35mm or 50mm?

adot45

Senior Member
OK, I kept reading about lenses and instead of things becoming more clear, I just got confused, it happens. I'm not asking any alphabet soup questions here about what would work and focus automatically and which ones would meter ttl but not auto focus, etc. All that is what got me confused in the first place. I'm just going to get a AF-S 50mm G or an AF-S 35mm G lens. My question is what would be the more versatile lens? It would do some time on a copy stand too. Thank You in advance.
 

jherring002

Senior Member
Both would autofocus and meter for you.


Edit: wait a sec. Let me read. Didn't see this was in d40/x thread

Edit 2: OK got it.
You are on a DX camera, so the 35mm will give you about the equivalent of the human eye view.

On a DX camera, 35mm translates to really being a 52.5mm lens because of the crop factor.

A 50mm lens would translate to a 75mm lens and be more of a telephoto lens then.

The 35mm would probably be best for your needs.

As far a versatility, they are both prime lenses so I would say they are about equal. One you will need to be backing up to get the shot, the other you will need to be getting a bit closer.


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OK, I kept reading about lenses and instead of things becoming more clear, I just got confused, it happens. I'm not asking any alphabet soup questions here about what would work and focus automatically and which ones would meter ttl but not auto focus, etc. All that is what got me confused in the first place. I'm just going to get a AF-S 50mm G or an AF-S 35mm G lens. My question is what would be the more versatile lens? It would do some time on a copy stand too. Thank You in advance.

A few things we need to know. What camera are you using would be the first question.

One thing you added at the end throws a monkey wrench into the works.
It would do some time on a copy stand too
What are you going to use it for there. Depending on the distance from the work you might need a macro. if you are shooting on a DX camera the 40mm 2.8 might be a good choice for you. It is a very nice little lens and is in between the 34 and the 50. But this lens is for DX cameras only.
 

Michael J.

Senior Member
I once was in the same situation. I got the 50mm. After a while I was still thinking of the 35mm in some situation, but I got the 40mm. Still my thoughts were going to the 35mm, and I bought it.

I have to say that all 3 lenses are great and each of them are doing a great job for different purposes. I won't give back one of them they're keepers an din the bag not much space is used.
 

adot45

Senior Member
Thanks for your thoughts guys...sorry I didn't provide enough information. My camera is the D40. Copy stand work was probably misleading too, what I'm looking for is 1:1 pictures of coins.

edit: I should add I know I would have to use extension tubes for the close up work but I do have them already.
 
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adot45

Senior Member
Don, no doubt about that being a sweet little lens. About a hundred more than the others but worth keeping on the short list! Thanks!
 

adot45

Senior Member
OK, just wanted to let all you guys know that I appreciated your input in helping me decide which lens would be the best all around choice for me. Siamthai1, DonKuykendall, and Marcel all mentioned the 40mm that I wasn't even aware of but after reading up on it and even seeing some pictures taken with it, I came around to their way of thinking. Mine should be here Friday! :D Pretty excited.......
 

Michael J.

Senior Member
OK, just wanted to let all you guys know that I appreciated your input in helping me decide which lens would be the best all around choice for me. Siamthai1, DonKuykendall, and Marcel all mentioned the 40mm that I wasn't even aware of but after reading up on it and even seeing some pictures taken with it, I came around to their way of thinking. Mine should be here Friday! :D Pretty excited.......

In the meantime: http://nikonites.com/project-365-and-daily-photos/13553-40mm-close-ups.html#axzz2TPtmtNSv
 
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