In this video I discuss my thoughts on why the 35 is the most important lens and why you should master it before any other focal length. Hope this helps - Will
Would you recommend the 35/85 combo for the Z50? I’ve got a 17-55mm f2.8 and the 70-200mm f/2.8 II VR but I may sell my 35G and 85G to go Z mount. I do portraits and sports.
Interesting. I have been photographing professionally and for pleasure for the last 28 years and all the way along people used to say the 50mm was the lens to get as a cover all. During my times using zooms, the 50mm range is the one part of the zoom I use the absolute least and reviewing some of my previous weddings I tend to swing between 30-35mm and 70mm and upwards. On my last three weddings using my two Z cameras I had a 35mm 1.8g on one camera and an 85mm f1.8g on the other. Apart from only a few occasions needing wider I found these two focal lengths to be ideal and complimented each other just great. In fact I enjoyed the 35mm focal length so much I now have a 35mm 1.8 z lens on its way. Great videos and thanks for sharing your thoughts and views
As a newbie I got a 50mm equivalent for my 1 inch sensor camera but it always seems just a tad too narrow. I'm waiting for my 35mm for my new (used) DSLR
I shoot predominantly wildlife and landscape though pick up some portrait and event work and am more than happy to lug a 600mm lens around for wildlife but I find that the 24-35 range most closely mimics the human field of view...to verify my suspicions about that I had my wife actually check it on up to date (research resource for doctors), roughly a 16mm field of view in each eye. Always gravitated to that focal range, though I'll break out the telephotos for picking out specific elements if the light is interesting somewhere I can't get to, 50mm is a bit narrow for my general uses.
35 mm is my favorite focal length. I often go out for a day of shooting photos and only take my camera with a 35. I find that leaving all my other gear behind allows me to focus on my photography and not the gear, so I end up taking better shots! If I could only have one lens, I’d stick with my 35. It’s all I need.
So many photographers love the 35, and I tried to make it work for me, but it always felt a little too wide and a little too short. I never felt comfortable with it. It took me a long time to figure out that the ubiquitous 50 was the lens I needed to be shooting with, and the Nikon Z 50/1.8 S is by far the best 50mm lens I've ever shot with, and I love it.
The 35 is considered by many photographers to be the true "normal" lens. Decades of Nat Geo photographers documented the world with little more than a small bag containing a couple Leica bodies, a 21, a 35, and a 90. (Of course, they needed a much larger bag for all their rolls of Kodachrome, lol). The 50 has its proponents but interestingly it was rarely found in the possession of photojournalists. I've been on staff in a major market since the early 1980s (just retired from that last July) and I've seen a LOT of fellow shooters' kits. In the days of primarily primes, I almost never saw a 50 in use. Love the 35.
Love my 35mm... I've been shooting street photography almost exclusively with the Canon M50 with 22mm lens (35 equivalent) for months, and you are right, it is so versatile. That's why I know you are going to enjoy that Nikon Z50... It's just a better spec'd M50. Look forward to your thoughts on it.
Agreed! When I started decades ago, I started with the 35mm as my ONLY lens at the time. I shot everything with it and my feet were my zoom function. As my needs objectively grew (as well as my budget) I acquired more focal lengths and long zooms but the basics I got from the 35 informed how I studied and practiced with all my later lenses.
Just found Mik's channel not too long ago. I love his stuff. It has helped me out a lot in prepping for event shoots. 35mm is truly a versatile lens for a prime. I have used an old 35-70/2.8 lens a lot, and found myself always pushing back out to 35mm. I enjoy the look of it and got the Sigma Art 35mm. Absolutely gorgeous lenses.
Thanks for this Channel Will. Even though you are resting from YT, to be able to go back and re-watch these timeless videos is so invaluable. Really do appreciate that you have left the channel up as it is so inspiring. Hope you are well and safe.
I've been shooting since the 60s. The 35 has been my favorite lens in all these years. The 50 always seemed a bit too telephoto although it was nice to have subject a bit more prominent in the frame. About a year ago, I discovered the 45mm and haven't used my 35 since. For me it's just a little easier and less obtrusive to get a close portrait, yet as easy as the 35 to get context. Plus it's edge to edge sharp wide open.
Larry Silverman I’ve been looking hard at the Sigma art 40 . I sometimes shoot an old Fujifilm 6x9 film camera with a 90mm f/3.5 . That’s about 40mm and it’s a good all around focal lenght
I fully agree with you. This is why 35mm is the most popular lens for street photography and one that I use when I’m doing just that on the streets of NYC. Thanks for another great video!😀👍
Ive been looking for an answer for over a year to see what I would get after my kit lens with my Z5, this was the most straightforward video and best info given to new photographers. thank you for making this video!
I work in 3D, using Unreal Engine 5 to render my short films. I use a virtual camera, and have access to any lens I pretty much want as a result of it being online as opposed to real. And recently I started gathering all the stuff to shoot a trailer for a film, with the intention of pitching it to investors next year. The problem I'm having is, in the virtual world, I use the 50mm and 85mm lens probably 90% of the time, and then I use the 12mm lens (keep in mind I shoot gigantic epic landscape shots action movies in fantasy worlds), and the 35mm lens is the lens I use the least. I only ever select it if I need to shoot my character and what he is doing, but also wish to showcase the background of the world, or him walking. I'm curious if you could tell me your thoughts on action movies versus just standard video lens selection. I'm finding that there aren't a lot of people who cover lenses from a movie perspective much, other than documentaries (which I loathe and will never make lol).
I have similar feelings about 35mm but i am used to 24-70 because of the need of wider shots. Usually i set it to 35mm because i like that look, but for example for party shots, i like to get in closer with 24mm focal range. My opinion is that is more versatile this way (not to zoom without legs, but to get certain look). A good zoom like 24-70 2.8s gives me flexibility, not that heavy, and very good optical quality. Many people recommend to buy something wide and with a large aperture, like 35mm 1.8 to use in low light but most of them don't know that if the light is not ok, a prime with large aperture doesn't save you. This thing need to understand people that are bashing Nikon for not launching a faster 35mm already. I'm not gonna lie, i would like an 35mm 1.2 especially for interesting look in certain situations, but in combo with a "safe" lens like 24-70. That's how i feel for now, and for my current type of weddings, 24-70 is the way to go, mostly used at 35mm. Thank you for another great video. Keep them coming!
