Nikon Prime Lens Confusion

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Chris
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Hi,

Fairly new here but have been lurking for a while. I am just after a quick explanation (if someone would be so kind enough to give one) of the different prime lenses available for Nikon cameras, specifically the 35mm, 50mm, and 85mm.

Now, i understand that having a D40x (crop sensor and no auto focus in the body?) will change things.

What i have found is that there are so many different versions (A, G, E AF-S E etc etc....) I'm getting myself confused about what would be my best purchase. Also noticed that the prices vary a lot.

I only need it to meter correctly on my D40x, auto-focus is not a major concern if it keeps the costs down. Would probably do my photography good if i did a bit more manual focusing anyway.

I would use it mainly for taking pictures of my 1yr old son and my girlfriend.

Thanks for any help you can give.

Regards,
Chris
 
This may start giving you an insight into the terminology used to describe each version, as well as the history to go with each bit of terminology.

Clicky
 
Nikon AF-S 35mm f/1.8. Will auto focus on your D40 and is fairly new. Gives a field of view of approx 50mm on a d40. Probably the best buy for you.

Nikon AF-D 50mm f/1.8. Won't autofocus, various versions of this lens have been around since the 50's. Known as the nifty fifty due to its cheap price tag, but top quality IQ.

Nikon AF-s 50mm f/1.8. New version will autofocus, pricier than the nifty, but adds AF for budget bodies.

Nikon AF-s 50mm f/1.4. Faster version of above

Nikon AF-D 85mm f/1.8 won't autofocus, stable portrait lens on 35mm, approx field of view on d40 is about 100mm

Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.4 mega bucks portrait monster. Will autofocus

Nikon AF-D 85mm f/1.4 not quite so mega bucks portrait monster, won't autofocus
 
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I would agree with Tom and get the 35mm AF-S 1.8.
On a crop body (D40 etc) it gives a field of view similar to natural vision so photos look "right".
You can pick them up for about £160 new and obviously cheaper used.
Very good lens for the money - other than that you are looking at the 50mm 1.8 but the cheaper version although excelent image quality will not auto focus.
Choice is yours at the end of the day but I would go with the 35mm over the 50 (actually thats what I did as I sold my 50 to buy the 35)
 
Get the 35mm f1.8, the 50mm is a wee bit too narrow for indoor shots of a mving toddler..
 
The 35mm f/2D is also worth considering. It won't autofocus on the D40 but in some ways that is not a bad thing.

The build quality is also way better the cheaply built DX version. If you ever go full frame in future it will also work well.
 
Cheers guys/gals.

Much clearer now, looks like i need to start saving the pennies for a 35 f1.8
 
Look out for a second hand one - they can be as low as £120. Superb value lens.
 
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