Which prime lens?

[Ken]

Hi,

I have a D5200 with kit lens and 55-200mm and I think my next lens should be a prime lens to improve my composition skill as well as allowing me to shoot with shallower depth of field and in low light conditions. I just can't decide whether to go 35mm or 50mm. I've decided to go 1.8 primarily due to cost and having reviewed 1.4 and 1.8 comparison shots.

I enjoy long exposure, landscape, food, wildlife and street photography. Based on this am I best of choosing the 35mm f1.8G? Another factor swaying me towards the 35mm is the fact its a normal lens considering the 1.5 crop factor.

It appears after some research the 50mm is better optically however and would be better suited to portraits which I haven't done although my brother is getting married soon but my 55-200mm could be used for that right? I won't be the official wedding photographer though

Correct me if I'm wrong but another factor swaying me towards the 50mm is it will have a shallower depth of field than the 35mm. I want to isolate my subject by making it pop out in the image against the blurry background especially with food as I enjoy cooking and sharing the photos online.

Thanks

 

[Clum]

Considering how cheaply you can pick up a used 50mm 1.8D, I'd say you may as well get both? Even though it won't autofocus with the 5200, I'd say it's still worth it. Used on with my old 3100 for a long time before upgrading and found getting to grips with manual focus a really nice change of pace.

 

[paddy]

If you can only get one the 35mm 1.8 is a cracking lens. It's rarely off my camera (D40) these days.

 

[PU7E]

I'd get the 35mm f/1.8G on your D5200 on your crop camera as it's roughly the equivalent of a 50mm on a full frame.

Also have a look on pixel peeper it can usually pull up a few samples for most camera/lens combos: LINK

 

[a1ex2001]

on a crop I'd go 35mm for a first prime, the 50 would be a nice addition but it is a bit more restricted in what you will be able to shoot an much less of a general purpose lens.

 

[Ken]

Thanks for the replies guys. Will go 35mm then! I have used manual focus quite a bit but when the light is sufficient for example I would definitely prefer the camera to do the focusing for me automatically.