Imagine a world where you can only use one lens. For many of us with a lens collection built up over many years, the thought is enough to send shivers down the spine – but with the right optic, you can still tackle almost every situation with an abundance of creativity. In this one-lens world, the 50mm would take some beating, which is why we’re dedicating the next 14 pages to prove just how versatile it can be. From shooting landscapes to portraits, the 50mm prime can cover it all and give you a creative twist.
The 50mm focal length gives you a field of view with roughly the same magnification as the human eye, so it’s a comfortable place to start from. Add in its ability to give you everything from shallow focus to the sharpest of sweet spots, and you’ll soon realize that the only limitation with this lens is your own imagination.
It’s worth noting that a 50mm doesn’t function in the same way on every camera. If you have a full-frame model, everything works normally, just as with a film SLR. Factor in the smaller physical size of an APS-C sensor, however, and the 50mm needs to be multiplied by around 1.5x to give the effective focal length you’re experiencing.
We’ll cover this in detail over the page, where we start our look at the benefits of this versatile and affordable optic.
1 INTRODUCTION TO PRIME TIME
Discover the delights of shooting with a fixed focal length
Denne historien er fra June 2020-utgaven av Digital Camera World.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra June 2020-utgaven av Digital Camera World.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Walter Moser on Gregory Crewdson
US photographer Gregory Crewdson is famous for his cinematic images. After a recent exhibition of his work, Steve Fairclough discovers more about his career
DJI Neo
Can this 'follow-me' drone be all things to all people without compromise?
Sony FE 85mm F1.4 GM II
With some desirable updates, this lens aims to build on the success of the original version.
Lumix S 14-28mm F4-5.6 Macro
A modest zoom range and maximum aperture at a modest price
Ricoh GR III HDF
The 'classic' Ricoh GR III now features a Highlight Diffusion Filter
Lumix GH7
New and improved AF make this one of the best hybrids around
Scanning ahead...
With Chinese brands on the rise, Jon Devo considers the effect on the imaging industry.
Behind the lens
SERGEY GORSHKOV Wildlife photographer
CAMERA CLINIC - Master the art of modern photography
This month: Capturing the coast Let's side-step the autumnal colourful spectacular and head to the seaside
MASTER THE MAGIC OF MACRO
Shoot tiny details close-up and hone in on incredible details hidden to the naked eye. Professional photographer Dan Mold is your guide...