Excellent video Will. The 35mm is what I call the classic frame. It’s a beautifull Frame to layer your story. In the plus side, it can still do what a 50mm can plus more, getting close is the magic.
Will: savvy, quick and sharp explanation of seeing with the photo eye...I would add that using a good quality wide angle zoom and having the discipline to stay at 35mm+/- would serve the same purpose while at the same time giving you the option of going wider or zooming in and helping those of us on a smaller budget getting more bang for our buck with a single lens. Your content is continuous and always right on.
In my limited experience i really enjoy 35mm & 85mm for photography & 24mm & zooms for video. I really resonated with the idea that 35mm looks like real life & i think that’s why i enjoy it so much
I had the 35mm f1.4 by sigma adapted to my z6 and I never used it. It’s a great lens but I don’t do that wide of shots for my style. I use the 50mm f1.8S for group shots and my 85mm for most of my work. I have the 70-200 but I have it set @200mm for when I use it for compression. The new 85mm F1.8S is going to stay on my z6 for awhile. It’s just that good. My next two lenses will be the Nikon 200mm F2 VR and sigma 105mm f1.4. Great video as always. I look forward to seeing them in my notifications.
@@andyverdy11111 how's is it going? Yes I plan on buying a 200 f2 vr after the next 2 weddings I do. Which won't be until the middle of May. I heard it works fine on the z6. I love shooting portraits at 200mm and I wanted to treat me and my clients to the best. It's going to be my 45th birthday present to me. Haha. I can also put a teleconverter on it and maybe do some sports and wildlife pictures. But if you wanted to sell it I will hit you up.
truckin3030 That’s a good present ))) Anyways, I’m just thinking. I’m planning to give it a second chance with a new camera I’m planning to buy for myself. But I also have 200-400 which I’ll sell for sure
I am not a professional just hobby ( wildlife and nature ) I heard 50mm is normal vision at 1X zoom so now hear 35 mm is normal human sight. I am still learning I don't get technical just shoot by feel on auto mode with Cannon SL 3 so far nice results ( if I like what I see in view finder or screen press 1/2 way then full ) keeping it basic and uncomplicated ( no official training ) using 3 lens 18-55 mm most of time my standard lens ( like for landscape portrait. how to video ) 55-250 mm best at 20 m when photographing a subject fairly large like deer from car and 150-600mm when far or medium distance and subject small like bird I also have reasonable tripod and very good ext. mike so far doing great
I shoot 35mm film for my personal photos. It's a great way to dissociate from my professional gear because it's film and not digital. Digital = paid work, film = fun and art.
I have the 24, 50 and 85 1.8G-primes for the D850, and while I do love the 24 and 85 for specific scenarios, the 50 will just sit and take up (very little) space on the shelf.. To me, 50mm always seems too short, or too wide, so I end up grabbing the 24-70 instead to be safe.. So I recon the 35 1.8 will be the first Z-mount lens I get for the Z6. A really good focal length for general photo, and for video the performance looks stellar with quiet AF, and minimal focus breathing. Also a really light setup to pack when I'm out lugging the D850 and 200-500.
Inspirational - I own a camera with a fixed 35 mm (Sony RX1) and love shooting with it every so often. It really takes you back to the basics of photography and is so much fun to use. A timeless keeper. This is probably why I will not purchase a 35 mm Z lens for my Z6 even though I love the other glass in Nikon's latest line-up.
New to Photography, thanks for the inspiration. Just subbed to the channel and ordered a 35mm lens for my Nikon D3300 (not the best but got to start somewhere).
Agreed. My Two-Lens-Kit would be a 35/2 and an 85/2. If I could add another, it would be 20 or 24. 24-120 for when it is not realistic to shoot with primes.
I started with a 50mm 1.4 that I bought together with a Nikon F2 Photomic 21 years ago. This was my only lens for years and still today I like to go back to the 50mm. As you said it is a lot easier to pick a 135mm and compose an image because of that compression and separation you get. The wider you go the more difficult it becomes to get a really good photograph. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Great stuff. I've had a nikkor z 35mm for 6 months and I love the versatility of the lens. One area I don't use it for, is close up portraits. It distorts the face enough that I find my results to be just ok, depending on the subject. I always end up reaching for my 105mm behemoth. The weight of the 35mm has really spoiled me, I want every lens to be this nice and light :D
When I started my adventure with photography, I only used 50mm, it helped me a lot in understanding what you are talking about. Currently 35mm seems too wide to me and I always convert photos to 50mm in my mind
Actually, most in the know seem to agree that the 40mm to 43mm range is closest to Mother Nature’s intentions as far as the “natural/normal” view goes, hence the fact that before the nifty fifty interchangeable lens era came about, the normal fixed lenses on most 35mm cameras were in that 40-43mm range. I happen to agree, which is why, for street photography, I most often use that length. As I shoot in 3 formats, that means the 20mm LUMIX pancake for micro 4/3, Fujifilm 27mm pancake for APS-C, and vintage Konica Hexagon 40mm f1.8 for full frame. I do use other lenses for street on both sides of the equation, but when looking for that natural looking viewpoint, EyE goes for the forty-ish.
Gotta say that the Samyang 35 and Sony A7 is a nice punchy combo at times. At the right time in the right place you can make some lovely pictures. Just gotta keep your eyes open! And it still is small enough to take with you as long as you only carry it and maybe one extra battery.
Love my 35 1.8 for my Z6 . Previously had the sigma 35 1.4 which was my all time favorite lens for any system . Had it for Nikon and Sony . However the the Z 1.8 version is nothing short of amazing .
