Nikon AF NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8D Lens

Having never owned a digital SLR until the purchase of my D70 body, I wanted a good cheap lens that would give me a range of shooting options in both low and normal light. Since I didn't have a kit lens, I figured I had an opportunity to pick something out on my own. I started looking at the prime lenses such as the 1.4D and the 1.8D and found that both got great reviews, one outshining the other in certain areas and vice versa. As an amateur photographer who was just getting into digital, I was less concerned with sharpness at particular F-stops and more with overall value for the money. The 50mm 1.8d delivers in this aspect extremely well and is a bit cheaper than the 1.4. Both are great lenses and I'm sure you would be happy with either.

For a little background on the lens, the 50mm 1.8 is a set focal length, which basically means it has no zoom. On a digital camera, 50mm is more in the range of 60 or 70mm due to the small CCD area. In fact when buying any lens for a digital camera, one must be careful to understand how focal length changes on a digital SLR body. The lens is autofocus and has the D moniker which I believe brings a few upgrades from the old 50mm 1.8 available for decades now, although some still prefer the old. I believe you can find the non-D for around $60 and the D for about $100.

What you're really getting in the case of the 50mm 1.8d is a fast lens, one capable of shooting at F1.8. This gives you more range of shooting in low light and in portraiture where you can bring the subject out of the surroundings. I have only had this lens for about a month and have used it for both, as well as in scenery. I have really enjoyed this lens because it takes great shots and allows you to experiment in low light situations. As well, I find the lens to be great in just about any shooting situation except for where a zoom lens is called for, even though the lens is a slight zoom on a digital. If a majority of your shots are scenery/portrait etc, you can't go wrong with this lens and it makes a great travel companion as it adds little weight to the camera.

The one complaint I keep hearing about this lens other than gripes about sharpness at certain stops is its build construction. Made mostly of plastic, some feel this lens doesn't feel or look professional. I can't say I disagree but in reality, I don't bounce the lens around in a pelican case on top of an off road vehicle, nor do I pose for dramatic photographer shots so this is of little concern to me. Like everyone says, if you are thinking of getting one, get one. It's cheap, light, diminutive, with great saturation and sharpness. Paired with a decent zoom lens, you can't go wrong.