The Versatility of 35mm and 50mm Lenses: A Photographer's Guide
As a seasoned photographer, I often find myself considering the merits of certain lenses for different shooting scenarios. Two lenses that frequently come into the conversation are the 35mm and 50mm prime lenses. Is there a point to owning both of these lenses? Let's dive into the reasons why these lenses not only serve distinct purposes but also offer a wealth of creative possibilities.
Advantages of Owning Both 35mm and 50mm Lenses
Both the 35mm and 50mm lenses provide unique vantage points and creative opportunities that can enhance your photography skills. Here are the key advantages:
Field of View
35mm Lens: With a wider field of view, the 35mm lens is ideal for capturing landscapes, street photography, and environmental portraits. It allows you to include more context in your shots, making the scene feel more immersive.
50mm Lens: Offering a more natural perspective that closely mimics what the human eye sees, the 50mm lens is perfect for portraits and general photography. It provides a nice balance between the subject and the background, making it a versatile choice for a wide range of photographic situations.
Depth of Field
Both lenses can create a shallow depth of field, but the 50mm lens typically has a slightly more pronounced background blur (bokeh) at wider apertures. This can be advantageous for isolating subjects in portraits, making the background appear out of focus and the subject stand out even more.
Versatility
Having both lenses allows for greater versatility in different shooting situations. The 35mm lens excels in tight spaces and can capture intimate details, while the 50mm lens can excel in more open environments. This dual capability means that you are never far from a lens that suits your current shooting scenario.
Creative Options
Switching between the 35mm and 50mm lenses encourages exploration of composition and framing. The different focal lengths inspire new approaches to a scene or subject, opening up a new world of creative possibilities. This exploration can lead to more dynamic and engaging photographs.
Low Light Performance
Both lenses typically have larger maximum apertures, such as f/1.8, f/1.4, or f/1.2, making them effective in low-light conditions. This is beneficial for indoor photography or evening shoots, where faster shutter speeds can be crucial for capturing sharp images without the need for flash.
My Perspective on Photography Lenses
My personal preference in photography leans towards a full-frame body with a wide range of focal lengths. Recently, my preferred lens on my full-frame body has been a 24-120mm or a 24mm f/1.8 when I want to travel light. These lenses offer a wider range of flexibility and adaptability, which is crucial when you're not tethered to a specific focal length.
However, I also understand the merit of sticking to a prime lens. A long time ago, in film days, I had a 50mm lens on my 35mm camera, and even then, I wasn't sure of the point to owning it. The term "nifty fifty" never quite resonated with me as it often crops the picture too much, in my opinion.
Switching to a cropped frame camera like an APS-C, the 35mm becomes a 50mm, and the 50mm becomes approximately a 75-80mm. At those focal lengths, the 35mm feels too narrow for many scenarios, while the 50mm is too short for portrait photography. I would prefer a 20mm and an 85mm if I were to own prime lenses.
As a result, from my perspective, there isn't necessarily a compelling reason to own either the 35mm or the 50mm lens. However, the verdict may vary depending on individual needs and shooting preferences.
Ultimately, the decision to own a 35mm and a 50mm lens comes down to personal preference and the specific photography goals you have in mind. Both lenses have unique strengths and disadvantages, and combining them can offer a well-rounded and versatile toolkit for photographers.