Nikon 50mm f/1.8D AF Nikkor Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras

Quite simply, this is the best item I have bought for my camera. Despite being around only $100, this lens has changed my approach to photography. Since buying the 50mm I have become much more aware of composition before while looking through the viewfinder. Taking away the ability to zoom not only improves the optics but also forces me walk around to intentionally get the shot I am thinking of. Honestly, buy this lens. I no longer feel the need to walk around with my camera bag at most times, instead I walk around Chicago with my D40 and my 50mm.

Pros: Extremely light weight, versatile, and highly reliable lens. Large, sturdy focusing ring. With the aperture at 1.8 it shots can be taken at under 1/60th of a second without the use of a tripod, great low-light functionality.

Cons: no AFS motor, only manual on the D40 (I bought this lens with this knowledge before hand and I am not disappointed. When upgrading to a higher grade camera this lens' value will only increase). Bokeh can be harsh at times. Low-light focusing can be difficult.

When I purchased this lens, I was nervous at the quality of it. I was from henceforth corrected on my speculations. This lens is absolutely fantastic for low light conditions. At $120 this lens gives clear, crisp images and does not disappoint. It is extremely portable, which makes it my favorite lens to travel with.

Just recently I went to Arizona and California. This lens was used 90% of the time. My 55-200mm lens couldn't handle the low light situations I wanted to shoot.

There is no auto-focus for my D40, but I do not care. I'd rather learn to focus my images and get a great shot through work rather than let my machine do all the work. Great learning tool for beginners into photography.
aperture
I would recommend this lens in any photographers gear. It's a must have!

This is a very nice lens, it's very sharp, and it's very comfortable on the Nikon d40. However, you can't autofocus with it on this camera, which makes it a major bummer. However, i gave it a five star review because it can work on my old film camera, which is a plus. Plain and simple, it's a sharp lens which you can't get anywhere else

Though the 18-55mm kit lens has a useful range, it's twice the size of this lens and much slower. For the majority of my shooting, which is indoor low light, photojournalism and portraits, This lens can't be beat for the price! If I want to shoot landscapes, I throw on the kit lens, but you'll find this 50mm on my D50 90% of the time. Buy this lens!

I purchased this lens to replace the disappointing Sigma 30mm f/1.4 EX that I purchased first. I wanted a prime, low light lens that produces sharp, accurate pictures in low light. This lens fit the bill, and at a price that makes this lens a steal. There are so many positive reviews on here that there isn't that much I can add. However, a few notes:

This lens looks quite funny on a large DSLR body! The lens is short and compact, and people sometimes have funny reactions when they see how small the lens is. A professional quality lens doesn't necessarily have to be large, and while this is a plastic, inexpensive lens, it performs as well or better than `higher quality' lenses that I own.

Many of the best portraits that I have taken were with this lens. The conversion factor to 75mm on my D80 is actually a benefit for portraits. The pictures of my wife and family that I have up in my office and my home were virtually all taken with this lens.

Don't think about it, if you need a lens in this focal range that will not disappoint, buy it!