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24/05/2026 12:05 pm
Topic starter
I just got a D3500 and im so stoked to take some portraits of my kids this weekend! I keep seeing the 50mm f/1.8G recommended but then someone else said it feels too tight on this camera? My budgets like $180 max so should I get the 50mm or is the 35mm better for those blurry backgrounds?
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24/05/2026 12:05 pm
In my experience, you really cant beat the 50mm for portraits, even on a crop sensor like your D3500. People say its tight because you gotta stand back a bit, but that compression is what makes the background look so creamy. If you are shooting kids indoors in a tiny room tho, it might get annoying. Over the years I have found that for that specific budget, you have two solid paths:
- Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G
- Best for headshots and that blurry bokeh look.
- Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G
- Better if you want to catch more of the scene or shoot in tight living rooms. Honestly, go for the 50mm if you want the professional portrait look. You can find them used for around $130 to $160 all day long. Just make sure its the G version so it actually autofocuses on your body since the D3500 doesnt have an internal motor. The 35mm is great but it wont give you that same subject separation.
