written by Beckie of beckiegkengle.com
Today’s review is about the fabulous little Nifty Fifty!
This lens is a gem! It’s small, fast, and incredibly sharp! (priced between $289 used -$329 new)
When I was shooting with my D90 (and before I got my 60mm) this lens was on my camera 99% of the time! (on a cropped body this lens is relatively equivalent to a 75mm lens on a full-frame body)
I have been purposely putting it on my D700 a lot lately, because it has gotten neglected over the last couple of years. And I have realized that I’ve ย been missing out on a great lens by not using it! (I did this entire little family session with my D700 and my 50mm f/1.4)
I think it is a great walk-around lens for any camera body. Especially on the D700; it has a 1:1 aspect ratio. Meaning, it is the most like seeing out of your owns eyes! That isn’t so on a cropped body (D7000 and below). On a cropped body, you see approximately 97%, but due to the cropped sensor, you are only getting part of what you see. (cropped vs. full-frame, that’s the post I just did a couple weeks ago! ๐ )
The 50mm f/1.4 has a nice solid build. Lightweight, yet feels very sturdy! This is not an AF-S lens, which means that it will not auto-focus on Nikon’s entry-level bodies (aka D40, D40x, D60, D3000, D3100, D5000, D5100).
The f/1.4 is a step up from the f/1.8 version. The 50mm f/1.8 is still a very sharp, and fast lens, that has great quality, and has an attractive price tag if you need to stay within a budget (around $135).
OK Beckie, I need more info. I have had this lens for 3 years and NEVER USED IT! I can’t figure it out. Will you do a post on tips for how to use it? Where to stand? Settings? Anything to help me get started?! Thanks. Lisa~
Lisa, I just sent you an email! ๐
These pictures are GORGEOUS!! I have the 50mm f/1.8 lens & LOVE it!! Hoping one day to upgrade to the f/1.4! Thanks for sharing this review!!
Beautiful photos! I have a 50mm for my Cannon and I love it. I would love to know how much natural light you have going on in those photos, and what type of software are you using to edit them – PSE, Lightroom?
Thank you! Elizabeth, I was working off of natural light from only one window so I’m pretty sure my ISO was up a little (800 maybe? I’ll check tomorrow). As far as processing, I use Lightroom 3 and CS5.
Hi! Thank you for providing such great info on the 50mm lens! I’m still so confused which I should start with/what will work with me camera!!?? I have a Nikon d-5000, would you suggest the f/1.8d AF? Thanks so much!
I re read your post and you already answered my question:-) thanks! I’m ordering the 1.8 AF tonight!