Most Versatile Focal Length

Most Versatile Focal Length

  • 21mm

    Votes: 3 0.4%

  • 25mm

    Votes: 7 0.9%

  • 28mm

    Votes: 34 4.6%

  • 35mm

    Votes: 323 43.2%

  • 40mm

    Votes: 151 20.2%

  • 50mm

    Votes: 223 29.9%

  • 75mm

    Votes: 5 0.7%

  • 90mm

    Votes: 1 0.1%
  • Total voters
    747
I have to admit that I still prefer the look of a normal lens - a 50 or 75-85 depending on format - and use that for the vast majority of my shooting. There is a look to that view that I find preferable.

The only exception would be for a portrait when I do enjoy a short tele for perspective.

William
 
Well, here is an interesting shot taken with a 35mm lens. I was leaning against the steam shovel more or less right under the arm. I was able to fit enough of the arm in the shot to give it the look of a wide angle lens, but when compared to what I remember from being there, it also appears to be slightly compressed, the distance from me to the bucket, more common with telephoto lenses.
 
Good shot, rover, has impact! The perspective looks "normal" to me; can't really get that with a longer lens.
 
I'll put in a word for the wides... Excellent for landscape, and when used with care superb for environmental portraits...
 
Although I've been shooting a lot with a 50mm lately, I'd have to say that the 35mm is the more versatile lens.

...lars
 
For thirty years I lived with Spotmatics and my two favorites were the f:3.5 28mm and the f:2.5 135 (both Takumars). Apparently I eschewed the normal lens because, perhaps, I thought it was so 'normal.'
Then, last September I bought this infernal Yashica Electro 35 GSN with its 45mm f:1.7 lovely lens and have rarely used another camera since. As the lens doesn't come off I'm learning to live within my means.

Initially I found myself taking more time with compositions. Now I'm pretending to be HCB and trying to grab that moment.
 
I forgot. Amend the above. I've been using a Yashica T4 Super since 1997. It's got a very good 35mm lens (Zeiss) and I tend to agree with Lars, Rover, and Peter that it's maybe the most versatile focal length. I have a tendency to underrate this camera because it's a P&S. Shame on me. It's got advantages: small; you can stick it in a pocket. Quick AF, solid build, and best of all, the little viewfinder on top of the camera that lets you play spy.
 
We have 59 votes so far and winner for the most versatile focal length in 35mm RF camera is 35mm, with 1/4 of the votes!
 
Peter said:
We have 59 votes so far and winner for the most versatile focal length in 35mm RF camera is 35mm, with 1/4 of the votes!
Click to expand...
While watching the US election returns I can't help but play with the numbers. At the current time (as I write this) the leading votes are:

35mm 42%
40mm 20%
50mm 25%

Now the big question. The 40mm group is the swing vote. Are they in the 35mm camp or the 50mm camp?

If they go 35mm, then the combo 35/40 slightly-wide-angle vote is 62% -- a clear majority!

However, if they go to 50mm, then the 'normal' focal length vote of 40/50 is 45%, which beats 35mm :D

Aren't elections fun?? :cool:

Gene
 
I was surprised to be the first lover of the 75mm(or equal) lens. There were also thoughts abou the 28 / 35 mm lenses, but when I try to remember which lens is normally at the body ... :).
I like to pick out the details, for this I need the 75 / 90 mm lense.

greetings
rudi
 
Rudi, it's unfortunate that the 75 and 90 focal lengths were added late. I had already voted and was unable to change my vote. I'm using a 75mm for almost 75% of my shooting these days ... You're not alone!

Gene
 
it seems i have the abilty to change the votes. i hope i'm not opening a small box of woe here but if you would like to change your vote, let me know.

joe
 
Thanks for your generous offer Joe. I'm sure no one will abuse it.

Please switch my vote from 40mm to 75mm

Thanks,

Gene
 
Gene said:
Rudi, it's unfortunate that the 75 and 90 focal lengths were added late. I had already voted and was unable to change my vote. I'm using a 75mm for almost 75% of my shooting these days ... You're not alone!
Click to expand...

Thanks Gene :)
---
ps. my avatar is shot with a 17mm and an slr :eek:
 
Why am I not surprised that a rangefinder group would choose the 35mm lens first? I went for the 50mm as in 35mm I just prefer the "look" and the abilities it has "in the middle."

jdos2 is correct that in other formats, the normal there is best too (imho). However, isn't that 50mm Mamiya nice?!
 
I generally shoot with two bodies, one with a 35, one with a 50. In rangefinders I find the 35 a perfect size, particularly for the .72 viewfinder magnification. That said, for SLR's I don't like the 35mm perspective at all. I like either wider or longer.

If I had to choose one (and I do!) I would choose the fifty. I think that the extra reach is helpful for someone like me...I am a little more stand-offish than some people and I would prefer a short tele to a slightly wide angle. It also helps that the 50mm lenses are generally the best performing, fastest and cheapest lenses in any system, if not often all three at once.
 
This is interesting: I laways considered 50mm as a common wisdom of focal length versatility and when finely was able to own and shoot Leica acquiring my one-lens set - there was no brainer to go with 50mm one. However now, I tend to lean to sway my belief towards 35mm one. Shoooting a lot indoors and general scenis I often encounter situations where 50mm is a bit too narrow to encompass the scene, while 28mm would probably be a bit excessively wide (not sure though...). I would I start now my Leica addiction (and provided enough $$ available) I would go 35mm lens as the main tool...(but perhaps still would like to have 50mm handy)....
 
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