S14 to S2k

The 50mm is a good addition to the kit lens, but I would go for 35mm. It was the first lens I bought for my dslr and while I loved shooting at f1.8, I hated the focal length as it was too long for anything besides a headshot portrait.

While primes certainly hold their place in photography, as an upgrade from the kit lens I would recommend a 17-50 zoom with a fixed f2.8 aperture. This will totally change your photography and you will wonder how you shot with the kit lens. From there on I would add primes and maybe a small telephoto zoom. Don't be afraid to purchase third party lenses like sigma and tamron...great value!

iDomN8U

If you shoot in tight spaces, I found the 50mm on a crop a tiny bit cramped, indoors. If you think you'll be going FullFrame, then get the 50mm.

TheStigSC

I have also been looking at the 50. Quick question for those who have it....do any of you ALSO have the 35? If so, do you find uses for both? I can't decide! lol

Mocky

I do. I'm full frame though so it'll be a bit different than the 3100 with dx sensor. If I recall correctly, the 3100 doesn't work with the 50mm f/1.8D right? If it did, that would be the way to go. It's around $100 and is a fantastic lens to play with. I use the 50 more than the 35 btw.

Terdburgler

I too have a cropped sensor on my D90. I like to use my 18-200 for walking around.

I have both the 35mm 1.8 and the 50mm 1.8. If you're going to shoot outside and have room to move, I would go with the 50 mm. In a cramp space it was too hard for me to shoot indoors, but it's really sharp.

TheStigSC

As far as I know, the 50mm works with the 3100, which is why I was looking at both. This at least tells me which to buy first thanks for the reply

Mocky

As far as I know, the 50mm works with the 3100, which is why I was looking at both. This at least tells me which to buy first thanks for the reply
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Gotcha. There are two versions of the 50mm f1.8. The D is the old one and is pretty cheap. There is a newer one that costs ab it more and that one I'm pretty sure works. I think you will be happy with the 50mm

TheStigSC

So after further research, the 1.8D works with the D3100, but won't auto focus. I am bidding for one used on eBay now

scottdh20

50mm 1.8 is my next purchase on my rebel. if money allows it I have heard the 50 1.4 is hands down one of the best lenses for automotive photography/ portraits

OneOhNine27

The 50/35mm 1.8 is one of those lenses every photo enthusiast should have in their kit.
The fact that it is a prime lens, meaning its a fixed focal length, means that when you shoot an object you have to consider your frame and composition because you don't have the option to zoom in and out.
For the price, either lens is a great buy and you'll find your self using it more and more once you get the hang of it.
I own both the 50mm and 35mm 1.8s and they're the ones that are on my camera body the most.

50mm 1.8D on my old Nikon D40