50mm AF 1:1.4D / Auto ISO
So I picked up a new lens on eBay for cheap. Sort of a risky move, but I think I got lucky. Its the Nikon 50mm AF 1:1.4D. People may tell you there is no such thing as a magic lens - that to take a good photo is up to the photographer (composition, framing, etc.) - but set the aperture to 1.4 and fire at anything you like, and wallah, an interesting photo with super nice bokeh (a fancy photographer term for the out-of-focus part of a photo). Well maybe there is just a little more to it.
This lens is great in low light. I shot about 200 pics last night around my house with only incandescent lighting, and at ISO 200, the shutter was hovering between 1/60 and 1/100. Here’s a little sample of what it can do …
I recently discovered another great feature on my D50. Auto ISO. When enabled, the ISO will automatically adjust in low light in order to keep the shutter from dropping below a particular speed (1/30 is what I currently have mine set to). If you are not using the Auto ISO feature or were not aware of it, go turn it on immediately, and then set your ISO to 200 (or less if your camera offers it).
Sorry, I can’t refrain myself … here is one more preview of what this lens can do …
25 Aug 2007 Trent
A lens doesn’t make the shot, but certain shots aren’t possible without the right lens. Congratulations on your new purchase! I am glad to see you are already putting it to good use.
Nice man! Sounds like this is the lense you were talking about on the wakeboarding trip with a super low f-stop. Looks like fun. Almost enough to make me want to break out my old Pentax K series and snap a few ol’school film pics around the house. Too bad I’ve almost forgotten what film is. Someday I’ll have to invest in a digital that is more than a pocket point and shoot!