what are the best primes for nikon

[brainhulk]

right now i'm using a panasonic gf1 + 20mm 1.7. I'm considering getting a d5100 or d7000 + prime for indoor so I don't have to go so high on the ISO

 

[iGas]

Nikkor AF/S, 24mm f/1.4, 35mm f/1.4, 50mm f/1.4, 85mm f/1.4.

Canon have the same lenses as the Nikkor, but Canon EF also have the 50mm f/1.2, and 85mm f/1.2 (Canon also have 50mm f/1.0 but it is not that sharp and expensive for an L lens).

 

[JohnnyRebel]

right now i'm using a panasonic gf1 + 20mm 1.7. I'm considering getting a d5100 or d7000 + prime for indoor so I don't have to go so high on the ISO

Start with the excellent 35mm f/1.8 @ $200ish. You'll be very happy with it's indoor performance and pleasant bokeh.

JR

 

[twistedlogic]

I'd say Nikon's best primes are there super teles. The 200mm F2 and 300 2.8 and up are some nice optics. But they are probably a bit long for indoors.

Some users prefer Sigma's primes over Nikon's as they produce wonderful bokeh. The 30 1.4, 50 1.4, and the new 85 1.4 are all great performers.

 

[Anubis]

6mm f/2.8

 

[vshah]

Start with the excellent 35mm f/1.8 @ $200ish. You'll be very happy with it's indoor performance and pleasant bokeh.

JR

seconded...great lens for indoor shots and very reasonably priced.

 

[Silenus]

Nikkor AF/S, 24mm f/1.4, 35mm f/1.4, 50mm f/1.4, 85mm f/1.4.

Canon have the same lenses as the Nikkor, but Canon EF also have the 50mm f/1.2, and 85mm f/1.2 (Canon also have 50mm f/1.0 but it is not that sharp and expensive for an L lens).

What iGas says is true. These are the best primes that would get get regularly used indoors (shorter end of the focal lengths). But you said nothing about price. These are all expensive except the 50mm.

If want probably the best bang for the buck prime on a DX camera you really can't beat the AF-S 35/1.8 DX for about $200...as has been mentioned at least twice already. It is a modern design, small, light, and sharp wide open. It is fantastic for the money it costs. I have one and it is my most used lens by far.

 

[Munky]

Depends on how much you're willing to spend. I like the results I get from the $200 35mm F1.8, and while it's not "the best", it's good enough that I don't wish for an even bigger and more expensive prime.

 

[iGas]

What iGas says is true. These are the best primes that would get get regularly used indoors (shorter end of the focal lengths). But you said nothing about price. These are all expensive except the 50mm.

If want probably the best bang for the buck prime on a DX camera you really can't beat the AF-S 35/1.8 DX for about $200...as has been mentioned at least twice already. It is a modern design, small, light, and sharp wide open. It is fantastic for the money it costs. I have one and it is my most used lens by far.

The 35mm f/1.8 or 50mm f/1.8 would do in a pinch if the OP is sensitive to price.

Get the Nikkor 24mm f/1.4 if price isn't a subject and the Nikon D700/D3s full frame body to take advantage of the wide angle for indoor usage. But if this is the case then it is better to go with Canon, because a full frame Canon 5D mrkII body is cheaper than Nikon and so as the AF 24mm f/1.4L lens. The saving would allow you to purchase the Canon AF 50mm f/1.2L and/or AF 85mm f/1.2L lenses and still have enough money to buy a good Speedlite.

 

[xchangx]

OP: I have a 35 1.8 I need to get rid of in case you are thinking about it.

 

[JohnnyRebel]

OP: I have a 35 1.8 I need to get rid of in case you are thinking about it.

PM me with what you want for it.

JR

 

[ElFenix]

right now i'm using a panasonic gf1 + 20mm 1.7. I'm considering getting a d5100 or d7000 + prime for indoor so I don't have to go so high on the ISO

um, you'll pretty much have to go just as high on the ISO with a nikon as with that panasonic. even a 50/1.4 will only net you 2/3 of a stop.

 

[brainhulk]

um, you'll pretty much have to go just as high on the ISO with a nikon as with that panasonic. even a 50/1.4 will only net you 2/3 of a stop.

oh, i didn't know that. I always thought the bigger sensor would be much better in that regard...

 

[Munky]

oh, i didn't know that. I always thought the bigger sensor would be much better in that regard...

The bigger sensor might look better at comparable ISO, but you'd still have to use the same high ISO to get an equivalent exposure, given a similar aperture and shutter speed.

 

[foghorn67]

Does it have to be Nikon branded?
I have Sigma 30 1.4 I picked up yesterday, and I'm already in love with it.
I'm normally reserved when it comes to Sigma. I've had the worst luck with their pro zooms and soft images.

 

[brainhulk]

The bigger sensor might look better at comparable ISO, but you'd still have to use the same high ISO to get an equivalent exposure, given a similar aperture and shutter speed.

so given the same aperture, shutterspeed and iso, the d5100 or d7000 should have less noise and better iq right?

say my budget is < $1000, which lens would you guys buy for indoors? prime or zoom and particular about sharpness, contrast, and bokeh

 

[JohnnyRebel]

'Get the D7000 if you can afford it. That will allow you to use some of the excellent AF-D lenses you can get used/refurb.

However, assuming AF-S lenses, "indoor" covers a lot of ground. $1000 is not an optimum price point. Nikon really likes to price their top lenses in the $1500+ range.

The best zoom for DX is the 17-55mm f/2.8 "pro" zoom. New for $1499, used in perfect condition for $1350ish.

However, I would not go that route. There are great lenses that you can get that will take great shots.

The 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5 is a great lens. Coupled with the 35mm f/1.8 for low light and you're set. The 18-70 is $250 Nikon Refurbished, or $199 used in E+ condition. The 35mm prime is $200. For less than half your budget, you're pretty well equiped.

The 18-55 kit lens is very sharp and can be had in VR, Nikon Refurbished for $99. Both the D5100 and the D7000 are outstanding low-light performers and will let you get by with a bit slower lens.

Ultimately, you'll want to acquire some fast primes. Really, these can wait. The inexpensive Nikon lenses are so good you can do a whole lot now, and save for the pro lenses to get when you know exactly what you need for your art.

The 50mm f/1.8 is a neat portrait lens on DX, and will run you about $250.

So, for $750 you can have a sharp 18-70 zoom for a "stay on camera" lens, and two excellent f/1.8 primes for low light (35mm and 50mm).

Add the surprisingly good 55-200mm f/4-5.6 zoom for $130 (Nikon Refurbished) and you are set for some time and still have $100+ to take the wife out for Dinner and a Movie.

BTW, if you get the D7000 you can get some of these in the AF-D save a couple hundred dollars. Plus there are some neat f/2.8 "pro" zooms out there in AF-D for 1/5th what new AF-S VR zooms would cost.

JR