Nikon SLR Cameras

Confused between 35mm vs 50mm prime?

Guest
Guest

I'm confused between buying a 35mm prime and 50mm prime for my new DSLR Nikon D5300.

I know the difference between these lenses. 50 mm will act like a 75mm which is perfect for close up or half body portraits. I'm aware that on my system the 35mm will act nearly as a 50mm lens, which is a standard lens and close to what human eye sees.

But I'm confused that which lens will I be needing more in my daily life. I will do portraits but groupies or street photographs as well.

Needless to say that I have 2 zoom lenses 18-55 & 55-200 which will cover all my needs, but I want one prime lens which will provide superior pics to zoom lenses.

Being a newbie to DSLR I know that I won't be shooting models most of the time, rather I will be shooting my friends and colleagues more. But it is also true to create an impression and attract models one need to capture good portraits.

Reading all these please suggest me which prime lens should I go for and why.
P.S.: I need to buy it urgently.

Abhishek
Abhishek

You should get DX format 35mm lens, since it covers more range and well suited for your needs.

George Y
George Y

Asking which is best depends on your creative vision. Do this simple test. Look at the photos you take with your 18-55mm lens. See if you take more of them 35mm or 50mm. You can intentionally take two of each subject for a while, one zoomed out to each setting.

Which focal length works for your subjects and your style? I have a 35mm, 50mm, and 85mm. What works best for me may not be the best for you.

By the way, be sure you get the latest AF-S or AF-G lenses, as those will be the only ones that have the autofocus motor required for your D5300. Yes, you can manually focus, but that usually only works best for still lifes, landscapes, and posed subjects. Sounds like you'll be capturing fleeting moments, so a fast autofocus may be really necessary.

John P
John P

Seeing that you have lenses already covering a wide range, set those lenses to 35mm and 50mm and see which focal length is more useful to you. Then buy the prime of that length. Strictly speaking 35mm equals 52mm on full-frame.

Actually there's a case for choosing a 28mm prime, since 28mm is equivalent to 42mm on "full frame" - 50mm is slightly "long" as a standard lens on full frame, and it was only a historical accident which made 50mm end up as the standard lens on 35mm cameras using film. So try 28mm on your zoom as well.