Why New Photographers Should Buy This Lens

If you are new to photography and working with your first camera, you are probably using a kit lens. However, the beauty of dedicated interchangeable lens cameras is that you can swap out the lens for any one of dozens that better suit your creative and technical needs. This great video tutorial will show you why one particular lens is the best choice for continuing your learning journey. 

Coming to you from Photo Genius, this helpful video tutorial will show you why you should consider buying a wide-aperture 50mm lens, often known as a "nifty fifty," if you are a beginner photographer. The problem with most kit lenses that come packaged with cameras is that they are generally zooms with slow, variable apertures. This means that you usually can't use them easily in low light or to explore the creative effects of aperture, which is one of the most fundamental and powerful techniques available to a photographer and something you will want to learn as soon as possible. Furthermore, while there is nothing inherently wrong with a zoom lens, building experience with a prime will help you develop a stronger compositional eye. Check out the video above for the full rundown. 

Alex Cooke's picture

Alex Cooke is a Cleveland-based portrait, events, and landscape photographer. He holds an M.S. in Applied Mathematics and a doctorate in Music Composition. He is also an avid equestrian.

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I respectfully disagree unless Photo Genius is referring specifically to full frame shooters. The 50mm lens is probably a good option for new photographers with a full frame camera. It's relatively affordable and has performance that greatly surpasses the low price tag. However, this focal length is severely limiting to APS-C(75mm) and micro 4/3(100mm) shooters who plan to shoot more than portraiture and street photography. At 50mm, shooting indoors, tight spaces, and even nearby outdoor objects may be impossible. Instead, a better option would be (APS-C) 20mm, 23mm, 33mm (micro 4/3) 12mm, 14mm, 17mm, 25mm.