Nikon 50mm Autofocus or Manual

[Markk]

I'm thinking of getting an AF 50 mm f/1.8 ED for my D60. I know it won't autofocus because it doesn't have a built in motor.

I know my choices of built in motors are the Sigma 30mm or 50mm...

...or wait until an expensive Nikon one shows up with the AF-S.

Would autofocus on this lens be a huuuuge difference or is it easy enough manual focusing that I shouldn't be worried. (I'd also be interested in some tubes in order to get into macro, so I know I'd have to probably manual focus anyway).

I'm probably going to go out and test it to see how I like it, but I would like to hear other people's opinions.

 

[redeyeshev]

It's a great lens for the price. The manual focus is a nice smooth action, but it depends on what you're planning to shoot with it as to how "easy" you find it. Being forced to master using it in manual focus only will certainly add another "feather to your cap".

 

[Nod]

Manual focus with an AF lens is harder than it is with an MF lens due to the (usually) much smaller angle of twist required to go from minimum focus distance to infinity but this is mainly a matter of practise. Another factor is the lack of a microprism or split screen on the focussing screen but you can overcome that with the help of the focus confirmation indicator in the viewfinder.