I'm shopping around for a Prime lens for my D3000, and I'm wondering if anyone has a lens to recommend? This lens is the one i'd like to buy, based on the raving reviews about it and it's low pricetag, but I can't get a straight answer on whether or not AF will work on the D3000.

http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-50mm-Nikkor-Digital-Cameras/dp/B00005LEN4

One user said yes, another said no. I've been told this lens, the 35mm prime, will AF on the D3000, but it costs more and seems less popular in the reviews.

http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-35mm-AF-S-Digital-Cameras/dp/B001S2PPT0/ref=pd_cp_p_3

Anybody have any insight on this matter?

I'm really looking for an all purpose prime for low lighting and sports photography.

Thanks!

Hi John,

Welcome to Nikonians!

>I'm shopping around for a Prime lens for my D3000, and I'm
>wondering if anyone has a lens to recommend? This lens is the
>one i'd like to buy, based on the raving reviews about it and
>it's low pricetag, but I can't get a straight answer on
>whether or not AF will work on the D3000.
>
>http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-50mm-Nikkor-Digital-Cameras/dp/B00005LEN4


The Nikkor AF 50mm f/1.8D will not AF on your D3000 body. It will support metering and all exposure modes but you will have to use Manual Focus.

The Nikkor 50mm f/1.4G AF-S is available and will supprt all functions on your D3000 including AF, though it is priced in the $450.00 range.

>One user said yes, another said no. I've been told this lens,
>the 35mm prime, will AF on the D3000, but it costs more and
>seems less popular in the reviews.
>
>http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-35mm-AF-S-Digital-Cameras/dp/B001S2PPT0/ref=pd_cp_p_3

The 35mm f/1.8G AF-S has a Silent Wave Focusing motor built into the lens and will work perfectly on your D3000, supporting all functions including AF. The 35mm f/1.8G AF-S is very well regarded by most Nikonians that have used the lens.

What sports will you be shooting?

A 35mm lens on a DX body like your D3000 can be described as a normal lens providing the same Field of View (FOV) as a 52.5mm lens on a film body.
Depending on the sport that you will be shooting it may or may not be long enough for your needs.
You can test this by setting the zoom ring on your kit lens to 35mm and see if the FOV is adequate for your needs.
Good Luck and Enjoy your Nikons!

Best Regards,
Marty

As others have said, the 50mm f1.8 will not autofocus on your camera. The 35mm f1.8DX is a really nice lens, it will autofocus on your camera, and at $200 is a good value. That's the one I'd recommend.

Randy