Nikon D90 Camera Lens Question

[GLADES]

I have a Nikon D90 camera. I am interested in buying a 50mm f/1.8 lens for general use and portraits. I like the bokeh(sp) effect where the center of the photo is focused but the edges blur.

Nikon offers two versions of this lens. The "D" model($120), and the "G" model($230) which has better optics and is smoother and quieter operating.

Nikon has the cheaper "D" lens available everywhere, but the "G" lens is out of stock everywhere I have checked on the net. I called Nikon corporate and they had no clue when more will be shipped to the US. I have searched the internet and different outlets.

The only posibility that I can find is the "Refurbished" "G" ($180) lens for sale from several outlets.

What are your opinions on buying the refurbished?

Anyone buy one in the past? Issues?

I am torn about buying the cheaper lens, buying refurbished, or just waiting until they are available again.

Thoughts?

[SirSnookalot]

I'd wait, but this might give you something else to check out.

When I was a camera buff I had dozens of filters, one of which was a diffusing filter ( it may have been called a portrait filter, not sure), clear center, blurred edges. Any 67 mm lens filter will fit, doesn't have to be Nikon.

Just to give you an idea?

http://www.cs.mtu.ed...enter-spot.html

[JigMe]

I have the exact same camera, and 50mm F/1.8 is a hot seller right now. Took me 4 months jus to find a new one, but it is definitely worth the wait. I have the “D” verison of the lense, and you can really tell the diference on picture qualities. I have done several testing on 250ISO to 20,000ISO on the subject (my wife), and the noisy is very noticable on the “D”. If I am very into photography, but I don’t buy used items for my nikon D90 or D300 because of my previous experience.

[J Francho]

I'd wait, but this might give you something else to check out.

When I was a camera buff I had dozens of filters, one of which was a diffusing filter ( it may have been called a portrait filter, not sure), clear center, blurred edges. Any 67 mm lens filter will fit, doesn't have to be Nikon.

Just to give you an idea?

http://www.cs.mtu.ed...enter-spot.html

This is all done in post, with an image editing program. The only filters used anymore (that cannot be reproduced digitally) are polarizers, neutral density, and ND grad.

Glades, have you checked FredMiranda, Photocamel, DPR, or other photography forums' want ads? I've been able to do much better than eBay buying used gear. Ised lenses don't really depreciate, so long as their glass is good. Other places you might try are mpex.com and keh.com.

[GLADES]

This is all done in post, with an image editing program. The only filters used anymore (that cannot be reproduced digitally) are polarizers, neutral density, and ND grad.

Glades, have you checked FredMiranda, Photocamel, DPR, or other photography forums' want ads? I've been able to do much better than eBay buying used gear. Ised lenses don't really depreciate, so long as their glass is good. Other places you might try are mpex.com and keh.com.

Thanks for the information guys. I will check out the photography forums..thanks J

[John Krahling]

I also have the D90 and would opt for a 35mm F/1.8 G before the 50mm G or D.

The 35mm is a "Normal" lens for the D90 given the 1.5 X crop factor on a DX Camera which the D90 is.

While taking pictures in a Boat let's say - you will need the wider lens.

I don't use my 50mm anymore since I purchased the 35mm f/1.8G.

JDK

John Krahling

jdkphotocom@gmail.com

www.jdkphoto.com

[GLADES]

Hey John, I just sent you an email with some questions.

thanks for you reply.

[J Francho]

Actually, the more proper term is that the 35mm offers an equivilent field of view on a APS (or 1.5 crop) sensor as a 50mm on a full framed 24x36 (35mm sensor). The 35mm lens is still a wide angle lens, and though the image size is smaller, only the 50 does not magnify or shrink the image. You can easily test this out, by mounting each lens and looking in the viewfinder (so long as it's a true TTL SLR) with your other eye open, and compare the size of the objects. On the 35mm lens, objects will appear smaller in the viewfinder, whereas with the 50mm they will be close to the same.

But, John Krahling is correct in a apples to apples shooting situation. A D90 with a 35mm lens will take tha same picture as a full frame camera with a 50mm lens, so long as the shooter and subjct are in the same positions.

Personally, I own a 28, 35, 50, 85, 100, and 200 primes. My most often used lenses when subject distance is not an issue (bigger areas with room to move) are the 50mm and 100mm, in that order. The 28mm is my indoor lens, and the 35mm is just a lens I use because I like my particular lens (Canon EF35mm f/1.4L). I shoot both APS-C (1.6 crop) and a full frame digital SLR.