35mm vs 50mm

Raincloud

Raincloud

Suspended / Banned
Messages
1,698
Edit My Images
No
Been using a 50mm on my 550D and it is a lovely lens. It is the cheap 1.8 version and was wondering would I notice a big difference if I bought a 35mm? I do use it for family / holiday shots and indoors. No flash at the moment.

Reason for asking is the ability to cram more into a shot. I love the low light ability of the 50mm and primes in general. It is the only lens I own too!
 
Yep I would say so you can always walk nearer the subjetc but in a confined space not backwards so its more flexible, however even though its a great low light lens wide open your DOF will be small also remember.
 
50mm is very limiting on a crop format camera, 35mm will be more versatile.

To see the difference, frame up a subject at say 10ft with your 50mm. Then move back to 14 feet - that's the field of view you'll get with the 35mm from 10ft.
 
Agree, I find 50 too limiting and yes, you would notice a big difference. 15mm doesn't sound much on paper but it is quite a difference and I only own one lens and that is a 35mm which does for everything.
 
I'd get the 35m for a crop sensor. I had a 30mm f1.4 Sigma which was also very good.
 
I've had the 35mm and have tried the 50mm (borrowed it from a friend) on a crop sensor and I prefer the 35mm as its wider and I tend to shoot in London. So I suppose it depends that you'd use it for.
 
I loved the 50mm until I got a 35mm. Its just so versatile, it was the only lens I ever used and it was great optically (Nikon one was anyway). They both have advantages and disadvantages but I just find a 35mm the perfect all-rounder.
 
I had a 35mm 1.8 which I sold on here recently as it was a crop format lens and I wanted to move to full frame. Bought a 50mm 1.8 in preparation for the body upgrade but have ended up with another crop body so it's actually quite a long lens now and I have to walk quite far away compared to before.
 
Ok, so which 35mm would you recommend? I know budget has a lot to do with it so, being a poor lad, any advice would be great.
 
Raincloud said:
Ok, so which 35mm would you recommend? I know budget has a lot to do with it so, being a poor lad, any advice would be great.
Click to expand...

Budget is everything unfortunately. Have a look on CameraPriceBuster http://www.camerapricebuster.com/ There are quite a few nice primes around 28-35mm.

But TBH if you want a cheap all-round lens, get the kit zoom. In terms of versatility vs cost, nothing else comes near.
 
Raincloud said:
Thanks but I like the primes. Nice ability in low light etc.
Click to expand...

Yes, that's the unique ability of primes - very low f/numbers for low light and shallow depth of field, vs the versatility of zooms.

My choice would be Sigma 30/1.4, indeed I used to have one. Nice lens, specifically for crop format cameras. There's a new version been announced that I suspect will be sensationally good, if more expensive, but you might pick up a used copy of the current model for not too much.
 
HoppyUK said:
Yes, that's the unique ability of primes - very low f/numbers for low light and shallow depth of field, vs the versatility of zooms.

My choice would be Sigma 30/1.4, indeed I used to have one. Nice lens, specifically for crop format cameras. There's a new version been announced that I suspect will be sensationally good, if more expensive, but you might pick up a used copy of the current model for not too much.
Click to expand...

How much is not too much?
 
If you look down the forum i have pretty much the same question. I ordered the 35mm F2 this morning from Amazon after reading good reviews and advice on here.
 
danny842003 said:
If you look down the forum i have pretty much the same question. I ordered the 35mm F2 this morning from Amazon after reading good reviews and advice on here.
Click to expand...

Can you let me know what you think of it please.
 
Hi all,


I was having this debate for my Nikon D7000, unsure of the canon pricing, or spec, for these lenses, but I decided on both.

The 35mm was £105 and the 50mm £85(eBay) I had my best friends wedding yesterday and did not want to use a flash, for a couple of reasons. The first is I only have the on-board flash, which is not great and secondly I wanted to be unobtrusive. The 1.8 aperture on both lenses meant the need for one was not required until the band in the late evening.

I shot with the 35mm indoors, while getting ready in the morning then changed to the 50mm for the day. I am used to zoom lenses and so laziness definitely sets in, however with both primes you are forced to move and generally become more creative. Just to point out I have a crop camera, 35mm being more like 52mm and 50 being 75mm.

They are both fantastic, the 35mm is great in more confined spaces and when the area is more open the 50 replaces it. This was the first time I have used a prime and the results are awesome.

I love catching facial expressions, pose etc, I mainly have it for my children, but on days like yesterday I shot groups, confined actions and if you compose well and preempt the situation you get great photos.

I read 35mm is great for street photography and casual shooting and 50mm being better for portraits. I take all advice with a pinch of salt and the reason photography is great is because there are no rules, you do what you want... The lenses are what they are, to that stick to the facts, they have a different field of view, what they can be used for is up to you.

Again, indoors the 35mm is more useable and outdoors the 50mm. It's about what you look for in your pictures. Unfortunately nobody can give you a definitive answer, only share their experiences, so if the budget allows get both, because you know if you order one you will wish you had the other.

Hope this helps with your decision.
 
Still haven't bought one. I am thinking of sticking with my nifty fifty. Been playing around with it and one just can't complain about the images it produces. On my 550D it works a treat! I will see what pops up 2nd hand though as I have been eyeing up the 35 for some time.
 
The sigma 35 is outstanding but expensive and I had focus issues with 2 copies and gave up. I have the nifty fifty now and the 40mm pancake. Since getting the 40mm I haven't used the 50. Itd an ideal focal length for me as a day to day lens. Solid, very discreet, and very sharp. It's f2.8 but sharp wide open. My fifty usually needsa couple of stops anyway so isn't an issue.

I also tested an old 35mm f2 but wasn't mad keen. The new one I imagine is a lot better but again more expensive.

Ideal world I would keep the sigma but I couldn't be bothered sending them back til I got one was right
 
Thanks. I have been looking at the 40mm pancake too. May opt for one.
 
One of the most asked questions ever.

A 35mm is better on a crop-sensors, IMO, aye.
 
Out of the two I would definately choose the 35mm on a crop body. The range is just so much more usable than 50mm.

However, if money is an obstacle the Canon 40mm STM is a very very good alternative. It may only be f/2.8 but it is sharper wide open than either the 35 or 50mm lenses are at f/2,8, and continues to remain sharper up until f/5.6 where all three lenses become equal. Onstop-Digital are doing them for £112 delivered.

The Sigma 30mm f/1.4 is also a nice option, but quality is varable. My copy had slghtly unreliable front/back focus issues on a 7D, which micro-adjust could not resolve.

So, I'd choose the 35mm f/2, closely followed by the 40mm f/2.8. If you want to shoot in really dull light, the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 is worth a gamble. By from a reputable place (Amazon or similar) and return it if you do not get a good one.
 
Used the 50mm on a recent holiday and shots were nice but something was missing for me. Maybe I should think about ditching it and getting a Tamron 17-50. More versatility and better images? 50mm only comes alive past f2?
 
Last edited:
I have the new Sigma 30mm 1.4 "Art" lens. It is very nice and gives lovely bokeh. I use it on a crop sensor. There is a brief review in the review section on here if you like.

J
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top