The perspective is seen on a face, obviously a pair of eyes shot with a 35mm feels more intimate/childish/hug. That's why most portraits are taken with a 85 : to give more distance, dignity, upper class. 85mm gives great "out looking" shots, where the intent is just to look from outside. I think 35mm will give more interactive "look INTO" shots. 35mm will also force a better communication with a model, because that is so important.
Fun, I started with cars and a zoom, realized that most good shots were around 85mm so I bought a 85mm F1.4 and this changed my life and everybody started to call me a "photographer". Now I'm starting to work as a photographer and I think I need a good stabilized 24-70 F2.8 on a 6D II. But obviously 2 bodies, so the question is do I go the G2 stabilized 24-70 or the Canon stabilized 35mm F2 because I will make some video too. I think the Tamron G2 has less coma for night shots... So it might be a better 35mm for my use case. The only problem I'll have is the lack of blurred background on the wide side; but there I will have to upgrade my skills at including the environment in my shots.
Going to try a 35mm f/1.4 with a Nikon d700. It should make for a good combo. I sold my 85 f/1.4 d but will purchase a used replacement. The 105 f/2.8 does a good job too.
I agree with your main points, everyone doing street, events, documentary, family photography should own a 35mm prime. But the foreground to background object size relationships that you see with your eyes at mid distances is actually more like a 50mm. Cartier-Bresson said in interviews that this was why he preferred it, because he could see the relationships in the composition before putting the camera up to his eye, and the resulting photo would look the same. It also has the most neutral presentation without lens “effects”, which he hated. Interestingly, if you focus with your eyes on a subject at infinity like a distant scene, or the moon, etc, the equivalent photo would need like a 135mm to get the same compression and size relationships. Try it. So “the eye is like xx focal length” totally depends on what you’re looking at, and how far away it is. Field of view is irrelevant.
Well, I have to say your philosophy is compelling. Although I feel 40mm the real thing I must agree of the unique charm of 35mm. 28mm and 24m I think is harder to master. 50mm it's just OK and 85mm a perfect companion. I use 50mm, 85mm and 135mm and always afraid of going wider. My compositions are mostly in two dimensions and being tight and I feel less interventional. Going wider is like going deeper... I just received my 35mm 1.4 today, searched the net about and came across in this beautiful video. Thanks.
35mm is actually the first lens I bought when I upgraded to the Z6 last month. Awesome combo. Great video as always. Keep the great information coming.
Just new to photography .Taking course on line and using you tube for extra research. I am glad I found this video and just subscribed to you. I have watched many and learn from them all, I believe your format very personal informative deep and passionate professionalism is so inspiring and leads to understand so much easier than many. Thanks and I will explore learn the 35 mm as you explained it in being a great teacher and foundation for craft and artistic expression!
Great job Will. I agree, the 35mm lens is a very important lens in the photography world. I used the 35mm F1.8 G series lens on my D750 most of the time and I use the 35mm F1.8 S lens on my Z6 for most of my photos now. It's a great focal length. Great work recently with the Z50 also Will. I'm looking forward to your upcoming review of this camera. Thank you for the great video brother!
Not quite sure if I made good choice, I bought Z6 with Nikkor Z 85 1.8S to learn photography. I’m not quite sure what I’m gonna be doing but trying to get into portrait photography. But to learn more on the beginning, you’re right, I should get 35 instead of 85
Love this vid. You are so on point. Love this focal length and lens. I upgraded a bit to the Tamron 35 f/1.8. It focuses closer, has image stabilization and better edge to edge sharpness. This lens, on the other hand, is less expensive and more compact. It's the first lens I have reached for and let the situation I'm in dictate whether to use something else. Bottom line the 35mm is the standard. You are so correct my friend. Thank you for sharing and your effort with the channel is much appreciated.
Great video. Sidenote: I've seen it argued that it is near 40mm that is closest to the 'natural' view point. Sigma, Zeiss and Voightlander have recently released 40mm mirrorless lenses, so I think 40mm should be on the radar for both 35mm and 50mm fans. 40mm may not be considered 'classic', and 35mm vs 40mm may be splitting hairs to some, but I find it interesting that major manufacturers release both high quality 35mm AND 40mm side by side, within the same generation.
I use the 40mm Voigtländer f2 pancake lens , I like it because of the size and weight the lens is not perfekt or any other Voigtländer lens it gives you natural colours dreamy bokeh (round onion ring ) and a special look to your image , not everyone like it . I like 35mm more have a Zeiss distagon f2 , the manual lenses works great with the Z6 now saving up for the Nikkor 35mm 1.8s because of autofocus and sell other gear that I don’t need and don’t use anymore . There are so many good lenses on the market , if I had only one lens it will be the 35mm
What stops me from using a 40 mm lens is the fact that my rangefinder film cameras have no 40 mm frame. Works fine on digital or the Leica CL film cameras though.
"That lasts the test of time ..." sense of depth, compelling image and composition, tells a story. Not to rely on compression and bokeh. Thank you. I am unlearning. My new teacher the 35.
As usual great topic. Not sure if I will add one to my bag but worth the thought. Would love to see some of your pictures to understand your ideas. Continue the good work.
I'm a new subscriber. Just picked up the 35mm prime headed to Golf Port and New Orleans. Have a 24 to 105 and a 16 to 35 and a 20mm prime. What two lens would you take? Thanks enjoy the channel! Many thanks Tony
Great video, my Nikkor 35 1.8 z arrived today. Next week i’m expecting the 85. Next in the line is the 70-200 when it will be released. On my D750 i have the Tokina Opera 16-28, and for weddings that is all for me.
I picked up the new 85mm f1.8S and WOW!! great lens super sharp. It finds the eyes super quick and it’s the best lens I own except the Nikon 50mm f1.8S. The new Z lenses are hands down the sharpest lenses , you can’t go wrong.
