Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.8G First Impressions

So I've been doing a lot of research on lenses recently. I find that most of the images that I really like have been taken with prime lenses. If you're not familiar with what a prime lens is, it's a lens that has only one focal length. That means you cannot zoom in on your subject using the lens. You have to move physically closer to your subject. So why would you want a lens like that? Image quality. Most prime lenses have fewer glass elements so there is less chance for image distortion. They also generally have larger apertures which makes it easier to shoot in low light or with fast moving subjects.

So why did I choose the 50mm 1.8G? I like to shoot nature which means I don't always have control of the light. Having a wide aperture means I can use a lower ISO or a faster shutter speed when I'm outdoors. The price was right at $220. Most wide aperture lenses are pretty expensive. This lens is also fully compatible with Nikon's full frame bodies. I'm sure at some point in the future, I will step up to a full frame sensor body. This lens will work perfectly on Nikon's crop sensor and full sensor bodies. I was mulling getting a DX 35mm 1.8G lens but I opted against it because I would probably end up selling it at a loss if I upgrade my body.

How is the performance? I think it is really good. I'm getting images that are much closer to what I'm seeing. The colors seem truer and the images are sharper. I've been able to lower my ISO and raise my shutter speed and still get good images in less than ideal lighting conditions. It's been a little more forgiving than the 18-55mm lens that came with the camera.

If you get this lens for your DX sensor camera, it will take some time to get acustomed to it. It's like shooting with a short zoom lens all the time and you will need to be farther away from your subject than you think. The image quality is worth it. It is also worth knowing that your lens will be fully compatible with a full frame body.