Saturday 22 September 2018

Why is the 50mm prime lens the most standard?


Seems that most photographers choose the 50mm as their prime lens (at least from what I've read). I'm looking at getting a prime lens for my Nikon D3000 and the cost difference between the 35mm 1.8 and the 50mm 1.4 is quite significant. I know there must be some reason for the difference, and that the 1.4 will be able to get pictures in lower light and whatnot ~ it just seems that it is SUCH a large price difference for not much difference otherwise between the two lenses. So, this isn't a "weigh the pros and cons of the two lenses" so much as a "why do most photographers choose the 50mm 1.4"?


FWIW, I'm getting the lens to take pictures of my (fast moving) baby and toddler. I have the kit lens and a 55-200mm 4.0-5.6 zoom lens and have trouble getting good pictures without being outside.



Answer



Most standard because:



  • 50mm on a full frame is said to give a natural field of view.

  • 50mm is apparently an simple focal length to design



On a your crop sensor, it is 75e, while the 35mm is 52.5e. Thus, the 35mm lens will be closer to "normal"


Reasons why most photographers may choose the 50mm could be to use it for portraits on crop sensors. 75e is a great focal length for portraits, especially when combined with such a wide aperture. Other reasons may include: higher resolution, smoother bokeh, better color, better rendition, higher contrast and microcontrast, more flare resistance, less CA, less distortion, less vignetting, better build quality, faster AF, etc.


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