Hi Will, excellent video! I also like the 24 mm focal length. Especially for taking pictures inside. Sometimes, when you are inside a building, for instance in a restaurant, 35 mm may be too tight in my opinion. In this situation, a 24 mm lens may give you more flexibility.
Hi there, i've started with a 50/1.7 lens (Pentax SMC-A to be exact) into 87. Whileas it was never my fave focal length, 35mm since 89 is, around all gear i do use. Sometimes also 40mm, which came back into my SLR days. Nifty-fifty's are too narrow for my taste, 35mm is that one lens, too shoot it, rule it all. 🙂
You sold me on the 35mm. I find myself having a harder time getting shots I love on a 50mm. Question, do you feel the Nikon 1.8s lens are good enough? I feel a lot of RUclipsrs want 1.4 or more to be considered pro. What's your thoughts on this?
You will not find a 35, 50 or 85 anywhere as good in color, corner to corner sharpness, color fringing, and contrast that is better than S lens. 1.8 is the new 1.4 in light gathering when using a large flange and short flange distance. All of the 35mm fast lenses for smaller mounts are good in the center but show real weaknesses across the field...except the S lenses. There are no lenses made that are as sharp wide open as stopped down, except the S lenses. Besides, there is less need for a 35 to be shot wide open so a lot of lenses will do fine stopped down. A 24 35 or 50 or 85 S primes are the best for wide open but if you have a 35 1/4 AF-S G lens it is fine when stopped down. It can have pretty significant color fringing however wide open so F/4 is a good choice. I had a large collection of fast mid primes and the usual 2.8 zooms in F mount but when getting the Z6 I ended up with the 35, 50 and 24-70 f/4. The 50 is a favorite FL so I used that and the 24-70 f/4 and the difference between my F mount fast primes and the S lenses was dramatic, without pixel peeping)a had habit beginners get into..100 or 200% zoom in tells you nothing about the picture only about invisible characteristics that gets people chasing the wrong criteria. The only scale a photo can tell a story is a full image seen at once without scanning the eyes side to eyes. Rent or borrow a 35 S for a few days and shoot everything and don't change lenses until the viewed captures appear as you imagined before shutter release, the point that you can start depending on a lens due to knowing its response.. I added the 85 S last week and have been shooting it exclusively in all sorts of conditions and see is a remarkable lens, more hones than the 85 1.4G with zero color fringing. Love it. The 50 s is my next most favored lens among the 6 other lenses from 50-58mm including a 50 1.2 AI-S mf lens. I use the 35 the least because it is not the right field of view for most of what I do but have really taken to the 24 1.8. My portrait lenses for isolation are 1-5, 135 2.0 DC. 85 Sigma ART 1.4, and 70-200 2.8 in addition to the 85 1/4G and 85 1.8G. I am saving for the soon to be announced 70-200 2.8 S and then my kit will be complete and all my F lenses will be sold off. except the 15-30 2.8 Tamron because it and the Z6/7 play so well together. The S lenses are that good.
Thank you Will, as always you bring a great video sharing your thoughts on this amazing system, My wife and I switched to the Z system just before lockdown moving from our pair of D3s. We shoot primes only, and have always used 24, 35, 50(no so much) and 85mm on the F system we had the Sigma arts 1.4 and now the Nikon Z 1.8's and find them as good if not better than the 1.4 glass. Keep up the great work and looking forward to a walk through of your settings on the new Z6ii
35 mm is my favorite focal length too. 50 is too close; I often can't include the background, but it's not close enough for a nice portrait focal length. 28 is nice too, but I often have to get uncomfortably close, which ruins some shots. (distorts folks' noses, for example) 35 mm is "The Goldilocks" lens. Will spoke about "getting into the scene" with a 35 mm. This is not what I like it for. When I'm shooting street scenes like that, I like them to be candid, and "getting in" just immediately kills that. For that kind of fast action reflex-type shooting, I like a 24-120 or even a 28-105. A 35 prime has better contrast, but if we can't frame it right, we lose image quality by cropping in, or we just miss the moment while trying to "zoom with our feet."
I like 35mm for all kinds of purposes from street to landscape. I don’t really use zooms for my personal work but if I am doing commercial work the zooms do serve a purpose. I like primes a lot more though. 50mm is a little tight sometimes and 28mm is a little wide for my taste but I feel the 35 is a perfect balance between those. Also they say the 50mm is “normal” but I definitely think we see closer to 35mm focal length. The photos that really pop in my portfolio seem to be shot on the 35mm or equivalent most of the time.
Excellent video Will, really really helpful. Love your point about 'story telling' and not relying on bokeh. I know from previous videos that you use to use the Sigma 35mm 1.4 but have recently switched to the 35mm 1.8S Z lens, just wondered if you miss not having f/1.4 and why?
Hey bud thanks for watching! I am not missing the 1.4 currently as the low light performance with the Z6 is so good. I will continue to upgrade to faster glass as the S lenses are released though!
I tend to see in 50mm yet I came to love 35mm after rolling with an X100 series camera for 8 months. 35 feels like a wide 50 since it doesn't distort any more than a 50 does when you're far enough to give subjects context (i.e. environmental portraits or group shots). 35mm landscapes have a postcard look to them due to the classic fov. Last, 50mm can be quite...Stale, somehow. Clean, clinical. Very easy to get a decent image. But little of the "wow" factor that comes with complex compositions. 35mm is messier. Fewer keepers. But when I get an image I like, I REALLY like it.
Congratulations, this is an important video. What you say, I can not agree more and I think you framed well what/how someone learning photography can go up one level. I position myself somewhere in between those two levels. There were some shoots with my 85mm where I grabbed the iPhone 11 pro of my wife and took some great semi-wide shots that were very good at telling the story and including things in the frame for a purpose. (I think the optics 1x of the iPhone is somewhere like 30mm)
I have never owned a 35mm lens. My favourite was always 24mm but lately I prefer 20mm for landscape and travel. For portraits, it's my 58mm f1.4 or 85mm f1.8.
