Is 35mm on a Cropped Sensor Good for Fashion Photography?
Fashion photography is all about capturing the essence of style and beauty. When it comes to choosing the right lens for your fashion photography projects, understanding the characteristics of different sensor sizes is crucial. One frequent question among photographers is whether a 35mm lens on a cropped sensor is a good fit for fashion photography. In this article, we will explore the specifics of using a 35mm lens on a cropped sensor and its impact on fashion photography.
Understanding Cropped Sensors and 35mm Equivalents
A cropped sensor, also known as an APS-C or DX sensor, is a type of sensor found in many modern DSLRs and mirrorless cameras. These sensors have a smaller image sensor compared to a full-frame sensor, resulting in a reduced field of view. For a 35mm equivalent on a cropped sensor, a 35mm lens would appear as a 55mm lens due to the cropping factor.
Fashion Photography and the Human Eye
The human eye typically perceives the world in a way that focuses best on subjects from around 85 to 135mm on a full-frame format. This range is often recommended for capturing subjects with a flattering perspective, making noses appear less prominent and faces more attractive. However, when shooting on a cropped sensor, the same 35mm lens would have the equivalent field of view of a 55mm lens on a full-frame camera.
Optimal Range for 35mm on a Cropped Sensor
Given this 55mm equivalent, does it make sense to use a 35mm lens on a cropped sensor for fashion photography? While it might seem like the optimal range for 35mm on a full-frame sensor falls outside the 85-135mm range, it’s not necessarily a bad choice. Here are some considerations:
1. Versatility: A 35mm lens on a cropped sensor provides a versatile focal length. It's wide enough to capture the expansive cityscape or a detailed scene, yet still offers enough compression to flatter subjects in portraits. This makes it a useful tool in a fashion photographer's arsenal.
2. Price and Accessibility: A 35mm lens is generally one of the more budget-friendly options compared to other prime lenses, making it an accessible choice for many photographers on a tight budget. While it might not offer the exact flattering perspective of a 85 or 100mm lens, it still offers good value while providing a wide angle that can be adjusted through cropping in post-processing.
Practical Considerations for Using 35mm on a Cropped Sensor
When using a 35mm lens on a cropped sensor for fashion photography, consider the following:
1. Working Distance: Due to its wider angle, a 35mm lens requires a longer working distance. This can be beneficial for controlling the light and ensuring proper background blur or bokeh, which is often essential in fashion photography.
2. Composition: Use the extra width of the 35mm lens to your advantage. Capture more of the environment or context to add story-telling elements to your shots. For example, this could include the background, the setting, or even the interaction between models and the surroundings.
3. Post-Processing: Remember that you can always crop the image to approximate the 85-135mm range. This might involve some post-processing adjustments to ensure the final product looks as intended.
Conclusion
Finalizing on whether a 35mm lens on a cropped sensor is good for fashion photography, the answer is nuanced. While the 55mm equivalent might not offer the exact flattering perspective of a 85-135mm lens, its wide angle and versatile nature make it a worthwhile choice for many photographers. For those looking for a more budget-friendly and versatile option, a 35mm lens on a cropped sensor can still produce excellent results when used effectively.