Thanks, Jesse, for your explanation. If I understand what you're saying... the same effect (mild telephoto/distance compression/flattening) would be evident with a 75-85mm lens on full-frame... approximately.
Yes, you've got it.
It's not a normal lens at this perspective by any means, but it's usable in a pinch if you can move. But I really like that mild telephoto effect - makes subject isolation much easier than with a wider lens, which happens to be one thing I like to do.
Agreed on the subject isolation, and I do feel the 50 on crop sensor is good for close portraits, but that is about it for me personally. As you mention it is more a mild telephoto than a normal and that is also part of the problem...we can only back up so far when we are indoors. I also just returned from New York and I don't think I used it much. It simply doesn't get back far enough for my tastes even when I've backed up as far as I can. I am sure it would be excellent on full frame, but (as far as Nikons go) the 35mm/1.8 is probably more useful for crop sensors if the image quality is on par.
Also, it's very, very affordable f/1.8 lens - under $150 brand new, and typically available for $100-110 used in excellent condition. I'd venture that most folks if they just get one, even if they don't know how they'll use it, will eventually stumble upon the things they can do with this lens that they just can't do with anything else at anywhere near the budget. Or the weight.
Again I think the 35mm would better satisfy this need and kudos to Nikon for providing it for DX users at near the same price. However, I still stand by my suggestion a second lens should be the 55-200mm before any of these more "specialty" lenses as it extends the shooting range greatly, is more versatile for more uses and allows the shooter to find what focal lengths he/she gravitates toward. I have seen this lens for $150-200 so we are still talking the same price range.
All in all it is a matter of preference and I certainly don't discount yours.
Again I don't mean to hijack the thread, and there are probably other threads dealing with lens selection, but I figure the shooting philosophy might be of interest to those looking to add to their kit.
All the best,
Jeses Widener
Art and Structure