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50mm Or 35mm?

By: Debbie43 Comments

50mm or 35mm?

50mm or 35mm? That’s been the big question of the week.  With my birthday and Christmas just around the corner, my family have been asking what I would like. I decided a while back that for my next camera lens I would like a prime lens, but deciding between the 50mm or 35mm has not been easy.

Not having had real experience with either of those lenses, I have been setting my zoom lens as 50mm and 35mm and snapping away like a loon.

What I’ve Found

I like both focal lengths! Ahhhh! And both come with their for’s and against’s.

For the 35mm:

There is a wider field of view, making it easier to get plenty in the shot.

It’s more versatile.

Against the 35mm:

You really have to get up close and friendly with subjects to get less busy shots or close up shots. Anyone who knows me will know that I am not a close-up and friendly kind of person. Personal space and all that. Stay in yours and I’m happy, invade mine and I’m likely to poke you in the eye!

For the 50mm:

Looking at the photos taken with this lens gave me a reach out and touch feel. Things looked more attractive when photographed using this lens (or so I thought).

I preferred the shallower depth of field.

Against the 50mm:

It was very difficult to take photos in tight spaces. I mean really difficult. Which when I thought about it didn’t really matter as it’s not often I find myself in tight spaces and when I do I always have my 18mm – 300mm lens to fall back on.

So Which Lens Is For Me?

The 35mm may be the more versatile lens, but I’m going with the 50mm 1.8f. I really did love the feel of those photos, regardless of whether I could fit the whole subject in. So that’s it. No more experimenting with focal lengths as my family may just take me and dump me up a hill somewhere.

You may be wondering what on earth this all has to do with My Sunday Photo? Ahhhhhaaa! My Sunday Photo is the one that nearly swayed me to go for the 35mm.

So here you have…

My Sunday Photo

50mm or 35mm

I’d like to think my daughter was focused on her studies, but I think she may tell you she was trying hard to ignore me…. How she didn’t swat me I don’t know!… Mum, you really need to get a life!

Which prime lens do you recommend?
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Have you had experience with either lens? Which is your favourite?

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About Debbie

Hello, I’m Debbie (also known as ChirpyDebs) and thank you for stopping by my little corner of the internet. Now the children are all grown up I’m happiest when I’m out with the dogs or hiking a trail with my camera in hand. My blog is where I like to share photographs showing the wild beauty of Zakynthos that most people don’t get to see, recipes and other seemingly random things that come to mind.

Comments

    • 41

      Debbie says

      Hi Jen, she was indeed! The comments were a great help to me too as I was still sort of on the fence, but most confirmed that the 50mm was a good investment. Not saying I wouldn't make use of the 35mm... Maybe next year! Thank you for dropping by. xx
      Reply
    • 43

      Debbie says

      Hi Tamara, the 50mm 1.4 looks a lovely lens, and would explain why your photos are beautiful. That one is a little out of the price range, but maybe one day! I take most of my photos outside so space isn't too much of an issue, but I couldn't have got this photo of my daughter with the 50mm. It was tight. Thank you for stopping by. xx
      Reply
  4. 46

    CHRISTY says

    Good choice! I use a 50mm for a lot of things. I haven't used a 35mm so can't compare but a 50mm is very versatile and I think you'll get some great shots with it. #MMBC
    Reply
    • 47

      Debbie says

      Hi Christy, I felt the 50mm focal length took nicer photos, but we shall see maybe this time next year I'm ordering the 35mm too. I imagine both lenses are good to have. I am looking forward to learning how to use it! Thank you for popping by. xx
      Reply
    • 50

      Debbie says

      Hi Lisa, it really was a difficult choice, but I don't feel comfortable getting too up close to people for a photo. I'm pleased with the photon too, I don't have many good ones of the family. Thank you for stopping by. xx
      Reply
    • 52

      Debbie says

      Hi Fiona, I can imagine you using it around Coombe Mill. Maybe for Christmas too? It's not often I get a good photo of any of my family, something I know you are familiar with too! Thank you for stopping by. xx
      Reply
    • 54

      Debbie says

      Hi Natalie, oh you must if you can! Last year I bought an 18-300mm lens and it's never been off the camera. I am looking forward to having to think more using the 50mm. Thank you for stopping by. xx
      Reply
    • 56

      Debbie says

      Hi Andrea, I've been experimenting with the focal length on my zoom and am quite excited at seeing what the prime lens can do. If the photos you sahre are taken using your 50mm lens, then I really can't wait! Thank you for stopping by. xx
      Reply
    • 58

      Debbie says

      Hi Kim, it's a bit like that for me too, although I am learning (slowly). I like the photo, it's not often I can get nice ones of any of the family. Thank you for stopping by. xx
      Reply
    • 60

      Debbie says

      Hi Nat, I have to say that your photos are always lovely and you take them on a phone? My phone camera is really bad. Saying that I do love the whole camera/ viewfinder thing. Thank you for stopping by. xx
      Reply
  12. 61

    Sandee says

    I didn't even know there was a 50. Shows what I know about photography. Nothing. I'm glad you know what you need. I do enjoy your photographs. Your daughter is lovely. Have a fabulous day. ♥ Sandee recently posted...Silly SundayMy Profile
    Reply
    • 62

      Debbie says

      Hi Sandee, it was only when I got my first big girls camera that I started to learn these things. Before then it would have gone over my head too! Thank you for stopping by. xx
      Reply
    • 64

      Debbie says

      Hi Catherine, good idea, but the budget won't stretch that far. It's times like this I'm glad I have my Birthday near Christmas though. There is always next year. Thank you for popping by. xx
      Reply
    • 68

      Debbie says

      Hi Anne, I'm the same. When I was testing the 35mm focal length I had to get right in the families faces, but it worked well for the photo I got as I was up against the wall and the 50mm would have been no good there. I think the only reason she didn't swat me was because I forewarned her. It was close though. Thank you for popping by. xx
      Reply
    • 72

      Debbie says

      Hi Natalie, I can highly recommend getting a proper camera. At first, I was worried I wouldn't really use it, but there's rarely a day when I don't pick it up. I wish I'd had one when my two were little, but then there is a chance that they wouldn't have got fed! Thank you for popping by. xx
      Reply
    • 74

      Debbie says

      Hi Louise, I'm really looking forward to messing around with the 50mm. My daughter does study a lot, but that day I have a feeling she was working harder at ignoring me. Thank you for popping by. xx
      Reply
  19. 75

    John Adams says

    Your daughter looks engrossed in whatever she's up to! Personally, I'd got for 50mm lens. It's just much more versatile. I think a 35mm is great for certain occasions but for general use, 50mm all the way. But that's just me. Ask three different photgraphers, you'll get 100 different opinions! #MySundayPhoto
    Reply
    • 76

      Debbie says

      Hi John, she was focusing hard on her studies and ignoring me. So far not one person has recommended the 35mm, but like you say different people prefer different lenses. I like the close up feel without having to get too close. Thank you for stopping by. xx
      Reply
    • 78

      Debbie says

      Hi Tara, the 35mm was just a little too wide for my liking. I'm going to be a right pest after Christmas that's for sure!Thank you for stopping by. xx
      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. […] I must forget all about it and leave it for the family to ‘surprise’ me with! There was one photo I took that nearly swayed me to the 35mm, but I followed my gut and stuck to my […]
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  2. […] there was no usual Sunday walk I was very tempted to go and see what photos I could take using my 50mm lens… Until Derek, out trusty walk leader got in touch to say he was planning an exploratory walk […]
    Reply

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