Comments on: 50mm Photography: Everything You Need to Know

By: Jarno.S Kuvaajankulma

Jarno.S Kuvaajankulma — Sat, 01 Mar 2025 13:19:39 +0000

Christina N Dickson has done an exceptional job highlighting the versatility of the 50mm lens in this comprehensive article. The detailed insights on how this 'nifty fifty' lens excels in various photography genres, from portraits to street photography, are incredibly valuable. The practical tips and thorough explanations make it a must-read for photographers of all skill levels. Thank you for sharing such a well-rounded and informative guide! https://www.kuvaajankulma.com/ 50mm 1.8S nikkor is my favorite

By: kangacutta

kangacutta — Sat, 21 Oct 2023 20:36:04 +0000

There's a reason the Canon f1.8 STM lens is "insanely cheap"- its not that good. Look up reviews.

By: John Colborne

John Colborne — Sun, 15 Oct 2023 00:52:08 +0000

H Lily,
Yes an enthusiastic article but as Gerald Murphy says “…many readers do not own full-frame…” In fact it may be beneficial to point out the equivalent in APSC and Micro 4/3.

I also wish you would use the correct terminology with lenses. There is no such thing as a “close up filter!” It is a lens.
Lenses BEND light to focus it in a particular way.
Filters, on the other hand MODIFY light entering the lens in a particular way e.g. colour filters alter the colour temperature, polarizers – polarize the light, neutral density filters reduce the light but none of these bend or focus the light.

By: Spike Hodge

Spike Hodge — Sun, 08 Oct 2023 10:16:05 +0000

In reply to Lily Sawyer.

Maybe for street, have a look at a 40mm “pancake” as well – very small and discreet

By: Spike Hodge

Spike Hodge — Sun, 08 Oct 2023 10:13:31 +0000

In reply to Gerald Murphy. I agree 100%. The Canon 40 mm pancake fills a similar roll on a crop sensor with the same quality and price benefits.

By: Gerald Murphy

Gerald Murphy — Sat, 07 Oct 2023 10:28:12 +0000

I do wish that contributions about specific lens types would recognise that many readers do not own full-frame lenses. In this case, if a 33mm or 35mm apsc lens would serve the same purpose (or the equivalent micro 4/3 lens), it would only require a few extra words to make it clear what is meant without the reader having to make assumptions.

By: Arthur_P_Dent

Arthur_P_Dent — Sun, 24 Jul 2022 17:09:53 +0000

There are also good 50mm vintage lenses out there. Back in the days of film, nifty 50s were considered “kit” lenses, and you can get them at a decent price online. And on a cropped sensor, it’s about a 75mm. While a 35mm will get you closer to a 50mm field of view, you also lose a couple stops of aperture. I’d rather keep the wide aperture.

By: Carole Bernstein

Carole Bernstein — Sun, 23 Aug 2020 07:32:55 +0000

I just ” discovered ” this article. Your writing is excellent and clearly understandable for an amateur like me! I have a 50 mm for a cropped sensor camera, but now want to buy a macro lens. I have rented a 105 , and have had a lot of fun with it, but as I’m a hiker I find it a bit heavy . Would the 60mm macro be too much like my 50 mm in terms of functionality for multiple shooting distances?

By: Jim Wolff

Jim Wolff — Fri, 03 Jan 2020 13:04:50 +0000

I also enjoy shooting with my 50mm F1.4. I shot fireworks with it last year, changing the focus as I shot the photos with the lens open 3 seconds. Turned out great. I also agree the 50mm is perfect for street photography, and also doesn’t get noticed as much as using a beefy lens.

By: Ely S

Ely S — Tue, 05 Mar 2019 04:04:03 +0000

In reply to Lily Sawyer. No wonder I have a hard time fitting everyone on a 50mm lens. My camera has a cropped sensor so I still have to back up whenever I try to take portraits. Thank you for writing this though. It gave me more insight on my camera.