Mel Cox , Jun 27, 2009; 08:38 p.m.
I'm in a quandary about which lens to get.
I'm an amateur and take pictures of my Grandson, family, birds, bugs, and flowers.
I have a D300 and D40X with the following Nikon lenses:
18-55, 55-200 AF-S kit lenses. (rarely used)
18-200 AF-S (my walk around lens and stays on the camera most of the time)
70-300 AF-S (for when I need to get closer to the birds or bugs)
I had a 50mm 1.4 D Nikon lens which I just sold with the idea of replacing it with the new 50mm AF-S.
I liked the 50mm because of its low-light capabilities and small size.
My intention was to upgrade from the D to the DX AF-S however, I'm wondering if a 105mm AF-S might be a better choice.
The 50mm is appealing because of the focal length and low light capabilities but the 105mm is appealing because of the macro possibilities. I'm concerned about the working distance for shots of my grandson with the 105mm.
What's a guy to do?????
Should I stick with the plan to get the 50mm AF-S or go for the 105mm AF-S?
Thanks, Mel
Stephen Lewis 
, Jun 27, 2009; 08:53 p.m.
Mel - you already have the focal length of 105mm covered in your present set of lenses, so you should be familiar with the working distance for grandson shots...it doesn't change with lenses. Although I don't have the AF-S version for my Nikon, (I have the 105/2.8 AF-D non VR) I have to say the 105 is a terrific lens for macro work. Since most macro work is done in the manual focus mode anyway, the AF features are pretty much irrelevant to me. Of course the 50/1.4 does allow for better low light shots. Since you just sold your D version you know whether or not you will really use the AF-S version. If so, why not get the 50 and 105 and sell off your kit lenses since you rarely use them and you're already covered in the same ranges with your other lenses.
Eric Arnold , Jun 27, 2009; 09:24 p.m.
or, you could just get the 60mm macro, which is even a better portrait length than the 50...no 1.4, though...
Brian Duffy , Jun 27, 2009; 09:57 p.m.
The 60mm Micro would be the best of both worlds. I had it and it was a great lens. I currently own the 50mm 1.4D and love it. It is the main lens that I shoot my son with and it's incredible for indoor low light photography. The 105 would be great for Macro photography but you will probably not like it for shooting your grandson because it will be too long indoors. I had a 100mm macro on my Canon I only used it for Macro photography, because the crop sensor made it too long for a walk around lens.
Mel Cox , Jun 27, 2009; 10:52 p.m.
Hmmm 60mm? I hadn't thought of that one. That gives me something to think about but I wonder if that might me too much of a compromise on both the 50mm and 105mm.
Thanks for the input
Joseph Leotta 
, Jun 28, 2009; 02:22 a.m.
I think that the 50mm 1.4 is a manadatory tool to have. Its the best lens for low light situations that you will find yourself in. Wide open it also has excellent bokhen.
It also keep the viewfinder nice and bright under all conditions. A 50 1.4 was the only lens that I owned for the first few years of shooting back in the 70's. You be surprized how much you can do with one. i'll never be without one.
Peter Hamm 
, Jun 28, 2009; 07:30 a.m.
I think a 55 or 60mm micro is great to have (although mine is an old used f3.5 55mm... no metering, no AF, no problem), I think you could get a 35mm AF-S DX AND a 50mm f1.8 for less than the 50mm f1.4 and have a lot more flexibility. I LOVE the 35mm length for so many things, it's a great fun lens to have on the camera.
Do you really need f1.4? If f1.8 will do, I'd get the pair of lenses mentioned above.
fast primes , Jun 28, 2009; 08:33 a.m.
Mel, why is the 55-200 kit lens rarely used with your grandson? Would the VR 55-200 be better for you?
Also, THE lens to get for your grandson (and much else) is the new (and not yet released) Tamron 60mm F2.0 macro!
Peter Hamm , Jun 28, 2009; 08:40 a.m.
fast primes,
Because he has the 18-200 (which has GREAT VR) on there. However, for kids, you gotta have fast glass, VR is, imho, often useless, since they're moving so much.
Ramon V (California) , Jun 28, 2009; 10:47 a.m.
first, get the 55-200mm used a lot more for your grandson. actually, the 18-55mm/55-200mm is an excellent grandkid-combo. get the 50mm af-s for your low light demands for both cameras; and for speed. and if you like a great macro and /or portrait lens, i suggest you look at the tamron 90mm.
