Tell me to buy the lens

[Eco]

Have you considered used? I picked up my 50 1.4 on Craigslist for $200.

 

[Derrel]

I would buy a zoom, used. The older 35-70mm f/2.8 AF-D has about the range that you'd want with a 1.5x Nikon in-studio,and it can be had used for $300-$350 in good,clean condition. I'd still rather have even more focal length range, like say a 24-85 2.8~4 Nikon zoom, or a good, clean sample of the 24-85 f/3.5~4.5 AF-S G lens that Nikon discontinued a couple of years ago. It's nice to have some wide-angle and also some short telephoto lengths, like the range from 70mm to 85mm, for tighter shots.

I do not think a 50mm prime would be a good choice for studio work if you want 'the best' lens for studio work...