My preferred focal lengths

[hansvons]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

I use 85% of the time my 35mm SummicronM ASPH, as this is the most versatile focal length for what I do (reportages, documentary shoots, editorial). The other 15% of the time, I use 50mm or environmental portraits. I could do that on 35mm as well, but I prefer the flatness of the 50mm SummicronM for faces because often, these images end up in campaigns and must work with slogans or logos.

Why no other lenses? I have photographic FOMO. Having a 35mm constantly attached deals with that best. Plus, my muscle memory/brain knows what to expect from a 35mm lens when looking at subjects. That means no decision-making of the camera's position before pressing the trigger, adding substantially to agility and pace. A similar can be said about the 50mm, but I mostly use it in a more staged context; thus, opportunity isn't as critical.

No other focal lengths for my stilly photography. When shooting video, this is different, but not much. When the available distance or the lack of it calls for it, 28mm occasionally will join the 35mm and 50mm for those long shots.

Edited July 3, 2023 by hansvons

[Gregm61]

On 7/2/2023 at 12:43 AM, Gregm61 said:

21mm f3.4 SEM, 35mm f1.4 FLE, 75mm f2APO and 135mm f3.4 APO; the default set in my bag today, yesterday, tomorrow.

There are days I’ll go at a time not using one or more of them and days when I’ll maybe pick just one and only shoot subjects for that one specific field of view.

Some get used more, some less but I’d not be caught out without all four because I do use them all and if I lost an opportunity because I thought I didn’t need to have a specific one with me that day, I would not be a happy camper.

Leaving one or two of them behind does not save enough weight/bulk to be all that beneficial and lord knows, I paid enough for each one of them to then not utilize them.

The day I typed this I was at White Rock Lake with my M246 outfit. Using the preview lever I was constantly scouting for a shot and what lens would work best, and I found subjects for every lens I brought.

21mm Super Elmar..

35mm f1.4 FLE.

75mm f2 APO.

135mm f3.4 APO.

[pgk]

My non-scientific and purely observational view of the focal lengths that I use is:

35mm - by far my most used focal length - my lens of choice to be on the camera by default

21 & 75/90 - probably used more or less equally, but all are used far less than the 35

50 & 135 - very occasionally used.

[costa43]

I’ve always been a fan of the 50mm and although I’m yet to check, I would bet that most of my keepers are with this FL. That being said,  I’m slowly moving more towards 28mm and 35mm. I find them more interesting and usable up close. 50mm feels like I’m looking at a scene, rather than being in a scene.  The wider field of view gives me a feeling of intimacy I enjoy.