PBase

I shoot with a Nikon D-80 and have 2 lens. but just ordered the 50.. f/1.8 D. I am very amiature, I know my camera option/buttons pretty well now but am still learning. I will be doing some "newborn" portrait shoots here in the next few months and this is one reason I wanted this lens but when I see certain pictures taken with this lens I was wondering if the photographer is using it in like a MANUAL mode?? HEre is the example where once part of the pic is in FOCUS but another area isn't.......how is this achieved especially in pics where the closest part of the subect that is closest to camera is out of focus and the farthest spot is IN focus???

If this is the cute little plastic 50mm there is no manual focus, its AF is always engaged. The photo you show is shot wide open at largest aperture. This results in minimum depth of field. There may be other techniques used including some post production in Photoshop. I'm not sure how the manual aperture ring on this lens will work, if at all on your D-80. By the way, I own one of these lenses and it's really quite good. I use it as a portrait lens as much as anything.

I own the 50mm 1.8 and there is a manual focus option, not on the lens but via the MF switch on the body. Although I have been told the new 1.8's that are coming (may already be available) will not have this option.

jimcritchley wrote:I own the 50mm 1.8 and there is a manual focus option, not on the lens but via the MF switch on the body. Although I have been told the new 1.8's that are coming (may already be available) will not have this option.

I don;t have mine to play with, so I'll ask, does this disconnect the focus motor?

prinothcat wrote:

jimcritchley wrote:I own the 50mm 1.8 and there is a manual focus option, not on the lens but via the MF switch on the body. Although I have been told the new 1.8's that are coming (may already be available) will not have this option.

I don;t have mine to play with, so I'll ask, does this disconnect the focus motor?

Yes.