Deciding on focal length

[Captain Kidd]

Im having difficulty deciding what focal length to choose, a 35mm lens or a 50mm lens, I seem to be attracted to the 50mm more as I like the idea of keeping some distance from people, if theyre the subject, it seems less obtrusive. Having read alot online I am no nearing a decision, is it true that it is easier to set a composition with a 50mm lens? Ive read too that 35mm leads to slight distortion.

Also, looking at pictures, is it possible to tell if a picture was taken with a 50mm or a 35mm? (because the 35mm is more wide lensed).

Im talking about a film camera.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Captain Kidd]

Also is depth of field an issue with a 50mm lens?

Thank you

 

[Gregm61]

50 and 35mm lenses should both show little distortion.

The two lens kit I like shooting with the most is a 35mm f2 ASPH and 75mm f2 APO Summicrons. I have. 50mm f 2 Summicron as well, but will only use it in combination with a 28mm f2.8 Elmarit ASPH if I want to go wider than the 35, and use the 28mm lens for most shots. The 50 is just a little too tight for me to use as a "normal" lens.

Depth of field will depend on the aperture you are using, and the format you are shooting. The smaller the sensor, the more depth of field you'll have at the same aperture compred to a "full frame" sensor. There's no simple answer to that question.

 

[RichC]

Composition: slightly. Distortion: only if you're very near your main subject. Telling pictures apart: yes, mostly. DOF: "issue" in what way - you'll need to clarify how you're taking photos?

To answer your main point, use whatever suits you - how you like to take photos and what you're drawn to photograph. Let your preferences drive the lens choice; don't choose equipment first and then force yourself to its constraints! Try options (i.e. lenses) to find what you like. You may prefer the 50mm subject distance but might find 35mm easier to compose or like its images better, so you'll have to give both focal lengths a trial and decide on balance which you like best.

However, unless you always shoot similar subjects at a similar distance in a similar way, one lens will be inadequate. Personally, I'm drawn particularly to 50mm - but I always take at least a 35mm and 50mm with me, and often my 80mm. Or perhaps my 35-70mm zoom. I try to "zoom with my feet" to keep lens changes to a minimum, but that's not always possible. (Note that this range of focal lengths is sufficiently narrow for the photos from it to not differ hugely in optical character - though it's usually possible to tell the focal length.)

As I said, let the subject dictate the equipment, not vice versa. You could restrict yourself to one focal length but why make a rod for your back (assuming that you do shoot different kinds of subjects, some close, some further away)?

 

[it'sawhat?]

Use the 50 if working close bothers you distortion should not be a problem with anything tighter than a 28mm and most 28's are ok. I tend to use a 50 or 55 60% of the time the rest split between a 28, 35 and 100 macro depending what is called for. I like using the 28 least but sometimes it's needed and I do love the way it renders.

 

[CameraQuest]

Im having difficulty deciding what focal length to choose, a 35mm lens or a 50mm lens, I seem to be attracted to the 50mm more as I like the idea of keeping some distance from people, if theyre the subject, it seems less obtrusive. Having read alot online I am no nearing a decision, is it true that it is easier to set a composition with a 50mm lens? Ive read too that 35mm leads to slight distortion.

Also, looking at pictures, is it possible to tell if a picture was taken with a 50mm or a 35mm? (because the 35mm is more wide lensed).

Im talking about a film camera.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

it makes no real difference
as in time you will buy both 35 and 50 lenses
and many more besides!

 

[Ko.Fe.]

It has to grown on you. Once you'll take images with both it will become obvious.
I came from 50mm. To me it is lens which always keep you on the distance. But I like to stay close and within. This is why I switched to 35.

 

[NeonKnight]

I use a 50mm as my main lens. The biggest reason is because I like how it is framed in the M9's viewfinder; the 35mm frame lines just don't leave enough room for me to compose as comfortably. Also, a 50mm helps me isolate subjects, even at f/2.4 which is my lens' max aperture. Like Stephen said, you probably will end up getting both. I do carry a fast 35 for when I'm in a tight spot but otherwise when I'm out shooting I try to stick with the 50.

Good luck.

 

[michaelwj]

Either will do first up. They'll both be great and either can be used very well as an only lens. Flip a coin?
But, if you like to keep a bit more distance, then I'd start with a 50. If you find it too tight, get a 35 and sell or keep the 50.
I find on a RF I prefer a 35, and on and SLR I prefer a 50. I think I'm more comfortable getting close with a RF cam, and prefer a 35 up close - within 2m.
What camera is it? You'll find for most cameras a 50 will be cheaper, to the point of almost being free, whereas a 35 will be considerably more expensive.

 

[Vics]

Ralph Gibson would agree that the 50mm helps with composition. Wide lenses add a bit of a surreal quality. I like both 35 and 50, but if I had to choose just one lens it would probably be 50. I'm glad I don't have to make that choice!

