What is the most ideal condition for a 50mm lens?

[batmura]

Those of you using a 50mm prime lens, how often do you use it and what do you use it for the most? I know this is primarily a great choice for portraits, but how about cityscape/landscape shots? Would it be too limiting or inappropriate to use it for street photography?

Thank you.

 

[480sparky]

I would use one when a 40mm is too wide, and a 60mm is to narrow. Actually, longer lenses are preferred for portraiture (80-120mm) unless you're shooting groups in small areas.

You don't pick a subject to suit a lens, you pick a lens to suit the subject.

 

[Dikkie]

Since I shoot digital, not that much anymore.
When I shot film, I had my 50mm all the time... aswel for street shots.

But now with my digital one that has a crop factor of around 1,5 ... I bought a 30mm Sigma prime to get approx the same field of view.

Samples from my 50mm on film:

 

[JAC526]

Why not just go out and try it out?

Then you could ask a more appropriate question like...."I've been using a 50mm for street photography and X,Y,Z are the issues I've run into while doing so. Any advice on how to overcome these issues?"

Just a thought.

 

[batmura]

Why not just go out and try it out?

Because I don't have one. Why not just shut up if you have no interest in the topic?

Just a thought.

 

[480sparky]

Because I don't have one...........

So what issues are you having that you think a nifty fifty will solve?

Have you considered renting / borrowing one to try it out? Just a thought.

 

[enzodm]

About 15% of my pictures, as calculated by LR.

 

[batmura]

So what issues are you having that you think a nifty fifty will solve?

No issues. I'm just curious, hence why I asked.



Geez.

 

[MLeeK]

Newborns! Headshots and senior portraits.

 

[SCraig]

Because I don't have one. Why not just shut up if you have no interest in the topic?

Just a thought.

Now there's an EXCELLENT way to entice people to provide assistance when you ask for it. Damn well thought out.

 

[unpopular]

when there is no other way to afford a Zeiss lens...

 

[kathyt]

Anytime is the right time for the nifty fifty!

 

[SCraig]

Anytime is the right time for the nifty fifty!

Depends on what subjects one shoots. Personally I have no use whatsoever for one.

 

[Light Guru]

You don't pick a subject to suit a lens, you pick a lens to suit the subject.

Exactly.

Why not just go out and try it out?

Because I don't have one. Why not just shut up if you have no interest in the topic?

Just a thought.

Not having a lens is no reason not to try it. Take your body into a camera store and test the lens in the store.

It's also vary cheep to rent lenses and often that is a much better option then buying a lens you a not going to often use.

There is absolutely no reason you need to tell them to shut up he gave a VARY good suggestion.

 

[unpopular]

if you can't afford a manual focus 50, I'd suggest that you stop paying for the internet, head over to your library get on ebay and spend $40 on one.