Choosing Between 35mm and 50mm Prime Lenses for Your Nikon D750: A Comprehensive Guide
As a photographer utilizing a Nikon D750 with a kit lens of 24-120mm, you might be considering upgrading to a prime lens. You are unsure between the 35mm and 50mm options. This article will help you understand the distinctions between these two lenses, their uses, and which one might be the best choice for you.
Understanding Prime Lenses
A prime lens, as its name suggests, is a fixed focal length lens, meaning it offers a specific angle of view and does not have a variable focal length, unlike a zoom lens. Prime lenses, such as the 35mm and 50mm options you're interested in, are known for their exceptional image quality, especially at lower apertures (f-numbers).
Comparing 35mm and 50mm Lenses
Both 35mm and 50mm lenses are excellent choices for portrait photography, but they offer different perspectives and angles of view, making them suitable for various scenarios.
35mm Lens: Wider Perspective for Street Photography and Group Shots
The 35mm lens provides a wider angle of view, which is excellent for street photography or capturing people in groups. This lens allows you to capture more of the scene from a relatively short distance, making it ideal for situations where you want to include a broader background or context in your shots. It’s particularly useful for shooting group photos where all members of the group can be included in a single frame.
50mm Lens: Classic Portrait Lens for Clear and Crisp Images
The 50mm lens, often referred to as a 'nifty fifty,' is a classic portrait lens. It provides a more natural field of view that closely mimics the human eye. This makes it a versatile choice for most portrait photography, as it can capture more of the subject without too much distortion. The 50mm lens also tends to produce sharper and more detailed images, which is why it is commonly preferred by many photographers. Moreover, at lower f-stop values such as f/1.4 or f/1.8, the 50mm lens can produce beautiful bokeh (out-of-focus background) effects, which are highly desirable in portrait photography.
Consider Your Photography Needs
To determine which lens might be the best fit for you, consider your current shooting habits and future goals. If you frequently shoot in low-light environments and need a lens that can perform exceptionally well in such conditions, the 50mm lens (f/1.4 or f/1.8) would be an excellent choice. The lower f-stop numbers allow you to achieve larger depth of field and shoot in dimmer light. If you frequently take group portraits, a 35mm lens would be more appropriate due to its wider angle of view.
Portfolio Analysis and Recommendations
Another useful approach is to analyze your existing portfolio of photos taken with your kit lens. Identify which focal length you used most frequently. This can give you a clue about your typical shooting scenarios and help you make a more informed decision. If you find that you predominantly use the 50mm equivalent focal length, then the 50mm prime lens might be a good match for your needs.
Conclusion
Choosing between a 35mm and a 50mm prime lens ultimately comes down to personal preference and specific photography goals. Both lenses are high-quality options, and the best choice for you will largely depend on your shooting style and the situations in which you take your photos. If you're still unsure, consider trying out rentals or borrowing friends' lenses to see which one works best for you.
When you're ready to make the decision, remember that prime lenses offer exceptional image quality, especially at lower f-stop values. They are also generally more affordable and lighter than their zoom counterparts. So, think about your budget and long-term needs.