What is the 50mm lens best for

4 years 3 months ago #667984 by Pat White
Eh, one more for me today.  

I've seen that 24mm are good for landscapes
35mm for street
85mm for portraits
105mm for macro


What about the 50mm, what exactly is this lens best for?  


,
4 years 3 months ago #668002 by garyrhook

Pat White wrote: Eh, one more for me today.  

I've seen that 24mm are good for landscapes
35mm for street
85mm for portraits
105mm for macro


What about the 50mm, what exactly is this lens best for?  


Technically, any lens could be used for (almost) anything. It depends upon your aesthetic. For example, the 105 makes a great portrait lens, and macro lenses come in 60mm lengths.

Your job is to learn what each lens "looks" like, and then determine how to apply that to your work.

That said, I find 50mm almost worthless, and definitely uninteresting (for me). Don't own one, don't want one, and only land there (on my short zoom) when I'm doing full body or small group shots. That's not to say that I can't appreciate an image made with one, because I don't think about that when I'm looking at someone's work. And there are folks out there that are wizards with various lenses. I'm just not one of them.


Photo Comments
,
4 years 3 months ago #668112 by effron
I have three or four fifties going back to Nikon "E" glass. The zooms are so good I never even carry a fifty now, and the only time I use one is for example, when I want to work a little and walk light. Zooms made me a little lazy, but I've sorted photos by focal length and even with zoom lenses I never shoot at fifty! I get more use from a 30 or 35 prime.

Why so serious?
Photo Comments
,
4 years 3 months ago #668117 by Nikon Shooter

Pat White wrote: What about the 50mm, what exactly is this lens best for?  


The 50mm is the closest focal length to the human eye and is
called normal. From there, in one direction are the wide and wi-
der angles, and in the other direction the long and longer lenses.

The 50 mm is best when one wishes to capture a scene with a
perspective closest to the human eye.

Light is free… capturing it is not!
Photo Comments
,
4 years 3 months ago #669103 by clippingphotoexperts
This is camera is best because of 
1.Inexpensive
2. Small
3. Sharp
4. Versatile
5. They Work on Full Frame and Crop Sensor Cameras
6. They're Great for Low-Light Shooting
7. They're Fast
8. They're a Nice Focal Length
9. Help You Be More Creative


,
4 years 3 months ago #669436 by Craig Stone
It's a solid walk around lens and really good for general stuff.  My 2 cents.  


Photo Comments
,
4 years 3 months ago #670256 by Mason Katz
I used this lens for just about everything, but then again I think because of the crop factor in my D7100, it's equivalent to a 75mm, which by most standards is a portrait lens. 


Photo Comments
,
4 years 3 months ago #670284 by garyrhook

Mason Katz wrote: I used this lens for just about everything, but then again I think because of the crop factor in my D7100, it's equivalent to a 75mm, which by most standards is a portrait lens. 


No, it's a 50mm lens, and that (is a physical attribute that) can't be changed. The view angle is narrower, which means you have to back up, which makes that focal length more acceptable as a portrait lens (because the geometry of the shot changes).


Photo Comments
,
4 years 3 months ago #670297 by CatherineW
+1 Yup, that's how she rolls 

***Remember 9/11***
Photo Comments
,
4 years 2 months ago #671161 by Travis Brunson
Do any of you use your 50 on a regular basis? 


,

817.3K

241K

  • Facebook

    817,251 / Likes

  • Twitter

    241,000 / Followers

  • Google+

    1,620,816 / Followers

Latest Reviews

The Leica SL2-S is an attractive, premium mirrorless camera with photo and video specs that are sure to impress. And with the legendary Leica name, you know this camera exudes quality!

Mar 26, 2024

The Sigma fp L is a compact full-frame camera with a 61-megapixel sensor, 4K video capabilities, in-body image stabilization, and weather-sealed construction. What’s not to like?!

Mar 19, 2024

The Canon 1DX Mark III is a big, burly professional camera packed with top-end features. Is it worth the investment in 2024? Find out in this detailed review!

Mar 04, 2024

In the OM-1 vs OM-5 debate, which camera comes out on top? Though they’re different cameras for different purposes, comparing them head to head clarifies which is best for your needs.

Mar 01, 2024
Get 600+ Pro photo lessons for $1

Forum Top Posters

Latest Articles

Time management is a critical skill to master when you’re a photographer. But how do you get the most out of the limited time you have? Check out this guide to learn a few tricks!

Mar 27, 2024

The Leica SL2-S is an attractive, premium mirrorless camera with photo and video specs that are sure to impress. And with the legendary Leica name, you know this camera exudes quality!

Mar 26, 2024

Opening a photography business means undertaking various photography marketing strategies to promote your work. But you don’t want to do the same old thing - try these unique ideas!

Mar 22, 2024

The Canon EOS 80D might be a few years old, but it’s nevertheless a quality camera to invest in as a beginner or enthusiast looking for a mid-range DSLR with tons of lens options.

Mar 22, 2024

Wedding consultations are a critical part of a wedding photography gig. It’s when you learn about the couple and their wants, and present them with how you will meet those desires.

Mar 22, 2024

If you're looking for the best metal print of 2023, you'll find it from Artbeat Studios. After months of testing, Artbeat Studios beat out the competition!

Mar 21, 2024

Getting the best video shots on your camera or smartphone requires you to understand the fundamentals of composition and video editing. It helps to have the appropriate gear, too!

Mar 20, 2024

It’s easy to lose your inspiration behind the lens, especially as a beginner. These creative photography projects can help inspire you to try new techniques and improve your photos.

Mar 20, 2024