Nikon D50 New User- lens question

[Xtopher]

I am buying a Nikon D50 for my wife for Christmas from here: http://www.keh.com/OnLineStore/ProductDetail.aspx?groupsku=DN029990899250&brandcategoryname=Digital&Mode=Digital&item=0&ActivateTOC2=&ID=13&BC=DN&BCC=3&CC=2&CCC=1&BCL=&GBC=&GCC=

I know this is a good deal and I am excited to get it. I also have an SGpro with a Nikon mount so it would probably be smart to get lenses that work for both correct? is there a lens that anyone can suggest for me to get that will be a good start for my wife to take pics around the house of our new son, and our dogs but could also serve a purpose for my video stuff? Thanks for the help in advance!

[DivotDan]

Manual focus lenses tend to be best for the SGpro, and will not cost your much money. But I would suggest sticking with AF lenses for the D50. If you want to use a lens on both, just make sure you do not get the G lenses. G lenses are the newest and in most cases some of the best lenses, but they do not have an aperture ring which will be a necessity when using them with the SGPro.

I would say getting a 50mm 1.8 would give you the most bang for your buck. You need something as fast as possible as those older D50's can get grainy really fast. A 1.4 would be even better but it looks like your are trying to mind a budget.

I would also pick up an 18-55mm DX lens. A used one should cost you about ~$60. They are sharp and fast at AF. They will not work for your SGPro but for the cost it's hard to turn it down. They will also be too slow for most inside shots w/out a flash. Might want to throw a speedlight in there like the SB400 if you are trying to really watch your budget, or the far more versatile SB600 that will cost you about $50-$70 more. The SB400 will not let you change the direction of the flash head for vertical shots, but is light weight and a great flash for the money. The SB600 will give you all the movement and manual adjustments you could want out of a speedlight, and if you have the extra few bones then I would highly suggest it over the SB400.

[Xtopher]

Thanks so much Dan, great info. Is there any lens that just straight up wont fit on either mount?

Oh, and congrats on having a kid on the way Dan, I just had one, what a life changing thing!

[DivotDan]

One of the beautiful things about Nikon is that they have used the same F mount design since 1959. Every F mount lens will mount on your SGPro. The only exception for your D50 is for nonAI lens made until the mid 70's. They have a mechanical part that can damage most electronic cameras, the D40 and D60's being the exception to that rule. There are lots of other things to learn about what lenses AF and meter with the different cameras, but they will all work in the sense that they will mount and you can take a photo.

Thanks for the congrats too! We had our first sonogram today. It was exciting.

[DivotDan]

I also remembered that Nikon made a lens for their now defunct APS system, and it does not have an F mount and will not mount on either application you have. They are rare and do not pop up much, but figured I would mention it anyway.

[Xtopher]

thanks for all the help man