3 replies to this topic

[leroycrosby]

I'm using a Nikon D5300 body - I currently have an AF-S NIKKOR 18-140mm 3.5-5.6. I'm wanting to buy a Prime 50mm F/1.4 for better portraits and up close shots. 

 

It almost seems silly to ask but, will my LCD allow me to go to F/1.4 if I put the new Prime lens on? The reason I lack the context of what may be such a simple question is because this is the only camera body and only lens I've ever used.

 

Thanks!

 

Also, are there any other things that I should look out for when purchasing another lens for my camera body? So that I don't get something that I too late realize doesn't fit onto my camera body? 

[TBonz]

Trying to make this fairly simple...I am sure Peter or others will jump in if I say something wrong...

 

In looking at NEW lenses that are made by Nikon or for Nikon like those made by Sigma or Tamron among others, the lens will need to provide its own focusing motor which most but not all do.  The maximum size of the aperture (f3.5-f5.6 or f1.4 as examples) is controlled by the lens.  If you indeed purchase a 50mm f1.4 then it will work as wide as f1.4 based on the settings you select or the camera selects for you.

 

Lenses made to fit other camera manufacturer's camera bodies won't work.  That includes third party lenses such as Sigma and Tamron that are made to fit cameras other than Nikons.  

 

Many older Nikon lenses, both auto-focus and manual focus, will also work on your camera.  However, I don't think you are looking that direction so I won't get into specifics...ask if you need them and we will provide...

[Merco_61]

If you are looking at the Nikon 50/1.4, you won't get better up close shots than with your current 18-140. The Sigma Art will let you focus closer for slightly more magnification. It loses lots of the crispness and clarity it has at longer distance, though.

 

For portraiture, it is a matter of taste. The Sigma is optimized for sharpness and the Nikon for how the transition from sharp to unsharp is drawn.

 

Like Tom said, you need a lens with a focus motor built-in for the AF to work with your D5300. The Nikon nomenclature for this feature is AF-S, Sigma's is HSM.

 

If you get a third-party lens, make sure that it says "For Nikon" or "F-mount" as they are made for many camera mounts.

[mikew]

What do you mean by close up shots, if your talking insects etc you may be better looking at a macro lens around the 100mm mark