Is a Nikon 35mm f/1.8 DX worth buying if I already have the 18-55mm kit lens?
Asked 9/10/2011
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I use a Nikon D5100 with the 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AF-S DX VR kit lens. I'm considering the Nikon 35mm f/1.8G DX as a fast lens, but I'm also wondering whether a 55-200mm zoom would be a better next purchase.
Since 35mm is already covered by my kit zoom, what advantages would the 35mm prime give me? How does it compare with adding a 55-200mm instead?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
14y ago
2 Answers
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Yes. Prime lenses usually offer both superior image quality and larger apertures compared to zoom lenses of similar price. This is due to simpler mechanical construction, as less moving parts are needed, and due to especially chromatic aberration being easier to correct for just one focal length.
The decision between 35mm and 55-200mm is in the end about your needs - 35mm lens gets you close to the 50mm-on-full-frame that has often been considered as the "neutral" focal length, and the one to use if you need to pick just one. Also, fast prime gives you ability to shoot concerts and other performances, and different kinds of indoor events in general.
55-200mm gives you more reach, and can be useful if you want to capture small details outdoors, or get perspective flattened up.
Originally by user6291. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user6291
14y ago
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Yes—there can be a strong reason to buy the 35mm f/1.8 even though your 18-55mm already includes 35mm.
The main advantage is the much wider aperture. At 35mm, f/1.8 lets in about 4x as much light as roughly f/3.5, which is very helpful indoors, at events, concerts, or in other low-light situations. It also gives shallower depth of field, so you can blur backgrounds more easily.
A prime lens also often offers better image quality for the money, and using a fixed focal length can help you think more deliberately about composition.
The 35mm on your D5100 gives a field of view close to a “normal” lens, making it a versatile everyday option.
The 55-200mm is a different tool: choose it if you need more reach for distant subjects, outdoor details, or the compressed look of telephoto shots.
So the choice depends on what you shoot:
- pick the 35mm f/1.8 for low light, portraits with more background blur, and general indoor/everyday use
- pick the 55-200mm if your main need is zoom range and distant subjects
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