Thanks for this. Looking to buy a z50 for my wife. Money is tight, do I sell some of my other cameras and lenses? Regretted this before. Totally agree re 35mm. Took one on holiday to India and Nepal. Everyone else had the giant 70-200mm on their cameras. Just moved my feet and there you go.
Yessir! Get good at zooming with your feet and you’re all set. I hate selling gear to purchase new stuff but if money is tight I would definitely consider it!
Probably a silly question. But for the 35mm are you talking about full frame or apc-s? I currently am getting my photog learn on (d3400) and really enjoy the 35mm. I am also really enjoying the depth that I am getting from my 50mm also.
Hey Hassan, Not a silly question at all! Yes I was referring to the 35 on a full frame which would be 24 on a crop sensor. Don’t worry about the number, the focal length is what’s important. Any other questions please feel free to ask my friend
I have been using only a 50mm 1.8 for months now, but looking to switch to Canon RF 35mm ($500) and Canon RF 85mm 1.2 ($2700) , but saving up for the 85mm now.
My reason in thinking about a Z50 is for my preparedness of the Z mount system. Either the Z6 or Z7 has enough to compel me to get one, and the Z50 may allow me to get the 58 f/0.95 now. As far as the 35mm focal length, it isn't on my radar. Especially after I studied the statistic of the most used focal length(s) from my Canon and Nikon Lens Trinity in the last two decades. Also, I didn't own a 35mm prime for my SLR either. Based on my four decades experience in taking photos, it has to be the 50mm as my must have lens. But in reality, it is the 24-70 (or the Lens Trinity) that becomes the must have lens(es). As for a walkabout camera, I'm on the verge of getting a Leica Q/Q2. Furthermore, I think there is a valid reason for the modern photographers to consider a 35mm. Since most are trying to get away from the traditional/boring looks, hence many are abandoning the Nifty Fifty and 85 f/1.2 for the 35 f/1.4. It is more a trendy choice, like the soft focus portrait lens in the past. But since history repeats itself, the next generation (or it is happening already), the 24/28 or 105 can be new must have focal length.
Great to hear from you my friend. I’m also interested in the q2. If you pick one up I’d love for you to shoot me an email and let me know your thoughts
I am more in filmmaking, and I'd say 35mm is really versatile, but I prefer 35mm only for tight spaces, and 50mm outdoors. I like 50mm the most, because for me it just looks better and more natural than 35mm, especially for portraits. I have 15, 21, 35, 50, 85 mm. I like all of them, sometimes I need all of them, but 50mm is my favorite, and if I had to pick just one, it woud be definitely 50mm, and not 35mm. But I would say it's just a matter of taste and preference, just shoot whatever mm you like and enjoy it, emotion and story telling is really more important than focal length. For funny crazy portraits you can use ultra wide angle lenses, brake the rules, and get very interesting results :)
Have a problem, i want the fuji x 100f but i like a 50mm lense way more than 35. Heel like its more my style. However i really like the consept of the fuji.
You said “shoot your kids” Lol I say this a lot and folks call me out on this . I’m thinking hard on getting the Z6 . Was looking to move away from Nikon but you and a few others are talking me into it . Thanks for your hard work
I got both the 50mm and the 35mm for Nikon. Find myself reaching for my 35mm, especially for street photography. Just repeating what others have already said, the 50mm is great but the 35mm is way more flexible.
Love your insight towards the 35mm lens, I’ve been considering getting my first modern prime lense I’ve gotten old vintage lenses (SMC Takumar stuff, 28,55,135) they have “character” but I’m wanting to get more clean images and not be stuck with “that look” but if wanted I can mimic it in post. My question for you is in regards to the 35mm focal length does it matter what sensor size, I’d assume so? What sensor size are you thinking about when your making this video? Thank you for your further input.
Nice video. I love 35mm and currently considering a 35mm 1.8 or 1.4 for my Z6 (and a 85mm). You say that 35mm is the focal length that is closest to the human eye view, but isn't it 50mm?
Agreed on the 35 for sure. I had the Sony 24mm GM for a while and it's a beautiful lens for sure, but my brain just struggles to see in 24mm. 35 just clicks.
Great videos! I can’t decide between the Sigma art 35mm and the Nikon Z 35 mm. I’d like to use it on my Z6 for mostly weddings and photoshoots. Which one do you prefer? Has the Nikon one faster autofocus, what can be useful for weddings? Thank you!
Thanks for all your pro tips. Really helpful because I just picked up photography after almost 29 years. I recently got the Z50 with the kit lenses and I’m getting hooked again. With reference to this video, would you recommend the Z 50mm f1.8 in addition to the kit lenses?
Thank you for your videos! Your channel helped me decide on the Z6 over the Sony a7R IV for my corporate work. I'm struggling to decide what lenses to get for my kit though. I'll be using it to shoot our team's lifestyle, group, travel, portrait, macro, & product photography (80%), as well as doing our cinematic & interview video (20%). What lenses do you recommend for this, as I could see needing something similar to a wedding kit? (I'm coming from a landscape + macro background. I used my personal D5600 crop sensor with my 18-35 & 55-200 lenses for the job last year, shooting most my work photos at 70mm+.) Also, do you recommend I get an external video recorder to record in 10-bit for post? Thank you in advance for any recommendations! I appreciate the help!
In this video I discuss my thoughts on why the 35 is the most important lens and why you should master it before any other focal length. Hope this helps - Will
Would you recommend the 35/85 combo for the Z50? I’ve got a 17-55mm f2.8 and the 70-200mm f/2.8 II VR but I may sell my 35G and 85G to go Z mount. I do portraits and sports.
