The 50mm lens is one of the most versatile lenses a photographer can own. If you don't have one already, now might be a very good time to add one to your camera bag.
Budget and quality are not usually two words that are used in the same sentence. Introductory lenses from the likes of Canon, Nikon, and Sony do have some exceptions to this rule though. While the build quality of some of these "entry-level" lenses is not always as robust as their more expensive counterparts, the image quality can not be faulted in some of these prime lenses. One of my first ever lenses starting out was a "Plastic Fantastic" Canon 50mm f/1.8 lens that produced the most tack-sharp images imaginable. I do recall people looking down on my cheap lens at the time, but I was more than happy with the pictures I could produce with it.
This week, photographer Samuel Bassett of OpticalWander is exploring this very subject in his latest video. Bassett hits the streets of London to do some photography and straps a camera to his chest so we can follow along for the ride. This video not only puts forward a compelling argument why we all should own a budget 50mm lens, but it's a great insight into the life of a street photographer through the point of view camera he has recording at all times. Bassett talks about how light his setup is with his Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 Lens and how that benefits him as a street photographer. He also shows how he's able to make incredibly sharp images in all manner of situations with this budget lens.
I really like the point-of-view format of this video as it almost feels like we are road testing the lens for ourselves. Bassett includes many of the final images on the screen as he captures them which helps us to see what is possible with such a lens. If you were considering a 50mm lens to add to your camera bag or just fancy an inspiring look at the day in the life of a street photographer, this video is well worth a watch.
Do you already own a 50mm lens? Think you might add one to your camera bag? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.
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