Choosing the right lens can significantly impact the look of your images. Today, we’re looking at 35mm versus 50mm prime lenses to help you decide which one suits your needs best.
Coming to you from M.D. Welch with Photo Kitchen, this insightful video explores the pros and cons of these two popular focal lengths. Welch starts by emphasizing the affordability of the 50mm lens. Historically known as the “nifty fifty,” it has been the go-to recommendation for many due to its budget-friendly price. Even with the advent of mirrorless technology, you can find a decent 50mm lens around the $200 mark. This affordability makes it an attractive option for those starting out or looking to expand their lens collection without breaking the bank.
Welch also highlights the technological advancements often seen in 50mm lenses. Manufacturers tend to pack more features into these lenses due to their simpler optical design. This means you can find 50mm lenses with impressive specifications if you're will to pay.
On the other hand, the 35mm lens shines in specific scenarios. Welch explains that for environmental portraiture, the 35mm lens is unmatched. It captures more of the surrounding environment, making it ideal for telling a complete story in a single frame. This is particularly useful for people like portrait photographers who need to show their subjects within their contexts, such as a CEO in an office or a firefighter in a station. The wider field of view offered by the 35mm lens makes it perfect for these situations.
Event photography is another area where the 35mm lens excels. Its slightly wider-than-human-vision field makes it easier to navigate crowded spaces without constantly needing to step back. Whether at weddings, corporate events, or street photography, the 35mm lens provides a practical and immersive experience, allowing you to capture moments naturally.
Welch owns both lenses and shares why he values each one. In the studio, the 50mm lens is his preferred choice due to its ability to compress backgrounds and isolate subjects. This makes it perfect for controlled environments where showcasing the background isn’t as crucial. However, when shooting on location, the 35mm lens becomes indispensable for its versatility and ability to incorporate more of the scene.
Ultimately, the decision between a 35mm and a 50mm lens comes down to your specific needs. The 50mm lens is a great all-rounder, offering affordability, availability, and technological advancements. It’s a solid choice for those new to prime lenses or those needing a reliable, versatile option. However, if your work involves environmental portraiture, event photography, or street photography, the 35mm lens offers unique advantages that make it worth the investment. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Welch.
Not an easy choice, and when it comes to costly, higher end primes you might only choose one or the other. The lenses you pair it with often play into the decision - a 50/24 combo or 35/85 combo for example.
The 40mm prime is a fantastic compromise if you can only have one and can't decide.
This is written for professionals who know what kind of shooting they are up to.
Amateurs, travel or street photographers like me can in most cases just as well use their 24-70 f/4 kit lens (e.g. Nikkor S-line) which does not restrict them to one look, missing opportunities all the time when walking around with one camera and one lens. The image quality will be just as good as a prime lens.
Prime lenses have advantages, but only if they are very fast, very compact and very good. Most of the affordable ones lack one of these points. I do admire those that restrict themselves to manual everything and one single focal length. But to me it is simply a restriction. I see the world and images around me. And often the lens at hand or the time to fumble with the manual settings is insufficient and I miss.
I take prime lenses only when I know that I need them. E.g., in museums or theaters a fast prime like the 50mm f/1.8 is the way to go. And often I walk through an exhibition with the 105 macro. If I need a compact setup, the 28mm prime is good. But for the most versatile walk around, the kit is better.
I don't see how or why this would be a binary either/or decision. Sure, not everyone can afford to get two really high end primes, but there is no need for even one such lens. There are SO MANY really affordable 35mm and 50mm options out there that even those with serious budget constraints can get one of each. And they are both so light and small that it is no problem to just carry both of them with you on a shoot.
Thank you for sharing this!