Over the years, I have used the following normal lenses on full-frame camera: 40mm 45mm 50mm 55mm The 50mm has never been my favorite. The 40mm is my favorite full-frame normal focal length.
I’m not so sure. The “magic starts at f2” doesn’t really resonate with me. I prefer a more complex scene with most things in focus. That’s why I rarely go below f4 if I can help it. But I guess it’s all down to personal preference.
I’m on the LUMIX g9 mark ii and I’m torn between the sigma 30mm 1.4 and Olympus 25mm 1.2 Being a little bit longer the sigma has a tad more bokeh with everything else the same. but the difference in composition is annoyingly not that insignificant between the two. In any case the bokeh magic you’re talking about is not quite there with any m4/3 anyway 😓
I've mostly been using the Panasonic 25mm F1.4 with my M4/3 bodies. Have loved that combo and still amazes me how good the image quality is. When I use the "hires" mode and the 25mm lens, it does amazing things. I shot a landscape scene on the G9 mark I and printed it 33x33" wide for an exhibition, and it was the best shot in the room. So I'd lean towards the 25mm F1.2 you mentioned, but don't overlook the Panasonic verison at F1.4. I agree the bokeh feels different. An effect of magnifying the image for the smaller sensor, you just get more depth of field. But it still works well for food photography and portraits.
I should add... We tend to shoot a little wider than 50mm at times, rather than longer. So yes, the Sigma 30mm is heading in the wrong direction to begin with for me. But this is very much personal taste. I just find the wider the lens, the wider the options. 50mm is a great starting point.
Great points and thanks a lot for the replies. I’ll keep the 25 1.2 then, let’s say. I’ve had the 17mm 1.2 from Olympus for about five years and was always amazed at it shooting the em5iii. and when I got the g92 a couple months ago it came as a surprise how much more I loved photography with this camera. And I always stubbornly kept telling myself that if scooch in or crop a little the 17mm looks the same as a 25mm anyway. Recently it really feels like I’m just going to have to accept that it isn’t the same and settle down for an actual 50mm equivalent phase. This video came out just at the right time and I find your videos and photos inspiring so keep it up and thank you for sharing.
Micro four thirds has been much maligned and declared dead by some content creators. It's my go to system of choice for travel. I love the compact size and images I get. Personally I prefer the 40mm equivalent field of view and that's my 20mm f1.7 micro four thirds lens. Possibly influenced by the fact the 20mm is a pancake lens and the 25mm is not.
I have been a photographer, one time professional, for nearly 50 years. As far as general photography is concerned the humble 50 mm is one of the most difficult lenses from a composition point of view to master. It is not wide enough like a 28 mm lens to include a lot and ' fill the scene', nor is it narrow enogh like an 85 mm to draw the eye to the subject. Contrary to your assertion sir, the majority of 50 mm vintage or modern are more than adequate for even the most modern High Density sensors of today. The problem is mastering the composition and with all due respect, pirtrait photography and the so called Bokeh do not count for much in the world of photography but for You Tube, perhaps.
Sorry but I’m not keen on videos telling people they must own a particular item. I had a 50mm prime and it only ever got used for work in a job I’m no longer in. Now I never even shoot any 50mm shots.
Its my favourite lens in my kit, Ive had more fun with it than any other👍
Marvellous!
The 50mm is an essential member of my 50/90/180mm medium formst kit.
The 50mm is also an essential member of my 24/50/105mm full-frame kit.
Thanks for posting. Great presentation and discussion.
Thanks for stopping by and dropping a line :)
Great. 50mm is the one and only focal length for life. Nothing can much it...Lumix user here since 2008. Never looked back.
Super glad you enjoyed this one Andreas :)
Great photography techniques and explanations of focus, composition.
Thankyou so much!
I do regret parting with the Lumix 25mm F1.7 - I barely used it but when I did it always looked good no matter what I was shooting :)
You have the 30mm macro now so gonna be hard to justify the 25mm :) But I have faith in you Joe!
@EwenBell Yeah any future money is reserved for more telephotos but that 25mm was a bit special even as the more basic version of it.
