As a photographer, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing the right lens for the job. And when it comes to versatility, the 50mm lens is a popular choice among photographers of all levels. But, why is this focal length so versatile? And why might it be right for you, but not for everyone?

In this blog post, I’ll dive into the ins and outs of shooting with a 50mm lens, explore the differences between 50mm, 35mm, and 85mm focal lengths, and help you understand why this lens might be the perfect choice for your photography needs.

What is a 50mm lens?

A 50mm lens is a standard lens that provides a field of view that is similar to what the human eye sees. It is often referred to as a “normal” lens, because it doesn’t compress or distort the subject like a wide-angle or telephoto lens might.

Why is a 50mm lens versatile?

One of the main reasons that 50mm lenses are so versatile is because they allow you to balance the subject and the background in a way that is natural and pleasing to the eye. The 50mm focal length provides just enough distance to separate your subject from the background, making it a great choice for portraits, street photography, and even landscapes.

The 50mm lens also offers a relatively fast maximum aperture, typically between f/1.8 and f/1.4, which means you can shoot in low light conditions without the need for a flash or a tripod. This makes the 50mm lens a great choice for indoor or nighttime photography, as well as for capturing shallow depth of field images.

Differences between 50mm, 35mm, and 85mm focal lengths

While a 50mm lens is a versatile option, it’s not the only choice. There are other focal lengths that can be just as effective, depending on your subject and shooting style.

A 35mm lens provides a wider field of view than a 50mm lens, making it a great choice for landscape photography and for capturing more of the environment around your subject. On the other hand, an 85mm lens has a narrower field of view, which is ideal for portraits and for isolating your subject from the background.

The 50mm focal length is often considered a happy medium between these two other popular focal lengths, as it provides a balance between a wide and narrow field of view. But, while a 50mm lens might be right for you, it might not be the best choice for everyone.

Why a 50mm lens might not be right for everyone

A 50mm lens can be a great choice for a wide range of subjects, but it might not be the best option for everyone. If you’re a landscape photographer, for example, you might prefer a wider field of view provided by a 35mm lens. If you’re a portrait photographer, you might prefer the narrow field of view offered by an 85mm lens.

It’s also important to consider the format of your camera when choosing a lens. If you’re using a full-frame camera, a 50mm lens will provide a field of view that is similar to what the human eye sees. But, if you’re using a crop-sensor camera, a 50mm lens will provide a field of view that is more like a 75mm lens on a full-frame camera.

So, is a 50mm lens right for you?

The answer to this question ultimately depends on your photography needs and style. If you’re looking for a versatile lens that can be used for a wide range of subjects, a 50mm lens might be the perfect choice for you. If you’re looking for a lens that provides a natural, balanced field of view and can handle low light situations, a 50mm lens is definitely worth considering. However, if you’re a landscape photographer or if you prefer to shoot portraits with a narrow field of view, a 50mm lens might not be the best choice for you.