I'm honestly getting so frustrated trying to pick a lens for my D5600. I've been stuck on these forums for three days straight and my brain is actually melting from all the acronyms. Like I keep seeing people recommend the 35mm f/1.8G as the ultimate budget lens for Nikon DX bodies but then I see other people saying no you absolutely need the 50mm f/1.8G because it has better bokeh or whatever. So I was thinking okay maybe I'll just get both but my budget is strictly under 300 bucks for the whole thing because I'm just a student and I have to pay rent next week lol.
My logic was that the 35mm would be better for indoor stuff since I'm shooting my cousins 21st birthday party next month and the house is honestly tiny and super dark. But then I read somewhere that the 50mm is better for portraits and I dont want everyone to look weird and distorted in the photos. I found some used ones on eBay but then I got more confused because there are these older AF-D lenses that are cheaper but someone said they wont autofocus on my body? Why is Nikon so complicated with their lens mounts... like why would they even sell a lens that doesnt work on all their cameras.
I've basically looked at these three but I'm stuck:
- 35mm f/1.8G (everyone says it is a must have but I'm worried about it being too wide)
- 50mm f/1.8G (seems great for faces but maybe too tight for a small living room)
- 18-55mm AF-P (the one I have now but it sucks in low light)
I also looked into some Sigma or Tamron stuff but the prices are all over the place and I dont know which versions are the good ones. I just need something sharp that wont break the bank and actually works in a dim living room without making everything grainy as hell. Is there some secret third option I'm missing? Or should I just risk it with a third party lens? I heard they are hit or miss but honestly at this point I'm just about ready to give up and use my iPhone which is depressing because I spent so much on the camera body...
To add to the point above: honestly, the 50mm is just too cramped for indoors...
- Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G: Decent, tho the purple fringing is annoying. It wont distort faces if you dont get too close.
- Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G: Sharp, but you'll be backed into a corner trying to fit a group in.
- Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM: Heavy and the AF is noisy, but it works okay in low light.
^ This. Also, honestly, just stop overthinking the gear. I've been shooting with these Nikon bodies for years and the biggest mistake is always worrying about the perfect sharpness instead of the actual photo. Just catch up on the basics and you'll be fine.
- In my experience, if you're really stuck on a budget, stick to prime lenses from the main manufacturer. They're reliable and you won't have to deal with weird autofocus calibration issues.
- Don't sweat the distortion thing. Just stand back a few extra feet and crop if you need to. It's way better than ending up with a lens that's too bulky to carry around all night.
- If you really want to try third-party stuff, just get any fast zoom from a reputable third-party brand. You really can't go wrong if you find a decent used copy. Seriously, just pick one and go have fun at the party. You're gonna worry about the shots way more than your friends will, and that's usually how it goes!
Dude I totally feel your pain! Nikon lens compatibility is basically a history lesson you never asked for lol. To answer your big question first: DO NOT buy an AF-D lens. Your D5600 doesnt have the internal motor to drive the focus screw in those older lenses, so you would be stuck focusing by hand. Not fun at a party when people are moving around! For a tiny house and a 21st birthday, the Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G is absolutely the winner. Since your camera is a DX sensor, that 35mm actually acts like a 52mm lens which is a totally natural field of view. It captures the vibe without making people look like they are miles away. If you get the 50mm, it behaves like a 75mm lens on your body... you will literally be backing into walls just to get more than one person in the frame. The 35mm is super sharp and amazing in low light compared to your kit lens. If you want a secret third option that is way more versatile, look for a used Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM for Nikon. It has a constant f/2.8 aperture which is fantastic for dim rooms, and it lets you zoom! I used one for years and honestly loved it more than my Nikon primes sometimes because the optical stabilization is killer for shaky hands. You can usually find them for under $250 used. Seriously, dont give up and use your phone, that D5600 is a beast with the right glass!
> Regarding what #2 said about "To add to the point above: honestly, the 50mm is just too cramped for indoors," I totally agree with that take. I learned that lesson the hard way at my sisters graduation party a few years back. Thought I was being all professional bringing a longer lens for those nice blurry backgrounds, but the reality was being pressed against the kitchen cabinets just to get more than one person in the shot. It was super awkward. Missing those candid moments because there wasnt enough room to back up is the worst. In my experience, when youre in a tiny house, having more room in the frame is a lifesaver tho... Since youre on such a tight student budget, are you mostly looking to get those big group shots of everyone hanging out, or are you really trying to focus on individual portraits? Also, do you think youll be doing a lot of video too, or is this strictly for photos?
Late to the party but this whole thread is 💯. Glad I found it.
Can vouch for this
@Reply #5 - good point! Honestly I am in the exact same boat right now and it is driving me crazy.
- I have been trying to figure out which prime to get for my D5600 for over two months now and I still havent clicked buy because I am so cautious about wasting my limited cash.
- I even looked into some DIY workarounds with vintage glass and cheap adapters to see if I could save money but that seems like a total gamble tbh.
- It feels like every time I think I have the answer, someone else brings up a new compatibility issue like the AF-D motor thing and I just get more confused. I am genuinely losing sleep over this and still cant find a solid answer... it is just so frustrating.
TL;DR: Grab the Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G! It is absolutely the MVP for DX sensors in tight spaces. Quick reply while I have a sec because your frustration is totally real! Look, the 35mm is basically a 52mm equivalent on your D5600, which is perfect for capturing people without that weird, stretched face look. The f/1.8 aperture is a game changer for low-light parties because it lets in so much more light than your kit lens ever could! You should totally head over to DXOMark or the Nikon Lens Simulator tool online, they have incredible data comparisons that show you exactly how the sharpness holds up. Seriously, stop stressing about the third-party stuff for now. Stick to the native glass so you get reliable autofocus performance every single time. It is an amazing little lens that will make your photos look so much more professional without needing to spend a fortune. You are gonna love the bokeh too!
