Choosing the Perfect Prime Lens for Street Photography: Nikon 35mm f/1.8G vs 50mm f/1.8G

When it comes to capturing the essence of street photography, the choice of prime lens is crucial. This guide delves into the advantages and characteristics of two popular options: the Nikon 35mm f/1.8G and the 50mm f/1.8G. Understanding these differences will help you decide which lens best suits your unique shooting style and the type of street photography you aspire to achieve.

The Nikon 35mm f/1.8G

Field of View: On a full-frame camera, the 35mm f/1.8G offers a wider perspective, ideal for capturing more context in street scenes. When used on a crop sensor camera, it behaves like a 52.5mm lens, still providing ample versatility.

Versatility: This focal length is often considered the sweet spot for street photography as it allows you to include more of the environment while focusing on your subjects.

Low Light Performance: With its maximum aperture of f/1.8, this lens excels in low light conditions, ensuring good subject isolation and a pleasing bokeh.

The Nikon 50mm f/1.8G

Field of View: On a full-frame camera, the 50mm f/1.8G provides a more intimate perspective, perfect for capturing portraits or isolating subjects. On a crop sensor, it acts like a standard 75mm lens.

Compact Size: This lens is typically smaller and lighter, making it easier to carry around for extended periods.

Bokeh: The f/1.8 aperture allows for a nice background blur, helping your subject stand out.

Conclusion: Making the Right Choice

Whether you prefer capturing wider scenes and more context, or focusing on individual subjects and preferring a more compressed perspective, both lenses have their merits. The 35mm f/1.8G is likely the better choice if you want to include more of the environment in your frames, while the 50mm f/1.8G is more suited to those who want to isolate their subjects.

Your personal shooting style and the scenes you want to capture should ultimately guide your decision. If possible, try both lenses to see which one feels more natural for you.

Additional Considerations for Different Sensor Types

For users of FX (full-frame) sensors, both lenses have the potential to work well. The 50mm will give you a more cinematic look, which can be challenging to use due to its tight perspective, especially in street photography. However, when done correctly, the results can be spectacular. The 35mm, while easier to get good photos from, makes compositions more challenging as it doesn’t provide any obvious ‘look’ to your pictures.

If you’re using a DX (crop sensor) camera, go with the 35mm f/1.8G as the 50mm will feel uncomfortably tight on the streets. The 24mm f/1.8 for a 35mm FX equivalent is another option, but it may be a bit too big and awkward for some photographers.

Final Thoughts

Spending serious time using your chosen lens as your only tool can significantly improve your photography skills. It's worth dedicating a good amount of time to familiarize yourself with the characteristics of your lens, possibly even spending a whole year doing so. This intimate understanding will help you get the best out of your lens for street photography.