Lens For The D-50

Soul Rebel · Jul 22, 2006

My budget is going to allow me to buy one lens for the D-50. My budget is right around $230. Well, thats the max I can spend...with taxes.

I found two that interest me so far. As far as I can tell they would fit my camera. If not and I am an idiot (I joke, I know I can be an idiot sometimes, lol) then disregard this.

http://www.ritzcamera.com/product/5...digital-cameras;cislr-lens;cilenses-for-nikon

http://www.ritzcamera.com/product/2...digital-cameras;cislr-lens;cilenses-for-nikon

malweth · Jul 22, 2006

I had a similar problem to yours... I ended up ordering the D50 kit (Nikkor 18-55mm) and the Nikkor 50mm Prime lens. I was convinced by many people that a cheaper zoom lens (especially Quantaray) wouldn't make me happy. I also thought about the Sigma 2-for kit, but decided against in favor of the prime lens.

I'm very happy with the 50mm Prime so far (arrived today), and the 18-55mm Kit lens has been great for my beginner level shooting

- Of course my typical photos are family and domestic animal shots ... this may not be in-line with what you're thinking.

I am planning on asking for a Cheap(er) Nikkor zoom for Christmas - a lot depends on how much I think I need it after my cruise vacation this summer!

Soul Rebel · Jul 22, 2006

I could have gotten a significantly cheaper package with a chaper Quantaray lens but my thinking was that getting the package made by Nikon would be better. Maybe the thinking is flawed but I thought as a starter kid the actual Nikon lens would be best. So far I like it and I think I can survive on that for awhile. However, I want to get a zoom lens. I like taking photos of birds and stuff like that and think that would be the best for me.

I also am thinking of a macro lens but I dont think I can get both on that budget. The zoom is the way to go for me...I think.

Arch · Jul 22, 2006

you may want to consider the sigma 70-300 APO DG macro II lens.... its a popular choice for both nikon and canon owners and is great for a good priced 'all rounder'...... you get the benefit of the telephoto zoom..... and the macro in one lens. It's not as good as a dedicated macro (but they are expensive anyway!).... but you still get decent results. I'm UK so cant link you.... but most camera online camera stores have them.

Add to this...... the inexpensive 50mm 1.8 prime..... and your good to go....

Arch · Jul 22, 2006

I found a link at B&H..... it does seem to be most your budget.... but its a great starter lens.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=396830&is=REG&addedTroughType=search

Soul Rebel · Jul 22, 2006

So what do I look for in a lens to make sure it fits my camera? Do I just need the Nikon AF lenses?

Arch · Jul 22, 2006

yea it says all the compatable fittings in the D50 manual.... most nikon lenses work.... with some older ones you can loose metering and/or AF..... but companies like sigma and tamron usually do the nikon mounts too. Most of the new digital ones will have 'D' in the title.

JEazy · Jul 22, 2006

http://www.ritzcamera.com/product/54...nses-for-nikon

def go with that one, you won't regret it.

Soul Rebel · Jul 23, 2006

So if I get a lens that isnt specified digital, such as just a Nikon AF lens....am I losing anything?

JEazy · Jul 23, 2006

Sometimes you can lose digital crop. Say you get a fisheye for a Nikon Film SLR and you use it on a Nikon Digital SLR, instead of being able to see 180 degrees, it cuts it down to about 130 degrees because of the digital crop. Other than that, you don't really lose anything.

Soul Rebel · Jul 23, 2006

The lady down at our local camera store said something about the digital lens being curved while the non-digital lens isnt. Or maybe the other way around. I dont know. She did say there was a loss in quality (not a whole lot though) in using a lens that isnt digital.

LWW · Jul 23, 2006

IF ANYTHING there should be a slight increase in quality as the light dropoff in the edges are less and the crop is from the dead center which should always be the sharpest section of the lens.

LWW

bigfatbadger · Jul 23, 2006

Soul Rebel said:
The lady down at our local camera store said something about the digital lens being curved while the non-digital lens isnt. Or maybe the other way around. I dont know. She did say there was a loss in quality (not a whole lot though) in using a lens that isnt digital.

Theres something about the planes (angle of sensor/film) being different in film / digital which means that the lenses are more curved or something.

As you can see, I don't really know what I'm talking about.