You remember that moment when you first picked up a 50 mm camera and felt an instant connection? For one photographer, it could be at a friend’s wedding, perhaps, where he borrows a friend’s 50 mm lens to capture the joy on the bride’s face. As he frames the shot, he’s struck by the lens’s ability to freeze time. The laughter, the tears, the love â it all comes alive through the viewfinder.
For another photographer, the story could be that they started to experiment with the 50 mm lens gradually, and discovered its incredible versatility. From intimate portraits to sweeping landscapes, the unassuming lens seemed to adapt effortlessly to any scene. Through these experiences, most photographers found themselves singing the praises of the 50 mm lens, affectionately calling it the “nifty fifty.”
But what makes this lens so special? And how can you unlock its full potential? In this article, we’ll dive into the world of the 50 mm photography lens, exploring its key features, ideal genres, and the reasons why this lens has earned a permanent spot in many professionals’ camera bags. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or just starting out, get ready to uncover the secrets of the “nifty fifty” and take your photography to the next level.
What is 50 mm Photography?
So, what makes the 50mm lens so special? For starters, it’s a prime lens, meaning you can’t zoom in or out – what you see is what you get! But don’t worry, that’s actually a good thing. It forces you to get up close and personal with your subject, making you move around to find the perfect shot. Plus, its fixed focal length helps you develop your photography skills.
The 50mm lens is also known as the “standard lens” because it sees the world just like we do – no distortion, no compression. It’s been a favorite among photographers for decades, and for good reason. It’s super accessible, affordable, and delivers amazing image quality.
For example, Ejiro DafĂ©’s 50 mm photography journey began with his fascination with renowned photographers in photojournalism who were also familiar with the 50 mm lens. As a cash-strapped advertising student, he invested his student loan in a Canon EOS 5D Mark III and a humble Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II lens.
Little did he know, this affordable setup would become the catalyst for his distinctive approach to photography.
He fell in love with the 50mm focal length, capturing stories on the streets of foreign countries. The lens’s angle of view resonated with his natural vision, making shooting instinctive.
Years passed, and Ejiro upgraded to better 50mm lenses, but his loyalty to the focal length remained unwavering. When Canon unveiled the RF 50mm F1.8 STM, Ejiro was the perfect candidate to put it to the test.
“The 50mm lens challenges you to be creative,” Ejiro said. “It forces you to anticipate and adapt.” With the Canon RF 50mm F1.8 STM, he discovered a lightweight, discreet, and powerful tool ideal for street photography and candid portraits.
Ejiro’s advice is, “Take advantage of the wide aperture and compact size. Carry it everywhere, get involved in your shoots, and trust your instincts.”
Features of 50 mm Photography
To fully utilize the features of 50 mm photography, unlock the full potential of your 50 mm lens, using these expert tips by Ejiro Dafe, such as:
1. Go 50 mm-Only for a While
Restrict yourself to a single focal length to become intimately familiar with its angle of view. Ejiro says, “After a while, you’ll develop a sixth sense for framing shots without needing to look through the viewfinder.” This versatility makes the 50 mm perfect for wide shots, portraits, and close-ups.
2. Immerse Yourself in the Moment
The 50 mm photography lens forces you to engage with your subject, experiencing the moment firsthand. Ejiro loves how it encourages him to “get involved” and “cross the road” to capture the perfect shot. This intimate approach reflects in the photographs’ framing and detail.
3. Play with Angles
A prime 50 mm photography lens pushes you to work for the shot, fine-tuning compositions by moving the camera. Ejiro advises, “Don’t be afraid to roll on the floor or contort into a corner.” Experiment with unusual angles and perspectives to capture fresh views.
4. Vary from Wide to Close
Add variety to your shots by starting wide and then zooming in. Ejiro says, “I love taking wide shots, but also intimate ones.” The Canon RF 50mm F1.8 STM’s close focus (0.3m) allows for abstract, up-close images.
5. Keep it Simple
Strip back your kit to the bare minimum to maintain the 50 mm’s discreet advantage. Ejiro warns, “Too much choice can cause overthinking.” Embrace natural light and simplify your setup for more authentic, fun photography.
Some key takeaways:
- Familiarize yourself with the 50 mm photography lens’s angle of view
- Engage intimately with your subject
- Experiment with unusual angles
- Vary your shots from wide to close
- Keep your setup simple and natural
Types Of Cameras for 50 mm Photography
Letâs take a minute to look at some of the 50 mm Cameras, and their pros and cons:
a) EF 50mm f/1.8 STM
Incredibly affordable lens. Very capable performer. Fast aperture. Really not that far behind its big brothers in terms of sharpness, certainly when youâre not shooting wide open.
b) EF 50mm f/1.4 USM
More expensive, but still fairly affordable. Big step up in build quality and autofocus. The 1.4 gives you approximately 2/3 stop more light than the 1.8. Arguably as sharp as the L beyond around f/1.8.
c) EF 50mm f/1.2L USM
Weâre getting into âeye-wateringly expensiveâ territory now. As with all L lenses, the build quality here is exceptional and includes weather sealing. The 1.2 aperture is huge giving us a good 1/3 stop more light than the 1.4 and weâre letting in more than twice as much light as our 1.8. Optically weâre not seeing massive improvement over the 1.4 but due to the above weâre paying big âL moneyâ.
d) RF 50mm f/1.2L USM
The next generation 50mm lens built for the brand new RF mount on Canonâs new full frame mirrorless cameras. All Iâm going to say about this lens is itâs massive, heavy, optically incredible and has an outrageously expensive price tag to match.
Ideal Genres for 50 mm Photography
So, now you know about the 50mm lens, but what can you actually photograph with it? Well, buckle up, because its versatility will blow you away!
Portrait Photography
The 50mm lens is a portrait photographer’s BFF, and for good reason. The focal length is ridiculously flattering â no distorted facial features here! Plus, with wide aperture options, you can isolate your subject from the background and make them look like a superstar.
Whether you’re capturing close-up shots of the face or environmental portraits (think: subject-in-context, showcasing their personality or lifestyle), the 50mm lens delivers.
Street Photography
For street photography, the 50mm lens captures the world as your eyes see it â no distortion, just natural, dynamic scenes. People look, well like people. And the best part? The compact size won’t draw attention, allowing you to snap life as it happens. No more awkward photographer-to-subject stares!
Landscape Photography
But wait, can you use it for landscapes? Definitely! While it won’t provide those sweeping vistas that wide-angle lenses offer, the 50mm lens lets you focus on smaller, intimate aspects of nature. Think: a single majestic mountain peak, a close-up of leaves, or a serene river bend. It’s about capturing the soul of a place, not just its pretty face.
Event Photography
Also, for event photography, the 50mm lens is your trusted companion, whether you’re covering a wedding, birthday, or corporate shindig. Its adaptability means you can switch from capturing candid moments to snapping quick portraits without missing a beat. No need to lug around multiple lenses â this one’s got you covered.
Conclusion
In summary, the 50mm lens is the ultimate photography Swiss Army knife. From portraits to landscapes, street photography to events, it’s the perfect companion for any photography adventure.
So, what are your plans for 50 mm photography going forward?
