Nikon AF-S 35mm 1.8 DX. For most DSLRers this very affordable $200 lens is what you need to take great indoor photos without a flash. (And if you need a flash, just buy this one.) If you own a D40, D60, D70, D80, D90, this lens is for you.
With the digital SLRs a 50mm (focal length) lens is just a little too "long" for inside informal photos. Back in the days of film camera, a 50mm was the workhorse "all occasions" lens. The digital equivalent is a 35mm (focal length) lens.
(Geeky part) In a digital camera, the "sensor" is what captures the image. In a film camera, a frame of physical film captures the image. The sensor (in all but professional DSLRs, referred to as a "crop frame.") is smaller than a frame of 35 mm film.
The result is in digi-cams, a 35mm (focal length) lens = a 50mm (focal length) film lens. Likewise a 50mm digi-cam lens is more like a 75mm film lens. (end geeky part)
Basically, this is a great indoor party, family get together, wedding reception lens. Here are some pics I shot with it at The Brick last week. Notice that shots that captured the whole room would not have been possible w/my 50mm 1.4 lens.
By the way, an f/1.8 lens is enough. Even though f/1.4 lenses are out there, f/1.8 will do what 99% of the people want.
For $200 this 35mm 1.8 lens will take fantastic pics and last your lifetime. I get my gear at Roberts north-side store on US 31 in Indy.
Shoot on!
