You have your camera, and you have been practicing with it on a daily basis, but you are dissatisfied with your photographs. It’s possible that this is due to the poor quality of the included lens. Consequently, you conduct some study, and this is where the 35mm vs 50mm lens comparison game comes into play, which you will see all over the internet.
But don’t be concerned; we’ll break it down so that you may feel secure in your decision on which lens is a better match for you and your photographic style.
When people ask me what camera to recommend, I propose that they purchase merely the body of the camera and then purchase a lens separately. Like the majority of other photographers, I prefer either the 35mm or the 50mm focal length.
35mm vs 50mm for Crop Sensor
Before Let us take a step back for a moment. Do you know whether your camera has a crop sensor or a full-frame sensor? This is something you should really know, This is important for this conversation.
What does crop sensor vs full frame mean?
A full-frame camera has a sensor that is equivalent to that of a 35mm film camera, whereas a crop sensor camera has a sensor that is smaller. When it comes to focal lengths of lenses on a full-frame, a 35mm lens is exactly that: a 35mm lens with a 35mm focal length.
Crop sensors have 1.5x the focal length
The focal length of a crop sensor is not the same as the focal length of the lens it is used with. As a result, depending on your camera and its crop sensor, you might expect a focal length that is 1.5 times longer.
With this in mind, a 35mm lens is more like 52.5mm, while a 50mm lens is more like 75mm. As a result, users who shoot with a crop sensor frequently remark that a 50mm lens is too narrow for shooting in confined quarters. You are essentially using a 75mm lens for your photography.
The similarities and differences between 35mm and 50mm lenses
- 35mm vs 50mm both are prime lenses
They have a fixed focal length, which implies they have a set focus. You will not be able to “zoom” in and out. For better or worse, if you want to come closer to the object of your attention, you will have to move your legs.
- You can choose between the f/1.4 or f/1.8
Both lenses provide you with a choice between having a lens that can go as wide as f/1.4 or having a more cheap f/1.8 version that is more affordable.
Are you unsure what the f/1.8 and f/1.4 numbers mean? These are the widest aperture numbers that the lens is capable of producing. Lenses having a larger aperture number are often considered to be of greater quality since they are constructed with higher-grade materials.
Canon users
Canon does not offer a 35mm f/1.8 lens in this focal length. Tamron, on the other hand, makes a 35mm f/1.8 lens that is compatible with Canon cameras. I possess a number of Tamron lenses and am extremely pleased with the quality of these lenses. I recommend these lenses to everyone.
Pros of 35mm
When it comes to focal length, the 35mm prime lens is probably the closest you’ll get to our typical point of view on the camera. It offers a broad angle without the distortion that comes with lenses.
Exceptional adaptability in the design of this lens! The 35mm lens will allow you to capture great family portraits, breathtaking landscapes, or simply chase your children around the house. Combined with the shallow depth of field provided by the 35mm lens, you will achieve the gorgeous blurred background we all desire.
- Great for travel
Do you enjoy traveling? Because the 35mm is small and portable, it is an excellent travel companion for photographers. Having said that, because it is a prime lens, it will not add unnecessary heft to your backpack.
In street photography, the 35mm lens is ideal for capturing the entire scene because it captures more of the action.
- Best for indoor photography
When photographing indoors, the 35mm lens is frequently chosen over the 50mm lens since it can fit more in the frame, which is important when shooting in tight quarters like a studio.
Pros of 50mm
It’s common to hear this lens referred to as the Nifty Fifty or the Fifty-Fifty. The 50mm is also a prime lens, and it performs an excellent job at capturing gorgeous images in low light.
- Best for portraits
Portraits and close-ups are nifty fifty’s best friends when it comes to photography. The 50mm lens has the potential to vividly demonstrate to others how they actually appear.
- Cost effective
If you are on a tight budget, this lens is the most cost-effective choice. A reasonable price for a lens that does a lot of work.
- Best for food photography
Many food photographers adore this prime lens because of how adaptable it is and because the overhead photos it produces are always stunning.
- You’ll never take it off
The 50mm lens is light and compact, making it an excellent choice for carrying around with you on a daily basis. Additionally, it is not as heavy as other larger lenses, making it a good choice for traveling with them.
Final Word
First and foremost, do you have a crop sensor or a full-frame camera? The crop factor would be something I would consider if I were in your position. If you have a crop sensor, you might want to try the 35mm, which is more like 52mm in terms of focal length. The 50mm will be more in the range of 75mm.
However, when deciding between the 35mm and 50mm lenses, it is essentially a matter of personal preference as to which focal length you would prefer to have.
If you have a full-frame camera, you’ll have to select what you’re more interested in photographing first.