photo_chick]

havoc hit it on the head. Look at your EXIF data and see where you shoot. I personally love my 50mm on my crop cameras, but it is too long in some cases. And there are many people who do prefer a 35mm on a crop body. It's another one of those greatly subjective questions.

Also... you may see if you can find the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 that is on sale for $289 at B&H and Adorama. They're discontinuing it (replacing it with a more expensive lens) and it's an amazing price for a great lens. It might fit what you need.

 

[wbeem]

I agree everyone should have one On the point of sharpness however, I find the lens generally a little on the soft side. It's great for portraits and I am very happy with the flash free low light shots I used it for but I don't know that I would refer to it as sharp, by comparison to some of my others (which are all very standard lenses). Do you think it could be the lens? I just assumed that's how it was intended to be. It is much sharper from around F7.1 to about F13 but still not tack sharp IMO.

Most lenses are sharpest at 2-3 stops down from wide open. F/5.6 or f/7.1 are some of sharpest apertures.

 

[2Tiggies]

Most lenses are sharpest at 2-3 stops down from wide open. F/5.6 or f/7.1 are some of sharpest apertures.

I guess it's a user issue then

 

[mamaCta]

I've had a 50mm for my D90 for a few years now and love it, but I also just ordered a 28mm 2.4(?) because you can get a lot closer with it for the same focal distance.

I guess the main factor is going to be the surroundings you will be using it in. Will you have space to back up or will you be trying to use it in tighter spaces? I almost never use my 50mm indoors because there isn't enough space in my house to back up.

 

[photo_chick]

I guess it's a user issue then

Maybe not. I know a lot of people who feel that the entry level 50mm's are soft (both Canon and Nikon). It really depends on your expectations of the lens and what you're used to shooting with I think. I feel like my Canon 50mm f/1.8 is sharp for what it is, especially stopped down, but it doesn't hold up against my more expensive primes wide open. That doesn't make it a bad lens, it just makes it an entry level lens. It's still one of my favorites in my bag.