D7000 and specific lens variants

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dwhopson

Senior Member
Hi Everyone... I'm about to purchase a new D7000 (coming from Pentax - please keep your comments to yourself!). I would like to purchase a 35/1.8 and/or 50/1.8. I know there are three different ones...no delineation, D variant and G variant (to simplify). When used on the D7000 is there a lot of difference in image quality/resolving power between the three variants. The biggest reason for the question is that I have read on other forums that the D variant doesn't provide enough resolving power for the D7000/7100...Can anyone verify this? If this is true, I'd also assume the non-delineated versions of these lenses also wouldn't provide appropriate resolution to the sensor. I don't want to spend $$ on lenses to end up with sub-par results on a top-flight body. I know with my pentax the FA series 35/2 and 50/1.4 - these were truly must-haves with hefty price tags but also image quality to match (and are in regular use with the flagship 24mp K-3 without issue)...Can I expect the same here? Thanks for the help and advice to a soon to be newbie in Nikon-land! dwh
 
Horoscope Fish

Horoscope Fish

Senior Member
dwhopson said:
Hi Everyone... I'm about to purchase a new D7000 (coming from Pentax - please keep your comments to yourself!). I would like to purchase a 35/1.8 and/or 50/1.8. I know there are three different ones...no delineation, D variant and G variant (to simplify). When used on the D7000 is there a lot of difference in image quality/resolving power between the three variants. The biggest reason for the question is that I have read on other forums that the D variant doesn't provide enough resolving power for the D7000/7100...Can anyone verify this? If this is true, I'd also assume the non-delineated versions of these lenses also wouldn't provide appropriate resolution to the sensor. I don't want to spend $$ on lenses to end up with sub-par results on a top-flight body. I know with my pentax the FA series 35/2 and 50/1.4 - these were truly must-haves with hefty price tags but also image quality to match (and are in regular use with the flagship 24mp K-3 without issue)...Can I expect the same here? Thanks for the help and advice to a soon to be newbie in Nikon-land! dwh
Click to expand...
Looking at lens reviews on DXO Mark Labs I find the following:

Nikon 50mm f/1.8 G mounted on a D7000:
Sharpness Score: 10
Overall Score: 19

Nikon 50mm f/1.8 D mounted on a D7000:
Sharpness Score: 9
Overall Score: 17

Based on this data, saying one of those lenses is better than the other on a D7000 is splitting a split hair, IMO. Further, in looking at the f/1.4 variants of both of those lenses, there is no significant variation in the scores for sharpness or overall score. Scores for all of those lenses jump significantly, however, when mounted on the D7100, though. Most likely due to the lack of the optical low-pass filter on the '7100.


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Deezey

Senior Member
The basic consensus is that the G series is better than the D lenses. But I have found that you wont really notice the difference unless you go looking for it. Also keep in mind the higher the MPs the more a lenses flaws are exposed (along with you flaws). On a D800 you may be able to notice the difference more than say your soon to be yours D7000.

As for the 35 vs 50....do you shoot more indoors than out? The 50 makes a nice portrait lens. But I find it too long for most casual indoor settings.
 
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DraganDL

Senior Member
I'd say, "D" (AF-D) variant (though somewhat older than "G") are very good lenses, in some cases sharper and more robustly built than "G" series. The only indisputable advantage of (many) "Gs" is a built-in motor drive (like in a case of 50mm f/1.8 G), allowing autofocus even with the least expensive Nikons (D3xxx, D5xxx, D40 etc.) which is not relevant here. My suggestion is: AF 35mm f/2D and a 50mm f/1.8D. Very robust lenses, fast autofocusing and very, very affordable, and you'll be able to use same filters (both have a filter diameter of 52mm). The lens I would avoid: 35mm f/1.8 DX (horrible amount of distortion, in my opinion).
 
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singlerosa_RIP

Senior Member
Have only used the 50 1.4D on the 7000 (as well as D100 and D600). All I can add is that all of the mentioned lenses should give great results. If you're worried about max resolution or some forum bs, get the latest G version. If you want build quality, get a D. Good luck with your D7K.
 
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dwhopson

Senior Member
Thanks for the information everyone. It helps me get one step closer to a purchase.

For now, I think I'm looking at a 50/1.8D prime and a 18-105 3.5/5.6g Af-s Dx Ed Vr zoom. This should give me a decent Vr zoom and a nice prime (I'm already familiar with a 50mm length).

Then I'll save up for a 85mm prime :D (They were prohibitively expensive in pentax land...). Thanks! dwh
 
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Englischdude

Senior Member
i have the 50 1.8D and am in love with this lens, furthermore, it is dirt cheap. I dont think you can go wrong with lens, in addition....... I love the retro look :)

You mention 85mm, I recently tried the 85mm 1.8D which I sent back. The pictures, bokeh, sharpness etc was outstanding, the main fault I had was the green fringing in the bokeh. In this case I would certainly recommend going for the G version.
 
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