I am in the market for a new lens and am hoping to get a 50mm f/1.8 to take some better portaits and low-light pictures. I have a Nikon and am now debating between a lens that will autofocus (more $$) and one which I will have to manually focus (less $).
To the more experienced photographers out there... will I get the hang of the manual focus lens, or should I just suck it up and go for the AF?!
GOLD / nectarine / 2884 posts
Not a professional, or even an accomplished hobbyist...just a mom! But I love having an AF option with my 50 mm lens. I actually prefer to focus manually but sometimes with the kid, ya got to prioritize just getting the shot!
wonderful grape / 20453 posts
Autofocus.
you do NOT want to manual focus with kids. NO NO NO. most AF lenses will let you flip the switch to manual
pear / 1879 posts
@Mrs. Sketchbook, @blackbird: That's what I was thinking. I know it doesn't pay to skip the AF. Now, to find the perfect lens... 
pear / 1799 posts
AF for sure!! We have a few cameras (older film cameras) with manual focus, and they're a PITA at times ... It's definitely worth paying more, especially with little ones.
pomegranate / 3809 posts
I know this wasn't the question, but a lot of people love the nifty fifty and for the cost, it's great to have around, but for the toddler on the move, I'd look into a wider angle lens. Once he/she starts walking toward you, you soon end up with just a shot of his/her nose. The 50 would be good up until LO can start moving imo. I started with the 50mm, but now my 30mm 1.4 is permanently on my camera. If you have a zoom lens, I'd try leaving on 50mm, and seeing how that would work out for you.
pear / 1614 posts
Agree with @blackbird. Also second @PurplePumps, I splurged on a nice zoom lens for my Canon and it never leaves my camera anymore. I love my 50mm 1.8 too but it got really old always having to stand so far back in larger group settings and was not ideal for family gatherings in homes or almost anywhere indoors.
pear / 1879 posts
@PurplePumps: that's a great point. I have a nice 18-55 but am looking for a lens thats good for low light. Which 30mm do you have, if you don't mind my asking?
coconut / 8430 posts
I would definitely get the version with autofocus.
I also find 50mm too "zoomed" for indoors and I prefer to shoot with a wider lens.
nectarine / 2806 posts
You need AF for sure. Also, the 85mm 1.8 is amazing for portraits, too.
pear / 1879 posts
Resurrecting this older thread with a quick question (and update). Wound up getting the AF version of the 50mm lens I wanted and it's the best thing that's happened to my photography! I have learned so much from using this lens! I can't believe I even considered saving a few dollars by going with a manual focus.
Here's my question today- we are going to be traveling and would like to pack as light as possible. Will I kick myself for bringing ONLY my 50mm? I tend to use it most at home now and even though I'm a bit limited in small spaces, I seem to be able to get by with it (maybe because I love it so much!). Not doing any technical "sightseeing" (trip back to our old city to visit friends and family) but plan to use the camera for some casual shots. Will I miss my more versatile 18-55 on this trip???? Thanks for your thoughts!
papaya / 10343 posts
@Periwinkle: You've used both lenses enough now to know what they can do, and only you know what you plan to take photos of! If you want to do any group shots or any landscape/cityscape shots at all, you might kick yourself for leaving the 18-55. But if you plan to take pics of the same stuff you take pics of with the 50 only at home, then you'll be fine.
pear / 1879 posts
@Mae: I think that's what I was hoping to justify! Thanks for your thoughts. I know that I would like to take both but I just can't stand the idea of weighing myself down (with everything else that must come with us!) with another lens, as small as it is. My camera bag only holds my body and one lens and while I have a much larger compartment organizer for my lenses, etc. it's just too bulky for this trip. Any suggestions (if I did decide to being the zoom) on how to pack the lens safely?
papaya / 10343 posts
@Periwinkle: Whenever I travel I usually take two lenses and I just leave my 50 on my camera then I take my zoom and wrap it in a shirt or some other article of clothing and pack it in the middle of my suitcase so it is padded all around with clothes. I then usually throw it in my purse when I'm out and about (and if I'm taking a bigger purse where it might crash into stuff, I also take a thin scarf to wrap around it to give it a bit of cushion).
pear / 1879 posts
@Mae: hmmm, now you've got me thinking. Maybe I will add it in as a last minute addition. Thanks for your advice- super helpful!
pomegranate / 3113 posts
I recently had to decide the same thing and I did end up bringing a second lens (my 18-105). The 50 stayed on the camera 90% of the time, but we did a photo with extended family and there was no way everyone could have fit in the frame with the 50. For that photo alone, I was glad to have brought a wider lens, though up until that point it seemed like if brought it along for no reason.
I do the same as Mae regarding packing, but I carry the second lens in my carry-on, not my checked bag.
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