If I could only earn one lens for the rest of my life it would be a 50 mm prime at least f/2 but lower is good ❤
50mm lenses are generally the cheapest, "nifty fifty" so don't be anxious. If you can't afford an f1.8 50mm, you need to change professions.
I prefer the 35 1.4 over 50 1.8 because wider, more versatile, more special look and can crop to the look of a 50 1.8 too.
I do love a 35mm prime. Good choice.
Over the years, I have used the following normal lenses on full-frame camera:
40mm
45mm
50mm
55mm
The 50mm has never been my favorite. The 40mm is my favorite full-frame normal focal length.
*cries in crop sensor DoF control*
I’m not so sure. The “magic starts at f2” doesn’t really resonate with me. I prefer a more complex scene with most things in focus. That’s why I rarely go below f4 if I can help it. But I guess it’s all down to personal preference.
I'll keep trying to convince you though Sean :)
I’m on the LUMIX g9 mark ii and I’m torn between the sigma 30mm 1.4 and Olympus 25mm 1.2
Being a little bit longer the sigma has a tad more bokeh with everything else the same. but the difference in composition is annoyingly not that insignificant between the two. In any case the bokeh magic you’re talking about is not quite there with any m4/3 anyway 😓
I've mostly been using the Panasonic 25mm F1.4 with my M4/3 bodies. Have loved that combo and still amazes me how good the image quality is. When I use the "hires" mode and the 25mm lens, it does amazing things. I shot a landscape scene on the G9 mark I and printed it 33x33" wide for an exhibition, and it was the best shot in the room.
So I'd lean towards the 25mm F1.2 you mentioned, but don't overlook the Panasonic verison at F1.4. I agree the bokeh feels different. An effect of magnifying the image for the smaller sensor, you just get more depth of field. But it still works well for food photography and portraits.
I should add... We tend to shoot a little wider than 50mm at times, rather than longer. So yes, the Sigma 30mm is heading in the wrong direction to begin with for me. But this is very much personal taste. I just find the wider the lens, the wider the options. 50mm is a great starting point.
Great points and thanks a lot for the replies. I’ll keep the 25 1.2 then, let’s say. I’ve had the 17mm 1.2 from Olympus for about five years and was always amazed at it shooting the em5iii. and when I got the g92 a couple months ago it came as a surprise how much more I loved photography with this camera. And I always stubbornly kept telling myself that if scooch in or crop a little the 17mm looks the same as a 25mm anyway. Recently it really feels like I’m just going to have to accept that it isn’t the same and settle down for an actual 50mm equivalent phase. This video came out just at the right time and I find your videos and photos inspiring so keep it up and thank you for sharing.
@@JesseHall-gd4sd I love this so much :)
Micro four thirds has been much maligned and declared dead by some content creators. It's my go to system of choice for travel. I love the compact size and images I get. Personally I prefer the 40mm equivalent field of view and that's my 20mm f1.7 micro four thirds lens. Possibly influenced by the fact the 20mm is a pancake lens and the 25mm is not.
I have been a photographer, one time professional, for nearly 50 years. As far as general photography is concerned the humble 50 mm is one of the most difficult lenses from a composition point of view to master. It is not wide enough like a 28 mm lens to include a lot and ' fill the scene', nor is it narrow enogh like an 85 mm to draw the eye to the subject. Contrary to your assertion sir, the majority of 50 mm vintage or modern are more than adequate for even the most modern High Density sensors of today. The problem is mastering the composition and with all due respect, pirtrait photography and the so called Bokeh do not count for much in the world of photography but for You Tube, perhaps.
We'll have to disagree, on most things!
I have a 55mm, 60mm and 85mm. Why would I need a 50mm?
55mm probably close enough. Totally up to you.
55mm is essentially 50mm anyway. A lot of old vintage lenses are 55mm. It's same-same.
Newb advice ALERT . . . if you don't know bokeh or Toneh, watch here . .
:)
Sorry but I’m not keen on videos telling people they must own a particular item. I had a 50mm prime and it only ever got used for work in a job I’m no longer in. Now I never even shoot any 50mm shots.
Sorry I haven't been able to convince you! Good luck with your journey.