Newbie what lens

[kipz_]

Hi
I'm a newbie to photography, I own a Nikon D90 which came with 18-105mm lens.
I was interested in buying some more lenses for it. I'm not sure which. I was looking at the Nikon 1.4 50mm D AF lens or 1.8 version.
I know theres also an Nikon 50mm f1.4 G AF-S Lens, but what is the difference in comparison.
Any advice would be great or any suggestions for other lenses also would help.
thanks

[Nod]

Before we can offer too many suggestions, we need to know a couple of things. Firstly, what do you want to take photos of and secondly, what is your budget?

The 50mm lenses you mention are all good performers, with the f/1.8 version being one of the best value for money lenses available, especially if you can find one second hand. The f/1.4 versions are marginally faster (let a little more light in when wide open) but once they're stopped down to f/4 or so, there's little difference in sharpness. If you want or need the extremely shallow depth of field though, the f/1.4 is the one to go for. I'm not sure how different the latest f/1.4 AF-S lens is optically but it has an autofocus motor built into it which allows it to be used in AF mode on the D40(x), D60 and other bodies which lack an AF motor (your D90 has the motor in the body so can AF with the older non-AF-S lenses)

[stevehale]

For me personally,of all the lenses I have bought inclucing a 70-200 2.8 etc I still find I use my 50mm 1.8 the most!.. cheap and superb.

[kipz_]

Thanks again for the replies

I want to take portraiture but also plants, insects photos.

Budget up to £300.

[El_Sid]

A lens such as the AF-D 60mm Micro-Nikkor f2.8 would cover all 3 of your requirements.

While not as fast as the f1.8 or 1.4 50mm lenses it's fast enough for all but the lowest light, will allow lifesize magnification for those frame filling plant and insect shots and on a DX format body such as the D90 is a good focal length for portraiture - particularly head and should type shots. There's also an AF-S version with the built in, faster focusing, Silent Wave motor but sadly it's rather above your budget.

As a new AF-D is also a bit on the border of your budget you might like to consider buying a used one to keep costs down...

[Barney]

I think the 60mm AF-D would probably be a good choice. It can be had from here for less than half a pint of London beer more than £300.