Ethan

iTrader: (1)

I'm not new to photography in general (I've beens shooting a 35mm Canon film camera for the past 4 years), but I'm getting into digital photography within the next month or so.

I've already decided on getting a D5100 body.
Now I'm having to make a choice of lenses. I'm not interested in the kit lens, and I dont want anything with zoom; I'd really like a fixed-focal length lens.
I already have access to a 50mm 1.8D (just bought it for my girlfriend), but i want something that I can keep on the body at all times.

I'm stuck between the 40mm 2.8G Micro-Nikkor ($280) and the 35mm 1.8G Nikkor ($200) lenses.

I've seen tons of amazing photos taken with the 35mm, but haven't seen much of the 40mm. Does anybody have any experience with this lens?

I guess I'm just looking for some advice. If you had the choice, which would you choose?

Thanks for looking and happy holidays!

speedy000

iTrader: (2)

35mm FTMFW! It's twice as fast and the focal length is perfect. Unless u plan to shoot a lot of macro even then 40mm macro is weak!

Kingshawty12

on my canon I only have 3 lenses 18-55 kit, 50mm f1.8 and 35mm f2, I rarely use my kit unless i need a wide angle picture, most of the time i had my 50mm but since i just got the 35mm last night that will most likely be on my camera from now on. I really like primes better though. I say get the 35mm F1.8

_NeXuS_

Looks like I made a good choice for my starter lens to be a 35mm 1.8F.

TheFantasticG

As a heavy heavy macro shooter (I took over 10,000 macro images this year alone) I can say that the 40mm 2.8G macro is only good for studio, dead things, or still life a.k.a. flowers and rocks. I have the 35mm 1.8G and it's tack sharp at 2.8, and usable sharp at 1.8 so I suggest everyone with a crop sensor to snag one. $ to $ it's one of the best lenses out there.

Ethan

iTrader: (1)

Thanks for the replies, everybody.

I've been following NikonRumors recently, and I've read that an 85mm 1.8G is likely to be announced at a Nikon press conference on January 6th. Think I should wait to buy the 35mm 1.8G until there is confirmation/details/pricing?

speedy000

iTrader: (2)

u should stick with the 35mm. the 85mm is a specialty lens mostly used for portraits. if u only have a body and no kit lens you will be limited on what u can shoot and where. especially on a crop body that 85 will be too tight for pretty much anything indoors. on the other hand the 35mm is way more useful.