Prime Lens

[Breny]

Originally Posted by JeanieK

So as Breny asked in her OP, why do you need a prime lense? If you have an 18 - 55, and set it on 55 how is that different than having a 55 prime?

Good question!
Or is there a lens to cover it all say 35-200 or 300?

[browniesmom622]

A prime len's is a good every day len's It's light weight. Plus the f/1.8 Is really great. I really don't like my kit len's. It's not that great It just look's like regular picture's.

[BonBon]

Originally Posted by browniesmom622

Because i got to play with a 50 & you still have to back up more than i want to, I like taking pretty close up picture's.
Plus it is a Ton cheaper.

That's good to know. So if I'm usually a little ways away from the pups, a 50mm would probably work better for me?

Originally Posted by JeanieK

So as Breny asked in her OP, why do you need a prime lense? If you have an 18 - 55, and set it on 55 how is that different than having a 55 prime?

I've been wondering this exact same thing. If your lens already has the 50mm range in it, why do you need another lens?

[browniesmom622]

Originally Posted by bonbon

That's good to know. So if I'm usually a little ways away from the pups, a 50mm would probably work better for me?




I've been wondering this exact same thing. If your lens already has the 50mm range in it, why do you need another lens?

See that's where it's really up to what you want Because a zoom len's would be just as good for that. It's really up to each person.

[Breny]

What does PRIME mean? primary? As in a lens you would use most often?

[Wylie's Mom]

Okay...let me try to answer a few things here...

1) For Breny - you need to look for AFS lenses in Nikkor/Nikon and HSM in Sigma...I can't recall the notation for lens motor in Tamron - can anyone else? In a nutshell...your camera (the D5000) does not have a lens focus motor on/in the camera body...therefore...you need to make sure you buy lenses that have their OWN focus motors IN the lens itself...that is...IF you want that lens to Auto Focus. *IF* you are okay w/ manual focus (and frankly, I just don't want to do it 98% of the time )...then you can buy whatever...but I'm guessing you *want* auto focus...?

2) Prime lenses --- different than zooms. An 18-55mm set at "55m" would not be the same as a 50mm Prime. I'm not very good at explaining this stuff...it's tough to write out and describe...so let's see. First, I find you have more control over the aperture w/ prime lenses, and I really like that as I pretty much always shoot in aperture priority mode.

Honestly...instead of me trying to explain it...which probably won't be very good, here are some pretty good articles :

Why a prime lens is better than a zoom
Prime lenses, and why you need one :: Photocritic photography blog
Prime VS Zoom - How They Fare Against Each Other - DigitalRev.com
Article about Aperture / f-stops

[JeanieK]

Man so much to learn, so little time.

Wylies Mom those are some great informational site. Slowly it is all beginning to come together.

[Breny]

Ok thanks!!! How is this for a Prime lens. Looks to have the motor I need Amazon.com: Nikon 35mm f/1.8G AF-S DX Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras: Camera & Photo

Originally Posted by Wylie's Mom

Okay...let me try to answer a few things here...

1) For Breny - you need to look for AFS lenses in Nikkor/Nikon and HSM in Sigma...I can't recall the notation for lens motor in Tamron - can anyone else? In a nutshell...your camera (the D5000) does not have a lens focus motor on/in the camera body...therefore...you need to make sure you buy lenses that have their OWN focus motors IN the lens itself...that is...IF you want that lens to Auto Focus. *IF* you are okay w/ manual focus (and frankly, I just don't want to do it 98% of the time )...then you can buy whatever...but I'm guessing you *want* auto focus...?

2) Prime lenses --- different than zooms. An 18-55mm set at "55m" would not be the same as a 50mm Prime. I'm not very good at explaining this stuff...it's tough to write out and describe...so let's see. First, I find you have more control over the aperture w/ prime lenses, and I really like that as I pretty much always shoot in aperture priority mode.

Honestly...instead of me trying to explain it...which probably won't be very good, here are some pretty good articles :

Why a prime lens is better than a zoom
Prime lenses, and why you need one :: Photocritic photography blog
Prime VS Zoom - How They Fare Against Each Other - DigitalRev.com
Article about Aperture / f-stops

[bildio]

Originally Posted by Breny

Ok thanks!!! How is this for a Prime lens. Looks to have the motor I need Amazon.com: Nikon 35mm f/1.8G AF-S DX Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras: Camera & Photo

Excellent choice. I purchased one a couple of weeks ago. It's equivalent to a 50mm lens on a DX format camera.

[Breny]

Originally Posted by bildio

Excellent choice. I purchased one a couple of weeks ago. It's equivalent to a 50mm lens on a DX format camera.

Thanks!!!I may get it. have you taken any pics you can share?

[BonBon]

Originally Posted by bildio

Excellent choice. I purchased one a couple of weeks ago. It's equivalent to a 50mm lens on a DX format camera.

Just curious - if you have the D90, why did you pay more to get a lens with the motor in it?

[bildio]

Originally Posted by bonbon

Just curious - if you have the D90, why did you pay more to get a lens with the motor in it?

Are you referring to the old Nikon 35mm f/2 AF-D as the non-motorized alternative?

If so, because it costs more & the one I got gets better reviews. For example, Ken Rockwell says, "For DX, the $199 35/1.8G is so good I'd not wish the clunky mechanical focus of the 35/2 on you if you're shooting DX and could use the 35/1.8G."

[JeanieK]

How to Choose the Best Digital SLR Lens

Here is a site to help you decide what kind of lens to buy. Go thorugh all 6 steps.