Low Light Lens

[Lizmo]

I have a Nikon D40x. I would like to get a low light lens. I've been looking at the 50mm 1.8 lens - I know this won't auto fcous on my D40x, correct? That isn't a bad thing as this lens would mostly be used for indoor/portrait shots, though.

Any suggestions?

 

[Zoom]

I was just about to make this same thread, so do mind if I thread jack a bit?

I need a good low-light, action lens suggestion. And why doesn't my flash recharge very quickly, even with brand-new batteries in it?

 

[skKi]

I've got a sigma 30mm which auto focuses on my D40 and I'm very, very glad I spent the extra money on it instead of a 50mm as I use it everywhere. I thought I'd stick to indoors with this lens, but it's my main lens for hikes as Vancouver is mostly overcast and dreary and my zoom lens won't suffice for action shots on any day that isn't clear skies.

 

[InLimbo87]

I have a Nikon D40x. I would like to get a low light lens. I've been looking at the 50mm 1.8 lens - I know this won't auto fcous on my D40x, correct? That isn't a bad thing as this lens would mostly be used for indoor/portrait shots, though.

Any suggestions?

The 50mm f/1.8 is a great little lens, but you will have to sacrifice AF as you mentioned. I can also recommend the 35mm f/1.8, it's right at $200 and a great little lens (plus it's af-s and will AF with your D40x)

I was just about to make this same thread, so do mind if I thread jack a bit?

I need a good low-light, action lens suggestion. And why doesn't my flash recharge very quickly, even with brand-new batteries in it?

Low-light and action = hard to do. You need a fast shutter speed for action and low light is just not conducive. What is your budget? What focal length would suit you best? The best I can think of for action and low light is the 70-200 f/2.8, but it's heavy and $$.

Not sure on the flash, what flash are you using? Settings? Typically the stronger the flash is firing the longer it will take to recycle.

 

[Amber]

My 35mm 1.8(Nikkor) is grrrreat in low-ish light. It depends on how low you mean, though. It'll try its best in the dark, but it's definately reliable in just regular indoor lighting. I think I got it for less than $200. It autofocuses with my d3000, too.

 

[Zoom]

I've got an SB600 Speedlight. I can't remember what I had it on that day, I've reset everything now.

I think the 35mm lens sounds like a good one for most things. The lens I've been looking at for low-light, action runs about $2000, so it's definitely on my "wish list".

 

[Lizmo]

I was just about to make this same thread, so do mind if I thread jack a bit?

Definitely not!

The 50mm f/1.8 is a great little lens, but you will have to sacrifice AF as you mentioned. I can also recommend the 35mm f/1.8, it's right at $200 and a great little lens (plus it's af-s and will AF with your D40x)

35mm, mkay! Do you guys find it's too much open lens (compared to a 50mm)?

 

[InLimbo87]

Definitely not!



35mm, mkay! Do you guys find it's too much open lens (compared to a 50mm)?

It is wider than the 50mm, but is actually more of the "normal" (similar fov to your eye) 50mm focal length as the DX sensors have the crop-factor of 1.5x. 35 x 1.5 ~50. It all depends on what you're shooting and what length you like. If you have a zoom set it to 35 and walk around with it, see if you like it.