35mm vs 50mm | Pick The Right One

In this blog, we will be looking at the differences between 35mm and 50mm focal lengths. While this blog will focus on these two staples, towards the end I will briefly mention how 28mm and 40mm come into the picture. All focal lengths are in full frame terms, and I’m approaching this from the perspective of street and travel photography.

35mm Recap

The 35mm is my documentary prime when I don’t know what I will be shooting. It’s wide enough to establish the scene, yet tight enough to still showcase the subject. A walk along a beach, a stroll through the local market, some environmental portraits, or a 2 week backpacking adventure through Asia. The 35mm can easily do it all, and for that reason, it has always remained in my photography kit.

50mm Recap

The 50mm is my street photography prime when I want to focus on the subjects and create, rather than document. It’s also an outstanding portrait lens, and while I’m no portrait photographer, it would be my first choice should I need to take such photos. The 50mm allows me to focus on the interesting aspects of a scene, and even introduce some more abstraction into my work.

35mm vs 50mm

If I’m going into London, New York, Tokyo, Lisbon, or any other large city with the sole purpose of street photography, then the 50mm is my default choice. For everything else, I would gravitate towards the 35mm. The 50mm is for creating, while the 35mm is for documenting. The 50mm is for photos that I might put in an art focused photobook, while the 35mm is for images more likely to end up in my personal album.

Another way to look at this is from the perspective of the viewer. The 35mm is like standing next to the photographer, so whatever they see, you see in the same way. The 50mm is like standing 10 metres away. The 35mm puts the viewer in the scene with you, while the 50mm can make them feel like a distant observer. One isn’t better than the other, and it depends on how you want the viewer to feel.

Ultimately, the choice between these two is very personal, and one could argue that you can easily reverse their roles. The 50mm can easily document, while the 35mm can isolate.

What About 28mm?

There are some photographers for whom the 35mm feels too restrictive, too tight, and too composed. These photographers love to be in the centre of the action and rub shoulders with their subjects. One could argue that the 28mm is the best documentary lens, as it can result in more raw, less polished photographs.

If you feel the 35mm is too clinical, try the 28mm, as that might give you that little bit of rawness you’re looking for. As for your viewer, they are very much in your shoes here.

What About 40mm?

While I will give flowers to the 35mm and 50mm till the day I die, my home is the 40mm. This is my go to prime lens for everything. It’s the perfect combination of documenting and creating. It’s wide enough to establish the scene and still make the viewer feel present, yet tight enough that you can get creative with it. This is also a great lens for people who feel the 35mm is too wide and the 50mm too tight. So if that’s you, give the 40mm a go.

Which One to Get? (I Have No Primes)

My default answer for anyone who doesn’t know which prime they should get first is the 35mm. It’s by far the most approachable lens with the most utility. Not to mention that you can always crop to “50mm”. Also, a 35mm is such a staple lens that you can buy it once and keep it forever.

If you crave raw emotion, you want to be right in the centre of the action, and get involved with what you’re shooting, then the 28mm might be better for you.

If you like to keep your distance, you’re more reserved, and prefer to focus on specific things of interest, then the 50mm could be more suitable for you.

If you’re somewhere between documenting and creating, the 40mm is what I would go for, and this is what I settled on for my approach.



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