Help pick Nikkor Lens!

i_worship_the_King

I'm looking to pick up a new lens this week to do some ultra-low light photography.

Example: 2 weeks ago I had to shoot a candlelit church service. Exposure times of 4-5 seconds on my current hardware is just not cutting it. I trashed 90% of my photos because people were moving (just couldn't get them to hold their breath!)

In a few weeks I *may* have the opportunity of a lifetime to be backstage at a David Crowder Band concert taking photos galore for publicity shots (we've booked the band so we get to take all the publicity we can get).


So here's what I've been reading reviews, searching all over the net and everything else for. It's down to you dGrin - help me pick a good lens.


Normal AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.4D Autofocus Lens

Normal AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D Autofocus Lens

So the real question. 1 more stop worth $250?

Seymore

i_worship_the_King wrote:

Normal AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.4D Autofocus Lens

Normal AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D Autofocus Lens

So the real question. 1 more stop worth $250?

Not in my opinion. Get the 50/1.8 and shoot away. You may also consider the 85/1.8 if it's in your budget. Another great low light lens...

greenpea

There is also the relatively affordable Nikkor 50mm f1.2 (if you're willing to do manual focus).

However, in my experience 35 2.0, 50 1.8 and 85 1.8 seems to meet most of my low light no-flash needs.

Seymore

Andrew, looks like the OP has a D70, which (unfortunately) will not meter MF lenses. So AF is the way to go at this time.

greenpea

Seymore wrote:

Andrew, looks like the OP has a D70, which (unfortunately) will not meter MF lenses. So AF is the way to go at this time.

True... no metering on AIS lenses with a D70.