Interesting. I have been photographing professionally and for pleasure for the last 28 years and all the way along people used to say the 50mm was the lens to get as a cover all. During my times using zooms, the 50mm range is the one part of the zoom I use the absolute least and reviewing some of my previous weddings I tend to swing between 30-35mm and 70mm and upwards. On my last three weddings using my two Z cameras I had a 35mm 1.8g on one camera and an 85mm f1.8g on the other. Apart from only a few occasions needing wider I found these two focal lengths to be ideal and complimented each other just great. In fact I enjoyed the 35mm focal length so much I now have a 35mm 1.8 z lens on its way. Great videos and thanks for sharing your thoughts and views
Great to hear from you Matthew! Appreciate the support
As a newbie I got a 50mm equivalent for my 1 inch sensor camera but it always seems just a tad too narrow. I'm waiting for my 35mm for my new (used) DSLR
I shoot predominantly wildlife and landscape though pick up some portrait and event work and am more than happy to lug a 600mm lens around for wildlife but I find that the 24-35 range most closely mimics the human field of view...to verify my suspicions about that I had my wife actually check it on up to date (research resource for doctors), roughly a 16mm field of view in each eye. Always gravitated to that focal range, though I'll break out the telephotos for picking out specific elements if the light is interesting somewhere I can't get to, 50mm is a bit narrow for my general uses.
35 mm is my favorite focal length. I often go out for a day of shooting photos and only take my camera with a 35. I find that leaving all my other gear behind allows me to focus on my photography and not the gear, so I end up taking better shots! If I could only have one lens, I’d stick with my 35. It’s all I need.
I would 100% agree with this Edward!
@mrca I think HCB preferred 50 so he didn't have to get close enough to interrupt The Decisive Moment.
So many photographers love the 35, and I tried to make it work for me, but it always felt a little too wide and a little too short. I never felt comfortable with it. It took me a long time to figure out that the ubiquitous 50 was the lens I needed to be shooting with, and the Nikon Z 50/1.8 S is by far the best 50mm lens I've ever shot with, and I love it.
The 35 is considered by many photographers to be the true "normal" lens. Decades of Nat Geo photographers documented the world with little more than a small bag containing a couple Leica bodies, a 21, a 35, and a 90. (Of course, they needed a much larger bag for all their rolls of Kodachrome, lol). The 50 has its proponents but interestingly it was rarely found in the possession of photojournalists. I've been on staff in a major market since the early 1980s (just retired from that last July) and I've seen a LOT of fellow shooters' kits. In the days of primarily primes, I almost never saw a 50 in use. Love the 35.
Love my 35mm... I've been shooting street photography almost exclusively with the Canon M50 with 22mm lens (35 equivalent) for months, and you are right, it is so versatile. That's why I know you are going to enjoy that Nikon Z50... It's just a better spec'd M50. Look forward to your thoughts on it.
Honestly can’t wait to really put it to the test. Great to hear from you!
Agreed! When I started decades ago, I started with the 35mm as my ONLY lens at the time. I shot everything with it and my feet were my zoom function.
As my needs objectively grew (as well as my budget) I acquired more focal lengths and long zooms but the basics I got from the 35 informed how I studied and practiced with all my later lenses.
Just found Mik's channel not too long ago. I love his stuff. It has helped me out a lot in prepping for event shoots.
35mm is truly a versatile lens for a prime. I have used an old 35-70/2.8 lens a lot, and found myself always pushing back out to 35mm. I enjoy the look of it and got the Sigma Art 35mm. Absolutely gorgeous lenses.
Thanks for this Channel Will. Even though you are resting from YT, to be able to go back and re-watch these timeless videos is so invaluable. Really do appreciate that you have left the channel up as it is so inspiring. Hope you are well and safe.
I've been shooting since the 60s. The 35 has been my favorite lens in all these years. The 50 always seemed a bit too telephoto although it was nice to have subject a bit more prominent in the frame. About a year ago, I discovered the 45mm and haven't used my 35 since. For me it's just a little easier and less obtrusive to get a close portrait, yet as easy as the 35 to get context. Plus it's edge to edge sharp wide open.
I’ve been hearing a lot about the 45 but never shot with it myself. Might have to give it a whirl!
Larry Silverman I’ve been looking hard at the Sigma art 40 . I sometimes shoot an old Fujifilm 6x9 film camera with a 90mm f/3.5 . That’s about 40mm and it’s a good all around focal lenght
I fully agree with you.
This is why 35mm is the most popular lens for street photography and one that I use when I’m doing just that on the streets of NYC.
Thanks for another great video!😀👍
Thanks for watching my friend!
The Monochrome Memoirs absolutely! 😀
Your channel is in the top of my must watch list. Here’s to the continued success of it.
Dude you have no idea how much I appreciate that!
Man! Your content is above and beyond...because you don't sell yourself out to the tech wars. Bless you!
Ive been looking for an answer for over a year to see what I would get after my kit lens with my Z5, this was the most straightforward video and best info given to new photographers. thank you for making this video!
I work in 3D, using Unreal Engine 5 to render my short films. I use a virtual camera, and have access to any lens I pretty much want as a result of it being online as opposed to real. And recently I started gathering all the stuff to shoot a trailer for a film, with the intention of pitching it to investors next year. The problem I'm having is, in the virtual world, I use the 50mm and 85mm lens probably 90% of the time, and then I use the 12mm lens (keep in mind I shoot gigantic epic landscape shots action movies in fantasy worlds), and the 35mm lens is the lens I use the least. I only ever select it if I need to shoot my character and what he is doing, but also wish to showcase the background of the world, or him walking. I'm curious if you could tell me your thoughts on action movies versus just standard video lens selection. I'm finding that there aren't a lot of people who cover lenses from a movie perspective much, other than documentaries (which I loathe and will never make lol).
I have similar feelings about 35mm but i am used to 24-70 because of the need of wider shots. Usually i set it to 35mm because i like that look, but for example for party shots, i like to get in closer with 24mm focal range. My opinion is that is more versatile this way (not to zoom without legs, but to get certain look). A good zoom like 24-70 2.8s gives me flexibility, not that heavy, and very good optical quality.
Many people recommend to buy something wide and with a large aperture, like 35mm 1.8 to use in low light but most of them don't know that if the light is not ok, a prime with large aperture doesn't save you. This thing need to understand people that are bashing Nikon for not launching a faster 35mm already.
