Which is the best version of the 50mm F/1.8 AI, AI-s, AF, or AF D?

One more question. When the ebay seller says their are "no scratches but cleaning marks" on the lens. Does those cleaning marks affect the image in any way?

Only if they used Comet.

The optical formula is the same for all of these lenses. Cleaning marks sounds kind of vague to me. I would want to see a photo of the glass taken with the right lighting to show the marks. I usually don't buy lenses with marks on the glass. Check with KEH.COM for this lens and get one without any marks.

If it's a knowledgeable, reputable seller, cleaning marks just means minor marks that at worst might make flare a problem in really adverse lighting (seldom a problem with the 50/1.8 due to the deeply recessed front element - the barrel itself serves as a lens shade).

If the seller is the slightest bit vague or evasive, assume that "cleaning marks" means "horrible, deep gouges suffered when fending off a Britney Spears umbrella attack." Move on to the next lens.

The 50/1.8 is such a good value it makes better sense to buy from KEH or another solid online vendor. Pay a few extra bucks and save peace of mind.

Remember that a new one, as inexpensive as it is, will get you a 5-year warranty from Nikon. The newest version is just as good as the older ones... but with less risk of damange to the lens coatings. A recent-vintage 50/1.8 would have to be a real bargain before it would be worth going for a used one. Any damage to it - even vaguely described "cleaning marks" - would be a show-stopper for me. Again, ONLY because of how inexpensive a new one is. This may be the only lens where the math works out that way.

Forget buying it if you need to ask about cleaning marks. Cleaning marks may contribute toward flare, which is generally an undesirable trait. They can be removed by certain professionals, but the process is expensive - figure around $200-300. A small scratch one can live with, particularly if it is on the front lens, because it can be filled in with black ink.

Jerry - -

buy one from B&H or on Amazon.com - - about $ 100.00 and new with warranty. On a 50mm f/1.8 I see little reason to buy off eBay. Granted mine was bought used, but that's because I wanted one made in Japan....

JMHO

Lil :)

I'm not concerned about the price at this range. I want a good one.

I had won an auction a couple weeks ago for a 50mm f/1.8" in excellent condition. The auction had no picture. I thought I'll risk it with a small bid. I won it for $20.00 bucks. The selling is not shipping it but giving me a run around. I think he's waiting for me to demand a refund. So I'm looking again.

Actually, I'm more interested in a wide angle prime. Like the 24mm or the 28mm. Is there any difference in the image quality between 28mm f/2.8 and the 28mm f/3.5 lenses. I doubt I'd use those lower f/stops. I'd probably shoot at f/8 or higher for my close-up work.

It those were only cleaning marks in a common sense of it, they should be easily removable, and no need to mention them. Most likely there is some damage there.