I have considered a project to shoot exclusively with a 50mm and only black & white for a year. No color. I think that it will help with selective focus and understanding light effects on subjects of my photos. Thoughts?
I’ve always loved the 50mm. We used to call it a “normal” lens. Just like the 80mm is on my 6x4.5 and the 90 is on my 6x7. But lately, I’ve fallen in love with the 35mm, especially for full body images.
Steve, you missed one other point, quality at an affordable price. I first bought the 50mm f/1.8 at about $100. It changed my photography and photography skills so much that I bought the 1.4 for about $190.
Both of these are so cheap compared to zoom lenses that you can't afford to not buy it for what you can get out of it.
I loved the article and I agree 100%. The lens is a game changer. It lived on my camera and I can't wait to get it for my new Canon.
I still shoot a lot of 35 mm film, and the 50mms are some of the best lenses for sure- Zeiss 50mm f1.8 Opton, 50mm f2 Sonnar, and Rodenstock 50mm f2 Heligon being three favorites. I have a couple telephotos I use occasionally, but most of my non-50 shooting is wide angle 21mm-35mm. Sometimes 50mm feels restrictive , especially in a cluttered world.
I shot my first (and so far only) photobook only with a 50mm . The choice was rather a practical one, but as you say, it gives a beautiful coherence to the series. you might have a look here https://www.photo-lebrun.de/quandmeme
I have considered a project to shoot exclusively with a 50mm and only black & white for a year. No color. I think that it will help with selective focus and understanding light effects on subjects of my photos. Thoughts?
Limitations increase your creativity. Watch Sundays episode. https://www.youtube.com/live/uG8tZBu2jhQ?si=Nps2Sm81uoOJsD_e
I heard your talking about the 50mm about a month ago; then immediately ordered the sigma for my Sony. I haven’t used any other lens sense…
Great essay by the way.
I’ve always loved the 50mm. We used to call it a “normal” lens. Just like the 80mm is on my 6x4.5 and the 90 is on my 6x7. But lately, I’ve fallen in love with the 35mm, especially for full body images.
Steve, you missed one other point, quality at an affordable price. I first bought the 50mm f/1.8 at about $100. It changed my photography and photography skills so much that I bought the 1.4 for about $190.
Both of these are so cheap compared to zoom lenses that you can't afford to not buy it for what you can get out of it.
I loved the article and I agree 100%. The lens is a game changer. It lived on my camera and I can't wait to get it for my new Canon.
I still shoot a lot of 35 mm film, and the 50mms are some of the best lenses for sure- Zeiss 50mm f1.8 Opton, 50mm f2 Sonnar, and Rodenstock 50mm f2 Heligon being three favorites. I have a couple telephotos I use occasionally, but most of my non-50 shooting is wide angle 21mm-35mm. Sometimes 50mm feels restrictive , especially in a cluttered world.
35 + 50 FTW
I shot my first (and so far only) photobook only with a 50mm . The choice was rather a practical one, but as you say, it gives a beautiful coherence to the series. you might have a look here https://www.photo-lebrun.de/quandmeme
Thank you for reminding me why why my 50s (currently a Leica Summicron) has been my main lens for over 40 years. As you say, you never outgrow a 50.
50mm is all I own, so couldn't agree more! Great post.
Hi, great article. Totally agree. Love the 50mm lens for any situation (maybe not for shooting landscapes).
Most of my focal lengths in street photography are 50mm.
Actually it feels like, I prefer longer lenses. But checking my fav folder says I definitely shoot better with 50mm. 🤷🏻♂️🙈