35mm or 50mm?

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I'm really stuck with which one to go for, I've searched and searched and I still can't decide which one to go for!

I have a Nikon D5100, my only lens at the moment is the standard kit lens (18-55mm.)

The ones I'm considering are:
Nikon AF-S DX 35mm f1.8G
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f1.8G

I'm still very much a beginner, but I'd really like the 35mm or 50mm for the lower aperture. My cousin recently gave birth and I've become Godfather for the first time so I'm really keen to get pictures of the baby whilst she's really young.

Sadly a combination of low light and a lot of movement is proving far too much for the 18-55mm to handle indoors during these spring, sorry... winter months!

I did read that the 50mm says that when used with a DX camera it will be equivalent to 75mm? Is this correct? If so I'm thinking it'll be too zoomed for normal day-to-day use?

Any advice is greatly appreciated.
 
I did read that the 50mm says that when used with a DX camera it will be equivalent to 75mm? Is this correct? If so I'm thinking it'll be too zoomed for normal day-to-day use?

You are right - good for portraits, but personally I think the 35mm would get more use.

Others may have different views :)

Al
 
Well this is making it a bit easier to choose! Thanks for the advice guys, looks like 35mm is going to be the winner!
 
Definitely the 35 for me having used both 35 and 50.

Just try it with your current lens. Set it at 50 and takes some shots then set at 35 and take the same shots. The 35 will be closer to what your eyes see and what you would expect to get in the shot. The 50 will just feel less 'natural'.
 
ernesto said:
Definitely the 35 for me having used both 35 and 50.

Just try it with your current lens. Set it at 50 and takes some shots then set at 35 and take the same shots. The 35 will be closer to what your eyes see and what you would expect to get in the shot. The 50 will just feel less 'natural'.
Click to expand...

Useful to hear from someone having had both mate, thank you.

I did try with the 50 and for me it felt a bit close admittedly, main positive was that it's good for close-up photos. On the flipside I could always get in closer to the subject or crop the image after, so I doubt I'll be missing too much.

Thanks for all the help chaps, doesn't look like I'll be beating Amazon's £150 price unless anyone knows of anywhere cheaper?
 
Well, I wouldn't rush to but the 35 just yet. I think if you are taking photos of babies the 50mm is a much better choice. I shoot full frame and I much prefer my 85mm to the 50mm. The 50mm is also quite a lot cheaper isn't it?
 
I don't think the G version of the 50 1.8 is cheaper than the 35 1.8, if it is its minimal. I'd go for for the 35 on a crop sensor, I definitely used it more for general and indoor stuff.
 
+1 for the 50mm. I recently became an uncle for the first time and the 50mm is the perfect focal length (on a DX body) for baby photos.
 
I've had the 35 twice (sold both times) and now have the 50. For young baby photos, before they start to move too much, I find the 50mm to be perfect in terms of focal length and IQ. I find the 35 a bit too wide for baby portraits and the bokeh isn't particularly smooth.
 
Although you can't replicate the apertures of these primes on your kit lens, it does cover the focal lengths. I'd suggest setting your zoom to 35mm for a day or so, and then to 50mm for a day or so, and seeing which focal length you prefer. My own experience of 50mm primes is that although many people rave about them, not as many people actually have them as you'd think, as on a crop sensor camera the 50mm field of view is quite tight when you're close in.
 
To add to mine and Andy's advice, as well as trying your current lens as the focal lengths also look through the shots you have taken with your 18-55 to see what length was used the most.
It all depends on if the lens is just for baby shots (your first point) or for general walkabout shots (your second point) as 50 may be best for first and 35 best for second
 
I went through this same choice a few weeks ago and opted for the 35mm. I felt that would give me more flexibility, and the 50mm focal length was just a bit on the long side for a DX sensor (approx 85mm). I also have the kit 18-55 and 55-200 and most of the time my 18-55 is mounted so I would use the 35mm more. TBH, for your question I don't think it makes much difference, it just means you'll either be shooting your portraits slightly closer to or further away from your subject. Both lenses get similar good reviews, are equally sharp and similar in price
 
I have the older 50mm 1.8 version non af-s (no focus motor so no good on a d5100) and I found it was great at a wedding for portrait shots outside but 50mm is not so great for indoor shoot as its just too long. The 35mm is the dx equivalent of 50mm prime on fx, whilst the 50mm is the closest you will get to a 85mm prime on fx. If I was to buy again I would probably go for the 35mm on a dx camera. For wider shots when you are close it has to be the 35mm but if setup posed portraits are your thing then the 50mm could be useful if you have he space. I have now bought a 18-70mm instead to cover indoor shots with a flash instead as the 50mm I can't get as far away as I need to.
 
Thank you all very much for the constructive posts, they were extremely helpful in choosing.

I've decided to go for the 35mm for now, I felt the 50mm may be too much for some of the photos I am intending to take. If I do feel like I've made the wrong decision I can always change so it's not the end of the world.

Nice to know you're all here for great advice though, so thank you very much to everyone!
 
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