I'm not gonna lie, i would like an 35mm 1.2 especially for interesting look in certain situations, but in combo with a "safe" lens like 24-70.
That's how i feel for now, and for my current type of weddings, 24-70 is the way to go, mostly used at 35mm.
Thank you for another great video. Keep them coming!
Excellent video Will. The 35mm is what I call the classic frame. It’s a beautifull Frame to layer your story. In the plus side, it can still do what a 50mm can plus more, getting close is the magic.
Will: savvy, quick and sharp explanation of seeing with the photo eye...I would add that using a good quality wide angle zoom and having the discipline to stay at 35mm+/- would serve the same purpose while at the same time giving you the option of going wider or zooming in and helping those of us on a smaller budget getting more bang for our buck with a single lens. Your content is continuous and always right on.
Always great to hear from you my friend 👊🏻
In my limited experience i really enjoy 35mm & 85mm for photography & 24mm & zooms for video.
I really resonated with the idea that 35mm looks like real life & i think that’s why i enjoy it so much
Yes! 5:50 to 6:50 is EXACTLY why I love photography. Thanks, Will.
I had the 35mm f1.4 by sigma adapted to my z6 and I never used it. It’s a great lens but I don’t do that wide of shots for my style. I use the 50mm f1.8S for group shots and my 85mm for most of my work. I have the 70-200 but I have it set @200mm for when I use it for compression. The new 85mm F1.8S is going to stay on my z6 for awhile. It’s just that good. My next two lenses will be the Nikon 200mm F2 VR and sigma 105mm f1.4. Great video as always. I look forward to seeing them in my notifications.
Seriously appreciate the support man! Love having other wedding photogs on the channel chiming in
I have 200mm f/2 VR which I'm thinking to sell (just in case)
@@andyverdy11111 how's is it going? Yes I plan on buying a 200 f2 vr after the next 2 weddings I do. Which won't be until the middle of May. I heard it works fine on the z6. I love shooting portraits at 200mm and I wanted to treat me and my clients to the best. It's going to be my 45th birthday present to me. Haha. I can also put a teleconverter on it and maybe do some sports and wildlife pictures. But if you wanted to sell it I will hit you up.
truckin3030
That’s a good present )))
Anyways, I’m just thinking. I’m planning to give it a second chance with a new camera I’m planning to buy for myself.
But I also have 200-400 which I’ll sell for sure
@@andyverdy11111 What is your ask?
I am not a professional just hobby ( wildlife and nature ) I heard 50mm is normal vision at 1X zoom so now hear 35 mm is normal human sight. I am still learning I don't get technical just shoot by feel on auto mode with Cannon SL 3 so far nice results ( if I like what I see in view finder or screen press 1/2 way then full ) keeping it basic and uncomplicated ( no official training ) using 3 lens 18-55 mm most of time my standard lens ( like for landscape portrait. how to video ) 55-250 mm best at 20 m when photographing a subject fairly large like deer from car and 150-600mm when far or medium distance and subject small like bird I also have reasonable tripod and very good ext. mike so far doing great
I shoot 35mm film for my personal photos. It's a great way to dissociate from my professional gear because it's film and not digital. Digital = paid work, film = fun and art.
Do you have a preferred focal length for 35mm film format?
I have the 24, 50 and 85 1.8G-primes for the D850, and while I do love the 24 and 85 for specific scenarios, the 50 will just sit and take up (very little) space on the shelf.. To me, 50mm always seems too short, or too wide, so I end up grabbing the 24-70 instead to be safe.. So I recon the 35 1.8 will be the first Z-mount lens I get for the Z6. A really good focal length for general photo, and for video the performance looks stellar with quiet AF, and minimal focus breathing. Also a really light setup to pack when I'm out lugging the D850 and 200-500.
Excellent points my man!
Inspirational - I own a camera with a fixed 35 mm (Sony RX1) and love shooting with it every so often. It really takes you back to the basics of photography and is so much fun to use. A timeless keeper. This is probably why I will not purchase a 35 mm Z lens for my Z6 even though I love the other glass in Nikon's latest line-up.
New to Photography, thanks for the inspiration. Just subbed to the channel and ordered a 35mm lens for my Nikon D3300 (not the best but got to start somewhere).
35mm is one of my favorite Focal Length and 85mm. They're pretty great combo, But sometimes i like it a bit more wide than 35mm.
Absolutely agree. I use the 24 often!
Agreed. My Two-Lens-Kit would be a 35/2 and an 85/2. If I could add another, it would be 20 or 24.
24-120 for when it is not realistic to shoot with primes.
Skip my earlier question from another video asking if you have always preferred and shot with Nikon. You answered that is this vid. Peace!
I started with a 50mm 1.4 that I bought together with a Nikon F2 Photomic 21 years ago. This was my only lens for years and still today I like to go back to the 50mm. As you said it is a lot easier to pick a 135mm and compose an image because of that compression and separation you get. The wider you go the more difficult it becomes to get a really good photograph. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Great stuff. I've had a nikkor z 35mm for 6 months and I love the versatility of the lens. One area I don't use it for, is close up portraits. It distorts the face enough that I find my results to be just ok, depending on the subject. I always end up reaching for my 105mm behemoth. The weight of the 35mm has really spoiled me, I want every lens to be this nice and light :D
Totally agree my friend!
When I started my adventure with photography, I only used 50mm, it helped me a lot in understanding what you are talking about.
Currently 35mm seems too wide to me and I always convert photos to 50mm in my mind
Don't forget crop factor. 35 mm cropped looks like 50 mm on a non full frame camera.
Actually, most in the know seem to agree that the 40mm to 43mm range is closest to Mother Nature’s intentions as far as the “natural/normal” view goes, hence the fact that before the nifty fifty interchangeable lens era came about, the normal fixed lenses on most 35mm cameras were in that 40-43mm range. I happen to agree, which is why, for street photography, I most often use that length. As I shoot in 3 formats, that means the 20mm LUMIX pancake for micro 4/3, Fujifilm 27mm pancake for APS-C, and vintage Konica Hexagon 40mm f1.8 for full frame. I do use other lenses for street on both sides of the equation, but when looking for that natural looking viewpoint, EyE goes for the forty-ish.
