I'm in the market for a 50mm prime. Help?
I am in the market for a 50mm prime F/1.8 for my d40, and my max buget is $100. I may get one off ebay. What specs should I look for? Ai or non ai? What should I watch out for?
Also, I'm a good manual focuser. I don't need autofocus.
Post Edited (23:56h)
Also, I'm a good manual focuser. I don't need autofocus.
Post Edited (23:56h)
There aren't that many to choose from if you want 50mm f1.8 There is the 50mm 1.8D, which is slightly more than 100 dollars new, so you shoud be able to get one used. It's a great lens. Then there's the 50mm f1.4 It's even better, but not enough to justify the pricetag which is 3 times that of the 1.8
You obviously also have all the old lenses to choose from. Since you have the d40, the Ai or non Ai doesn't matter as you won't be able to use the light meter with either of them. You will have to expose by guessing or using an external light meter and then check your LCD. A few things to keep in mind though. If you ever plan on getting a D200, D300, D700, D3, D2 etc, go for the Ai lens as you will be able to use metering with Ai on those cameras. If you get a non Ai, it will probably have "rabbit ears" attached to it. They were there to hook into the metering knob of the older cameras. Make sure they don't get in the way of the bottom of the built in flash when you turn the apperture ring.
I'd still reccomnd the 50mm 1.8D though. It's a great lens and terrific value for money.
You obviously also have all the old lenses to choose from. Since you have the d40, the Ai or non Ai doesn't matter as you won't be able to use the light meter with either of them. You will have to expose by guessing or using an external light meter and then check your LCD. A few things to keep in mind though. If you ever plan on getting a D200, D300, D700, D3, D2 etc, go for the Ai lens as you will be able to use metering with Ai on those cameras. If you get a non Ai, it will probably have "rabbit ears" attached to it. They were there to hook into the metering knob of the older cameras. Make sure they don't get in the way of the bottom of the built in flash when you turn the apperture ring.
I'd still reccomnd the 50mm 1.8D though. It's a great lens and terrific value for money.