50mm AF-S or save for 17-55? (Nikon)

[Jurisprudent]

I currently have a D60 with the kit 18-55 VR (F3.5 - Fxx, IIRC) and 55-200 VR (F4 - Fxx, IIRC).

I'd like to upgrade the lens, but I don't really want to spend the money unless it's a good upgrade (i.e., if I need to spend more, than I'd rather just wait)

Right now I can't justify spending the $1k+ that the 17-55 would run, and I'm thinking the 50 mm prime (FX) AF-S F1.4 may be a good addition to my bag, especially for indoor/low light shots.

Your thoughts? Obviously, with the D60 I need to stick with AF-S lenses... I'll upgrade someday, but not right now)

[its ray den]

you can try to get the 35mm 1.8 AF-S for $199 if you can find them. it's a DX lens though.

[solefald]

i bought brand new 50mm for like $89. the body is all plastic, so it feels a little cheap, but a great lens regardless.

[forza1976]

Originally Posted by solefald

i bought brand new 50mm for like $89. the body is all plastic, so it feels a little cheap, but a great lens regardless.

Yeah, I love my 50mm 1.8, plastic aside this lens is a must have. The 1.4 is what I wish I would have purchased and I have heard you can't go wrong with that one either.


OP...
Do them both

here is a link to someone in denver selling a 17-55... FYI.

http://denver.craigslist.org/pho/1132395737.html

[rezmoto]

go on here: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/

they usually have good prices.. and you can see customers reviews before buying..

[1013mm]

17-55 is nice. 50 1.4 is cool. the 1.8 na.

[ATG]

Try the new 35 mm 1.8G if you can find it. For it's $200 sticker the image quality is just amazing (and is better than 50 1.8D that I used to own). This is my favorite budget lens that stays on my camera most of the time.

[TWiTCHY]

If you plan on sticking with DX for a long time, save up for the 17-55mm. That thing was my favorite lens of all time, besides the 70-200mm 2.8. Easiest lens to resell, too. They fly off Craigslist like crazy!

[Jurisprudent]

Thanks for the suggestions. I have been keeping an eye on the 35, but they seem out of stock.

Sticking with DX as far as I can see... D90 (or its replacement) probably down the line.

[1013mm]

get the 17-55mm i dont even use my 50 anymore...

[TWiTCHY]

Originally Posted by jzhang

get the 17-55mm i dont even use my 50 anymore...

I was going to mention the same thing. I had both the 17-55mm f/2.8 and 50mm f/1.4. I rarely used the 50mm. I had no reason to go any lower than f/2.8. Anything below f/2.8 is rather shallow and soft.

[SpecC]

how about the tamron 17-50mm 2.8?

it's 325-375 used and about 400+ shipping new. It's said to perform just as well as the nikon lens with a bit less in quality and louder autofocus

edit:

if you want the 50 1.4, i know someone selling it for 300

PM me if you want to know

[techforge]

The 17-55 is on my camera 98% of the time. The only other lens I own is the 70-200 and I use it once in a while for weddings or sports. Incidentally when I shoot weddings I use the 17-55 on my d300 for 90% of the shots and keep the 70-200 on an older F4 for the occasional closeup I can't get with the 17-55. It's a versatile lens for sure.

[sandyeggo325i]

tamron ftl...loud and SLOW auto focus...

[TWiTCHY]

Originally Posted by sandyeggo325i

tamron ftl...loud and SLOW auto focus...

AGREED. I had a Tamron 10-24mm for my Nikon D60 - HORRIBLE auto-focus and corner sharpness.

If you plan on moving up to the D90, get the Promaster brand 17-50mm f/2.8; it's the EXACT same as the Tamron but without the slow and loud built-in motor. Instead, the Promaster is driven by the camera body's motor which is much better than Tamron's built-in motors. Plus, the Promaster is way cheaper if you can find it at the right place, and comes with life-time warranty.

[Z4_marin]

I picked up a 17-55 for $830 brand new... wait that is the Nikon employee price.... seriously though it is a great lens; I'd go for that.

[scollins]

Originally Posted by Z4_marin

I picked up a 17-55 for $830 brand new... wait that is the Nikon employee price.... seriously though it is a great lens; I'd go for that.

So your the new E90Post hook-up for great deals on Nikon gear, eh? YOU ARE MY NEW BEST FRIEND!



I've got connections in the beer industry, want to trade?

[TWiTCHY]

Originally Posted by scollins

So your the new E90Post hook-up for great deals on Nikon gear, eh? YOU ARE MY NEW BEST FRIEND!



I've got connections in the beer industry, want to trade?

Damn! and I just switched to Canon