Just got a Nikon D50, which lens to get?

[D-REW]

So my dad just gave me his Nikon D50 because he has no use for it. Looked into it, and I guess its just an older DSLR from Nikon. However, it seems like the camera is still good and takes great pictures. Even though its only 6 MP, I don't plan on blowing up my pictures that big. Anyways, the 18-55 mm lens is broken, it doesn't want to focus on anything. It sounds like its trying, but its hard for the lens to move for some reason.

Now I'm just wondering if I should buy the same lens, 18-55 mm VR, or get the 50 mm f/1.8? I want to stay under $150 for a lens and it seems like those are the only two reasonable ones. Which one should I get if I'm just going to be mostly taking photos of cars and portraits?

Or if you guys suggest something else in the price range, please let me know. Thank you!

[XSRCivic]

The 50 is a good prime lens. "Good" lenses can be expensive. Unfortunately with photography and most other things in the world, you get what you pay for. The 50mm works well in low light conditions and takes nice photos but you will be limited on distance you can shoot because its a fixed lens. I call this the walking lens because you will have to move yourself closer or away from the object to get the shot.

If you don't mind having to move around alot then get the 50mm. If you want some flexibility with being able to zoom, get the 18-55. Be forewarned that the 18-55 probably won't be able to shoot in low light conditions as well as the 50mm.

[*SI*SI*SI*SI*SI*]

Get the 50mm. The 35mm is probably better, but cost a little more.

[VTEC_4_LIFE]

surf Adorama and you can find some decent deals on used equipment, I think I saw some 18-70s on there last I checked and even without VR id take it over the 18-55 for its longer reach and if I remember its MTFs come off cleaner, and at the long end its faster than most kit zooms

a 50mm f/1.8 is a good cheap lens thats handy for bodies with the AF motor, which you have, but IMO its too restrictive as you one and only lens, if it was a Full Frame or film, then I wouldnt mind a 50, thats actually how I learned, on an old Pentax with a 50mm 1.7, but on a crop sensor, its just simply not wide enough, an the AF-S 35mm is a step in a better direction on that front, but IMO still not wide enough for an only lens

heres a link for it, get a zoom, youll thank me later, the 18-70 is a great choice, it was the kit lens on the D70, the step up from your D50 back in its day
Lenses

[D-REW]

Thank you guys for the input. I understand the 50 mm is a prime lens and I don't mind at all about moving around. The thing about it that appeals to me is the f-stop at 1.8. Because I usually complain about photos not having enough light, or having to put the ISO up just for darker areas. So I figured that lens for less then $150 is a good deal.

And VTEC_4_LIFE, thanks for the input on that lens. Reminds me a lot of the D90 lens, which I really like. The used pricing is not so bad either. I'm just worried about buying from that website you showed, because I can't see the actual lens itself and see its condition.

Also, another question. Is an aperture of 3.5 a SIGNIFICANT difference from a 1.8? Just want to know if the aperture will set off the zoom and wide angle on the 18-70.

[cbizz]

The cream machine
85mm f1.4



But if you like me and can't afford one go with the 35mm 1.8

what do you like shooting? if you need a a zoom lens look for a used 18-105vr or even a 18-55vr they are pretty easy to find used

[VTEC_4_LIFE]

Originally Posted by D-REW

Thank you guys for the input. I understand the 50 mm is a prime lens and I don't mind at all about moving around. The thing about it that appeals to me is the f-stop at 1.8. Because I usually complain about photos not having enough light, or having to put the ISO up just for darker areas. So I figured that lens for less then $150 is a good deal.

And VTEC_4_LIFE, thanks for the input on that lens. Reminds me a lot of the D90 lens, which I really like. The used pricing is not so bad either. I'm just worried about buying from that website you showed, because I can't see the actual lens itself and see its condition.

Also, another question. Is an aperture of 3.5 a SIGNIFICANT difference from a 1.8? Just want to know if the aperture will set off the zoom and wide angle on the 18-70.

the condition of the lens is listed, and theyre generally good with that sort of thing, its a good reputable dealer, so if its not to your liking you can just send it back. . . the D90's 18-105 VR is a nice kit, Its in my bag and usually attached to my D90, and I do appreciate the longer reach and the VR, but I shoot with my friends 18-70 from time to time and I do like it

the difference between 1.8 and 3.5 is two stops, so the 1.8 is letting in four times the light the 3.5 is, BUT IMO, having a zoom is worth it, dont get into primes until you have a do-it-all zoom, that is unless of course you have a decent compact to cover that while the SLR is out for low light, but even then there are some things compacts just cant do

Originally Posted by cbizz

The cream machine
85mm f1.4



But if you like me and can't afford one go with the 35mm 1.8

what do you like shooting? if you need a a zoom lens look for a used 18-105vr or even a 18-55vr they are pretty easy to find used

85mm 1.4s go for obscene amounts of money, so I think Ill pass on that