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I plan to buy a used Nikon 50mm f1.8. I can't afford a 50mm f1.4 or a 35mm f1.8 (which I really like). Any lens I choose will be manual focus on my D60. This much I know.
What I don't know is, as a newbie, will I (or my subjects) be able to tell the difference between a Series E, or AF or AI-S lens while looking at the photos?

I'll probably lock the lens at f22 and let the camera set the aperture for most shots although I will experiment. Is there a Sigma, Tokina or other alternative that I could consider? Your comments will be appreciated.

if you want a manual 50/1.5 Nikkor get the AIS - latest version with f22 and the recess front element. no need for a hood... it's the same optical formula and coatings as the AF version... one of their sharpest and best corrected lenses and a bargain at less than a $100... you're splitting hairs when comparing Nikkor 50s... the E series are good but the coatings are cheaper as is the build quality, no need to skimp when the AIS cost only about $100 used..

Just remember you won't get any metering with your D60, only with the D200/D300 and above bodies.

The humble 50mm f2 is supposed to be stunning and quite cheap. I find my 50mm f1.2 AIS to be a stellar performer, but it's out of your price range. Avoid the Series E, it's a single coated lens.

Refer to the bible of Nikon lenses by Bj

Thanks for the responses. So, to get the correct metering, I will have to use an AF lens. The AI-S lens will, however, provide the best quality.

So, how does one shoot without a metering lens and a handheld light meter? Take a light metering using one lens and then use the metering to shoot with a non-metering lens?

Can't you use the regular 50/1.8 AF and have autofocusing and metering? Isn't that what you're after?

50/1.8 AF won't have AF wit the D60 but will have metering. I think you'll be better off with the 50/1.8 AF anyway. The optical difference between the lenses are very minimal. Without metering, you're basically shooting in full manual mode. You'll have to figure out the proper shutter speed and aperture for your shots.

Get the 35mm f/1.8.

Hmmm ... I do prefer it over the 50mm since it is closer to a 50mm lens on a 35mm camera [35x1.5=52.5mm] as opposed to [50x1.5=75mm] on a Nikon.

Is this why you suggested it, sliua?

35mm f1.8 will AF and meter on D60. I think this is one of the advantage over the others IMHO.

Thanks for the info, again, everyone. I'm going for a 35mm f1.8.