can't decide if 35mm 1.8G or 50mm 1.8D for my D7000

Los Hopos · May 24, 2015

I would like to ask you for your advice, which lens will better suit my expectations. I'm into portraits and I also travel a lot. Which lens will give me more options on my D7000 Nikon? The 50 mm or 35 mm? I don't know if the beautiful bokeh on 50 mm is worth the fact that it will become long lens on DX which I don't know would meet my expectations when shooting on the trips. Does anyone consider 35 mm's bokeh "bad"?
Thank you for your help, this will help me decide the final part - lens

480sparky · May 24, 2015

Both lenses will give you an equal number of options. As for which options are best for you, that's hard for us to determine.

If shooting portraiture, the 50 would be my choice of the two if on a DX body. But for travel, the 35 would be better for landscapes.

Size & weight should be a consideration too.

MRnats · May 24, 2015

If you travel a lot then go for the 35. It'll also work well for full body portraits. Using it too close to the subject for portraits will create some distortion so you'll have to keep that in mind.

goodguy · May 25, 2015

When "I bought my D7000 I too considered the 35mm 1.8 DX or the 50mm 1.8, I mounted both lenses on my camera in the store and the 50mm was the obvious winner for me.
the 35mm will seem like a 52.5mm and the 50mm like 75mm on your crop sensor camera, for classic portrait the 50mm will be much better and as others said the 35 better for landscape.
I chose the 50mm, you should just go to camera store and try yourself.

Dave442 · May 25, 2015

Just took the 35mm DX over the weekend, I think it is more useful on DX than a 50mm. I do have the 60mm micro so I tend to use that when I want something a bit longer without going to a telephoto.
While I am not going to be doing vertical portraits with the 35mm it works for me for things like this:

Carnaval La Ceiba 2015

GDHLEWIS · May 25, 2015

I love the 35 1.8, barely every leaves my camera. You wont be disappointed in it. But as said already try it in a store and have a look for yourself

pixmedic · May 25, 2015

i had a D7000 and both of those lenses.
I used the 50mm far more than the 35.
I think I had the 35mm on the camera maybe a total of 5 or 6 times.
it really comes down to how wide you need/want, and how much room you have to back up where you plan to shoot.
for the same price as a new 35mm 1.8G you can get a used 50mm f/1.4D (which I also own) its a fantastic lens.

PropilotBW · May 25, 2015

Having the slightly wider angle will be much more versatile, in my opinion.

Why not just buy BOTH! :1219:

nerwin · May 26, 2015

I had both the 35 1.8 and 50 1.8 and I ended up using the 35 a lot more and I mean to the point that I forgot I had the 50 1.8. Not saying the 50 1.8 is a bad lens, I have it for my D610 now which I enjoy shooting with but when I had the 50 on DX, I really just didn't like the field of view and prefered the field of view of the 35mm as it felt more normal. My recommendation is to get the 35 1.8 and 85 1.8. I think you'll be better off.

gckless · Jun 24, 2015

A 35mm f/1.8 was the second lens I bought, and I only take it off when I need a different zoom range. Depends on how you shoot, but the 35mm, in my opinion, is the optimal prime lens focal length for general use. If you shoot landscapes, you will want wider, but if you shoot portraits you might want narrower. But one thing is certain, it is a great lens at a great price.

AXIS · Jul 13, 2015

I sold my 35 and switched to the 50 myself. The 35 never seemed wide enough for what I wanted, nor did it have the reach i wanted for portraits. The 50mm combined with a wide angle was much better suited for me.

KmH · Jul 14, 2015

I had a Nikon AF-S 35 mm f/1.8G and was so disappointed with it I quickly sold it.
It delivers soft focus when used wide open I I didn't care for the CA and purple fringing.

If you can afford it, get the AF-S 50 mm f/1.8G. It delivers smoother, more cream cheese like bokeh than the AF 50 mm f/1.8D does.
The 50 mm f/1.8D delivers polygonal bokeh because it has near straight and sharp edged by aperture blades. The 50 f/1.8G has aperture blades with more rounded edges and a more rounded shape.

shadowlands · Jul 14, 2015

I always say "both". Why not? They're affordable. Look for refurbs and or clean used. Adorama, keh, etc....
You can get the 50mm 1.8D at a steal if you have the AF motor.