$350

D40 · Aug 19, 2008

Well the D40 sold so I have some extra camera money

I was thinking about getting:

1. MBd200 grip
2. Extra Battery
3. Nikon 50mm f/1.8

Or

1. Nikon 50mm f/1.4

I want to use the 50 as a portrait/light carry around on camera lens when I don't feal like useing something larger. I want a tack sharp and accurate focusing 50mm so any ideas? I also need a mid range zoom but am holding off of that till I can decide which one to get (maybe the 18-70 to go with the 70-200).

SpeedTrap · Aug 19, 2008

I have the 50mm F1.4 and love it, you can't go wrong there.

snowalker · Aug 19, 2008

for sharpen images NO zoom lenses...

digital flower · Aug 19, 2008

I like my 50/1.8. One of the best value/price I have gotten in photography.

Are you going to change your name now? :lol:

Village Idiot · Aug 20, 2008

Or three used speed lights, radio triggers, and other accessories. Lighting is what makes real photographers

K_Pugh · Aug 20, 2008

well if you're using it for portraiture i'd say get the f1.8 and the grip, battery and a reflector.

RyanLilly · Aug 20, 2008

50mm 1.4

D40 · Aug 20, 2008

If I could change my name I would

Tis funny, a lot of people ask me that!

Yes, right now I do a lot of event and am getting more and more portrait work. The D200 does eat batteries for sure so that is one reason for the grip, also the extra shutter release button. I have read and read about the 50mm's and here some people say they are very close in performance and others say the 1.4/1.8 is better? I like the idea of haveing a supper small lens and the fact that I will be moveing around and not just zooming in and out. I think it will get me to pay more attention to the frameing and what is going on in the background.

D40 · Aug 20, 2008

Hmm, her is another thing I am thinking, with the 50mm it will put me (camera to subject) closer... see with my 70-200 with I love for portraits I have trouble getting the flash/exposure right due to me being farther away. I love useing the Lightsphere but just have trouble getting the exposure right. I think with a 50mm it will put me closer to the subject at with point I find it easier to get my flash correct. Just a little something I thought of

Doug · Aug 20, 2008

I have a 50mm f1.4 and love it. You might be able to find a good used one and take the savings and buy the grip and extra battery.

D40 · Aug 20, 2008

Is the 1.4 that much better as far as sharpness and usability? I like to make the most of my money and if I opt for the 1.4 tha will eat it up. But if that is the way to go than that is it

Village Idiot · Aug 21, 2008

D40 said:
Is the 1.4 that much better as far as sharpness and usability? I like to make the most of my money and if I opt for the 1.4 tha will eat it up. But if that is the way to go than that is it

If you're wanting to do portraiture: http://strobist.blogspot.com/2006/03/lighting-101.html

You can use the kit lens and get a much bigger improvement on your photos than with spending that money on a lens.

D40 · Aug 21, 2008

I am finding a lot of people who like:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...001923_Wide_Angle_AF_Nikkor.html#ReviewHeader

that better for portraits due to the crop facter? Any thoughts on who a 50mm vs 35 looks, I am not in a position were I can get my hands on either to try?

SpeedTrap · Aug 21, 2008

You would be better with the 50mm for portrait, A traditional portrait lens is about 75-90mm so the 50mm with the crop factor will work better.
That is just a bit too wide for portrait work. If you can the 60mm macro from nikon makes a wonderful portrait lens,
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/66987-USA/Nikon_00001987_60mm_f_2_8D_Macro_Autofocus.html

And it is a Macro as well