35mm f/1.8 vs 50mm f/1.8d for D5100

Hello guys,

So I was about to place a purchase order for a 35mm f/1.8 lens when I read some bad reviews saying that on a d5100 look a little weird on the edges compared to the 50mm, and that it was not suitable for 1 person shots like a 50mm that it was more for groups??
so I kinda freaked out, and paused on the purchase order.
I've used a 50mm f/1.8 on a canon t2i which has the crop factor and I liked it, BUT since I know about the distance limitations with a 50mm I wanted to go for a 35mm on my D5100.

What are your opinions?

Thank you for your attention

-Jess

If you have a local shop, you could go there with your camera, sd card and try both. Come back home and look at the results than decide which one is for you.

as above really! just to say i have the 35mm and its fantastic! clear as a bell !! i got the 35 because with the crop it gives me 50mm equivelant!

Hi Jessica.

I've provided some comments below based on your original post:

JIR004 said:

So I was about to place a purchase order for a 35mm f/1.8 lens when I read some bad reviews saying that on a d5100 look a little weird on the edges compared to the 50mm,....

Click to expand...

That's baloney.

JIR004 said:

....and that it was not suitable for 1 person shots like a 50mm that it was more for groups??

Click to expand...

More baloney. The 35 is perhaps better for a group shot (still far from ideal) but the 35 would be perfectly fine for single person shots. The 50mm on a crop sensor would be somewhat better for portraits but certainly nothing to "freak out" about.

JIR004 said:

.... so I kinda freaked out, and paused on the purchase order.

Click to expand...

Breathe deeply...no more freak outs please.

JIR004 said:

....I've used a 50mm f/1.8 on a canon t2i which has the crop factor and I liked it, BUT since I know about the distance limitations with a 50mm I wanted to go for a 35mm on my D5100. What are your opinions?

Click to expand...

Well my opinion is that since you liked the 50mm on the Canon crop sensor that you'll still like it on the Nikon D5100.

However, I personally think 35mm lens to be a better choice for a crop sensor as I found the 50mm focal length on DX to be in sort of no-mans land - not short enough when you need it and not long enough when you need it. I would recommend getting the 35 1.8 and then adding an 85mm lens down the road.

Just my opinion of course.

I agree totally with James. Couldn't have said it better myself. I'm hoping (saving up) to get a 35 1.8 myself, hopefully by this summer.

I too agree with James particulary on the point about 50mm sort of being in no man's land on a crop camera...which is why I'm coming to favor my 28 over my 50. The 35 1.8 supposedly has great IQ and is very reasonably priced. I have seen pictures, on this website, of close up head shots that look pretty darn good.

i just got all 3 suggestions. 35,50 and the 85. got the 50 today and checking it out tonight. it really depends on what your happy with. i wanted all three. 35 for group shots, 50 for potrait and 85 for portrait and macro.

wel i did a shot with the 3 lenses.
1st one is 50mm
2nd one is 35mm
3rd is 85mm
im about 7-8 ft back

I have the 35 and I would highly recommend it. It's tack sharp and for around 200 clams you can't beat it. I have a D3000 and have not seen any weirdness on the corners with this lens.

That is a good illustration of said focal lengths.

The 85 wins again...hahaha

and so if you want to do a portrait shot with the 35mm. get closer.

if you feel your too close with the 85. step back a few feet.

Lol, I think Newb just wanted to show off his Dora balloon .

Thank you guys for all of your help. Definitely getting a 35mm!