 

[Captain Kidd]

Thanks everyone for the tips and advice, one issue I have with the 35mm, is that the 50 seems to create more realistic images, flatter perhaps, am I mad thinking this or can you look at a finished photo and know if it is either a 35mm or 50mm? Also with a 35mm, quite often I see a nice image, raise the camera and through the viewfinder see elements crop in to the image that I didn't expect to see, so I have to move closer, do you feel a 50mm makes it easier to make the composition? You raise the camera and what you see is more what you expected to see?

 

[Ko.Fe.]

50 helps to limit what is in composition. 35 helps to get closer or to get wider.

 

[michaelwj]

Thanks everyone for the tips and advice, one issue I have with the 35mm, is that the 50 seems to create more realistic images, flatter perhaps, am I mad thinking this or can you look at a finished photo and know if it is either a 35mm or 50mm? Also with a 35mm, quite often I see a nice image, raise the camera and through the viewfinder see elements crop in to the image that I didn't expect to see, so I have to move closer, do you feel a 50mm makes it easier to make the composition? You raise the camera and what you see is more what you expected to see?

I think a 50 shows what you concentrate on when you look at a scene, not quite the detail, but it is a concentrated field of view. A 35 is more, it starts to show your periphery a little, so can be harder if you're not used to it or close.

It sounds like you should get a 50.

You don't need to be able to use a 35, it is not a failing - you never have to get or use one. I love a 35, but whenever I try to use a 28, my photos are rubbish. Different stokes etc...

 

[Roger Hicks]

For a decade or so I couldn't afford a decent fast 35mm. Then I bought a Summilux and it was my standard lens for 25-30 years. Then a few years ago I got a 50 C-Sonnar and I now use it and the 35mm about the same. I have a very tentative theory that as you get older (55+) the 50 works better than a 35, while for a young man the 35mm is the better choice. Dunno about women: my wife mostly used a 90 to begin with, then switched to 35, and now prefers 50. I think women agonize less about such things.

Cheers,

R.

 

[lukitas]

Thanks everyone for the tips and advice, one issue I have with the 35mm, is that the 50 seems to create more realistic images, flatter perhaps, am I mad thinking this or can you look at a finished photo and know if it is either a 35mm or 50mm? Also with a 35mm, quite often I see a nice image, raise the camera and through the viewfinder see elements crop in to the image that I didn't expect to see, so I have to move closer, do you feel a 50mm makes it easier to make the composition? You raise the camera and what you see is more what you expected to see?

Eyes don't have frame lines. Their focal length depends in part on what you pay attention to : a torn fingernail, that little hut in the distance or the grand view. Some see a little narrower, others a little wider. What feels 'natural' to you may be too tight for another.
In any case, your 'standard' lens is a starting point : you will find situations where you can't step back far enough, or where you can't get close enough. This is why 24-70-ish zoom lenses are so popular : they cover most of our 'natural' viewing angles.
And there is a training process : using one certain focal length teaches you where you have to be to get the frame you envisage, you develop virtual frame lines. I recommend consecutive monogamy : an engagement with a 50, followed by an affair with a 35, etc. A one night stand with a 90 can be a lot of fun! You'll end up with the mental equivalent of M6 frame lines : 28, 35, 50, and so on.

cheers

 

[David Hughes]

Hi,

If you want to keep some distance from people then an 85 or 90mm is the answer.

But I don't know what camera you are thinking of for the lens, nor if you've got it and are thinking about lenses for it.

For the price of (say) a decent 35mm lens for a Leica M series you could buy a film SLR, 28-90 zoom and a lot of film to play with... And you'll need a notebook and pencil since often it's difficult to look at the print and decide what focal length was used; notes are a very useful part of learning.

As for DoF it varies and can be controlled by the aperture. Meaning you shouldn't worry too much about it.

Regards, David

 

[willie_901]

....
As I said, let the subject dictate the equipment, not vice versa. You could restrict yourself to one focal length but why make a rod for your back (assuming that you do shoot different kinds of subjects, some close, some further away)?

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[Captain Kidd]

I do of course take pictures at different lengths, though will generally move depending on how close or distant i want to be rather than change a lens, though i understand with a 50mm i may not be able to move back. My main issue or concern with a 35mm, is that the images give a slightly unnatural feel to me, which i understand might be crazy on my part.

If i was to take a photo with a 35mm lens, then take the same photo with the 50mm, is the 50mm the exact image only zoomed in, or is the perspective slightly different due to it not being a slight wide angle.

I seem to think its slightly different, thanks for all the help, really appreciate the tips.

 

[Jake Mongey]

IMO i would get a 35mm as its a nice middleground as its neither too wide or too tele. This is coming from me who used a 50 only for the last year and then used a 35 and fell in love with it

 

[daveleo]

......

If i was to take a photo with a 35mm lens, then take the same photo with the 50mm, is the 50mm the exact image only zoomed in, or is the perspective slightly different due to it not being a slight wide angle.

I seem to think its slightly different, thanks for all the help, really appreciate the tips.

Read willie901's signature.

Perspective depends on *where you physically stand*.

Based on your comments, I'd say you should start with a 50mm lens.