Prime lens for Nikon D5000?

I have the Nikon D5000, and am looking for a prime lens so I can take portraits. I have only just begun my research, but I'm seeing that the 50mm is the lens of choice. I'm also seeing that there are not many options for the Dx camera format, and I did not see a 50mm option at all, on the Nikon website. Is the 35mm something to be considered? Or is it possible to use Fx lenses and get as good results as the Dx lenses?

FX lenses can be used on DX cameras without any problems, they will work perfectly.

It's just the other way around, using DX lenses on FX bodies, that has disadvantages. That's because DX lenses are designed for the smaller APS-C size sensors of DX bodies, and can't fill the whole frame of full frame sensor size (FX) cameras.

The 35mm one would be too wide for portraits, forcing you to get too close and causing an unfavorable perspective. Just get a 50mm/1.8G or 1.4G. Watch out, there also are 1.8D and 1.4D versions - these are AF lenses, not AF-S, and you need AF-S ones to autofocus on your camera.AF ones won't autofocus on your camera as they depend on the camera body to supply the autofocus motor, which the D5000 does not have.AF-S lenses have their own autofocus motor in the lens.

Ahh. I see, you are under the misconception that you need a dx lens. Well, you don't. This lens will autofocus and it's a nice lens to use for portraits.http://www.nikonusa.com/Nikon-Products/Product/Camera-Lenses/2199/AF-S-NIKKOR-50mm-f%252F1.8G.html

Often, a FX lens will achieve better results when used on a DX camera. This is because the DX camera is using just the center of the lens, and not the edge of the glass. The edges are where most of the problems in lenses occur (soft focus, chromatic aberrations, etc). The center of the lens is often called the "sweet spot" for this reason.

I always buy FX lenses for my D90 whenever possible. That way, if I ever decide to go full-frame, I won't have to purchase a lot of new lenses.

The only issue you have with your camera is you want an AF-S lens. There are AF lenses on Nikon's website, but be aware that you can't autofocus those lenses with your camera.

The 35mm lens is not a good choice for portraits. Although when it is used on your DX camera, the "apparent" focal length shifts to 52mm, it still retains the characteristics of a 35mm lens - namely perspective distortion.

Perspective distortion is not usually a huge problem except for portraits. Perspective distortion is what makes noses look big and faces look round.

To eliminate perspective distortion, you want a 50mm or longer lens.