Photography podcast #128 talks about five reasons why I think the 50mm lens is the first lens you should get for your SLR or DSLR. Two of these reasons are all the aperture advantages this lens has to offer has and the fact that it’s one of the most affordable brand new lenses you are likely to find (that aren’t garbage).
If you have a full frame camera the 50mm will act as the conventional 50mm lens from the film camera days. On a crop sensor camera the lens will act more like a 75mm or 80mm lens and many people are using this lens to make wonderful portraits.
Thanks to The Camera Store (The largest camera store in Calgary, Alberta, Canada) for sponsoring the Photography.ca podcast.
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![This is a 50mm lens and it's the first lens you should buy.](http://www.photography.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/photo-podcast128-image1.jpg)
This is a 50mm lens — It’s the first lens you should buy for your DSLR or SLR.
![This image was shot on a full frame DSLR using a 50mm lens at Palais Des Congres in Montreal, QC, Canada. The exposure was ISO 400 f/1.8 at 1/2500](http://www.photography.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/palais-des-congres-marko-kulik.jpg)
This image was shot on a full frame DSLR using a 50mm lens at Palais Des Congres in Montreal, QC, Canada. The exposure was ISO 400 f/1.8 at 1/2500
Links /resources mentioned in this podcast:
Good comments from our last podcast - Point and Shoot Cameras Suck for Learning Photography
The Canon 50mm at The Camera Store
The Nikon 50mm at The Camera Store
Reversing rings at The Camera Store
The Canon 50mm at B&H
The Nikon 50mm at B&H
Reversing rings at B&H
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Another good one Marko.
Hey, what about a 40mm f2.8 pancake? Also a simple one and not expensive to start. Yes, probably not that luminous compared to the 50mm f1.8. Nevertheless, I find mine (Canon) very quiet and incredibly fast to focus.
Well also about the 50mm, it could be worth to mention the expensive f1.4 and super expensive f1.2. With the good ISO sensitivities, is there someone actually buying these?
Keep on podcasting!!!
Hi Marko,
Thanks for another great podcast.
I have the Nikon D3200 with the 18-105mm kit lens.![:)](https://www.photography.ca/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif)
A couple of months ago I decided to buy a prime with a smaller aperture and ended up buying the AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G (the price tag was the same as the 50mm, around 170 EUR = 230 USD).
On my camera it’s a 52.5mm equivalent which is easier to use indoors without the need to back up through the wall
I love this lens and have been using it constantly.
Do you know this lens? I’d like to hear your thoughts on it?
Thanks and regards.
Thanks for the comment Nuno!
I’ve not used this lens but that 1.8 means this lens is also bright which makes it fab for indoor shooting.
The 35mm as you mentioned, means its perspective is like that of a traditional 50mm on a FF camera. The price is very reasonable.
It gets good marks on dpreview.com (a good site for gear reviews for those that may not know).
Thanks for bringing this affordable alternative (with the ‘traditional’, ‘normal’ perspective) for DX cameras to our attention!
Never underestimate the power of a 50mm. Always had one, just never used it. Until lately, that is. Several weeks ago I picked up the Sony a6000 and adapters for some of my legacy glass that includes a couple of decent 50’s. Now, I’m having the most fun with a camera than I’ve had in a long time.
When I first sold my xti to fund what was at the time a major purchase for me–a canon 5d–I had just enough money left over for a 50mm ($90 used). I had that 50 welded onto my full frame 5d for the next 6 months; I had no other lens. And while it may seem like a huge disadvantage to be stuck at one focal length, I actually found this ‘limitation’ (like most limitations !) to be highly instructive and conducive to creativity. Being at 50mm (or any fixed focal length) teaches you to move, to not be static and just zooming with the lens.
Thanks for the podcast !