50mm f/1.8D AF Nikkor for a nikon d40

[chemhaznet1]

i was just wondering if i'd be able to use this with my d40. since its not af-s i won't be able to use autofocus right? if that the case then i'm ok with it. am i right that i'll have no autofocus, or am i even going to be able to use this lens?

 

[ANDS!]

It's manual all the way. Other than that yup -

I don't know how the D40 operates, but if theres a "your in focus" indicator that shows in the viewfinder, you should be fine.

 

[chemhaznet1]

yes i have an indicator, down in the lower left corner. thats great news!! now i wonder if i should just buy the 1.4 or the 1.8....is there a huge difference??

 

[ANDS!]

I would get the 1.8 - they sale cheap new, even cheaper used, and realistically the difference between the two isn't worth the price for a 1.4.

 

[sabbath999]

Do yourself a favor and turn off the auto focusing on your kit lens, and spend a day manual focusing it (checking the results) before you get too excited about how your D40 will perform with a non-autofocus lens.

 

[Garbz]

I agree with sabbath. I have a D200 with the older AI 50mm f/1.8. No autofocus there. Even though you have a focus indicator provided in the view finder it is a far cry from a split prism screen in older SLRs. I find it very difficult to focus quickly meaning that I only ever get respectable shots if my subject does not move. It may be worth hanging out to see if an AF-S model is released. If not then go for it. It's not expensive and it's very sharp!

 

[three_eyed_otter]

What about this bad boy Sigma 30mm F1.4 EX DC HSM as an equivalent to the Nikon 50mm f/1.8? Then you would have the auto-focus.

have a good one
3Eo

 

[ANDS!]

Eek. Those two are certainly not equivalent in price. It seems to be an exceptionally popular lens though.

 

[three_eyed_otter]

Those two are certainly not equivalent in price.

I was thinking more about quality and usage...........?????????

have a good one
3Eo

 

[chemhaznet1]

thank you everyone for your suggestions. i have spent some time focusing manually and i actually really enjoy doing it. it is very slow at times and i find it to be difficult with that itty bitty indicator they give you, but i still love doing it. i'm set on buying that 1.8 50mm nikon lens and i'll probably get it right after i pay this semesters tuition.

i love this forum, everyone is so helpful!