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I'm looking for some advice: I need a cheap fast lens to use as a tool lens when testing the focus on Nikon DSLRs that are being converted to IR. Previously I have used borrowed lenses, but I'm now looking at getting one for myself.

The lens doesn't need fancy AF features (but AF would be useful). It doesn't have to be the best lens in the Nikon stable, it just needs to be simple and efficient. It should be a relatively fast lens so the DOF is small and I can detect focus errors.
It's going to spend most of its life on a shelf, as I don't have my own Nikon bodies and convert relatively few of them to IR. So being cheap would be an advantage.

Does anyone have suggestions?
It doesn't have to be new: 2nd-hand can be OK. Even Stigma might be OK. But I need to know what models to be considering.
Thanks! BTW, for the Canon bodies I use a 50mm/1.8 (which according to the Canon service manuals happens to be the same model as used by Canon techs).

I think you've answered your own question. If you use a 50mm 1.8 for Canon, then use a 50mm 1.8 for Nikon - this just happens to be one of the best value lenses around, at no more than about $200 you can't go wrong.

I second that, 50mm 1.8. Can't go wrong, sharp as a tack and fast to boot.

the 50mm 1.8 can be had new for $165 from Discount digital Photography
if you don't mind grey imports, thats where I got my copy

Sounds like the answer then.
Thanks guys!

50 mm 1.8 is excellent value and it opens up new areas in photography to explore. A good purchase for 165.

Scour eGay, the older versions of the 50 1.8 could be had for under $50. Seems such a waste buying new for your intended purpose Dave.

I agree that the 50/1.8 might be the best readily available candidate.

I believe there was also a fast (1.2?) flat field copy lens or O-scope lens made but don't remember its nomenclature. It was a 55mm or 58mm I think and there isn't an AF version out as far as I know. Could be hard to find and not cheap but might make an excellent tool for you.

Onyx wrote:Scour eGay, the older versions of the 50 1.8 could be had for under $50. Seems such a waste buying new for your intended purpose Dave.

Is that the "E" model?
Will it AF with a D70/D100/D50 ?

I don't need distance information, I don't need aperture linkage (other than auto-stopdown). But the ability to AF means I can test the camera's AF as well as the viewfinder's focus screen.

I can get the new 'D' model from B&H for about AU$140 if I include it in my next order from them, but if I can get an older model on eBay that AFs I'll be happy!

DaveB wrote:Is that the "E" model?
Will it AF with a D70/D100/D50 ?

Nope, the Series E is manual focus. Optically it's almost identical to its younger AF-D brother though.