Gotta say that the Samyang 35 and Sony A7 is a nice punchy combo at times. At the right time in the right place you can make some lovely pictures. Just gotta keep your eyes open!
And it still is small enough to take with you as long as you only carry it and maybe one extra battery.
Love my 35 1.8 for my Z6 . Previously had the sigma 35 1.4 which was my all time favorite lens for any system . Had it for Nikon and Sony . However the the Z 1.8 version is nothing short of amazing .
Totally agree. Once I got the 35s I sold my sigma even though I loved it
The Monochrome Memoirs Did the same exact thing brother !
The perspective is seen on a face, obviously a pair of eyes shot with a 35mm feels more intimate/childish/hug. That's why most portraits are taken with a 85 : to give more distance, dignity, upper class. 85mm gives great "out looking" shots, where the intent is just to look from outside. I think 35mm will give more interactive "look INTO" shots. 35mm will also force a better communication with a model, because that is so important.
Fun, I started with cars and a zoom, realized that most good shots were around 85mm so I bought a 85mm F1.4 and this changed my life and everybody started to call me a "photographer". Now I'm starting to work as a photographer and I think I need a good stabilized 24-70 F2.8 on a 6D II. But obviously 2 bodies, so the question is do I go the G2 stabilized 24-70 or the Canon stabilized 35mm F2 because I will make some video too. I think the Tamron G2 has less coma for night shots... So it might be a better 35mm for my use case. The only problem I'll have is the lack of blurred background on the wide side; but there I will have to upgrade my skills at including the environment in my shots.
Very inspiring for me, a non professional photographer still learning, thank’s
So glad you found this useful John
Going to try a 35mm f/1.4 with a Nikon d700. It should make for a good combo. I sold my 85 f/1.4 d but will purchase a used replacement. The 105 f/2.8 does a good job too.
Truth!
I agree with your main points, everyone doing street, events, documentary, family photography should own a 35mm prime. But the foreground to background object size relationships that you see with your eyes at mid distances is actually more like a 50mm. Cartier-Bresson said in interviews that this was why he preferred it, because he could see the relationships in the composition before putting the camera up to his eye, and the resulting photo would look the same. It also has the most neutral presentation without lens “effects”, which he hated.
Interestingly, if you focus with your eyes on a subject at infinity like a distant scene, or the moon, etc, the equivalent photo would need like a 135mm to get the same compression and size relationships. Try it.
So “the eye is like xx focal length” totally depends on what you’re looking at, and how far away it is. Field of view is irrelevant.
Well, I have to say your philosophy is compelling. Although I feel 40mm the real thing I must agree of the unique charm of 35mm.
28mm and 24m I think is harder to master. 50mm it's just OK and 85mm a perfect companion.
I use 50mm, 85mm and 135mm and always afraid of going wider. My compositions are mostly in two dimensions and being tight and I feel less interventional.
Going wider is like going deeper...
I just received my 35mm 1.4 today, searched the net about and came across in this beautiful video. Thanks.
Just picked up the 35mm S 1.8, perfect time to get with the sale price right now. Timely video, now I need to get out and shoot some. :D
You’re gonna love that little beast 👊🏻👊🏻👊🏻
I use the Yongnuo 35mm f/2 Canon mount on the Sony A7ii with an AF adapter and it works great. 35mm focal length is great.
Hell yea my friend! How do you like the yongnuo? I’ve never actually used one of their lenses
For stills it’s great. I also have their 100mm f2, which is fantastic for portraits.
35mm is actually the first lens I bought when I upgraded to the Z6 last month. Awesome combo. Great video as always. Keep the great information coming.
I still say if you want something not associated with work, you should shoot some film.
Dude I would love to but honestly don’t have the time my man. One day I’d love to build a darkroom and get back into it though
Just new to photography .Taking course on line and using you tube for extra research. I am glad I found this video and just subscribed to you. I have watched many and learn from them all, I believe your format very personal informative deep and passionate professionalism is so inspiring and leads to understand so much easier than many. Thanks and I will explore learn the 35 mm as you explained it in being a great teacher and foundation for craft and artistic expression!
used to be a 50 guy, but now i all i use is the fuji xe3 with the 23f2 , 35 is pure joy :)
That’s a beast for sure!
Great job Will. I agree, the 35mm lens is a very important lens in the photography world. I used the 35mm F1.8 G series lens on my D750 most of the time and I use the 35mm F1.8 S lens on my Z6 for most of my photos now. It's a great focal length.
Great work recently with the Z50 also Will. I'm looking forward to your upcoming review of this camera.
Thank you for the great video brother!
Always great to hear from you my man. Can’t wait to drop this Z50 video for you guys!
Not quite sure if I made good choice, I bought Z6 with Nikkor Z 85 1.8S to learn photography. I’m not quite sure what I’m gonna be doing but trying to get into portrait photography. But to learn more on the beginning, you’re right, I should get 35 instead of 85
If you want to shoot portraits you made the right choice.
Totally Great viewpoints!!! Love the point of "Get out and shoot, stop sitting at home online gossiping" Dope!!!
Love this vid. You are so on point. Love this focal length and lens. I upgraded a bit to the Tamron 35 f/1.8. It focuses closer, has image stabilization and better edge to edge sharpness. This lens, on the other hand, is less expensive and more compact. It's the first lens I have reached for and let the situation I'm in dictate whether to use something else. Bottom line the 35mm is the standard. You are so correct my friend. Thank you for sharing and your effort with the channel is much appreciated.
Can’t tell you how much I appreciate the support of the channel brother!
This was great discussion. I shot a fantastic wedding with just a 35mm and 85mm, from beginning to end!
Great video. Sidenote: I've seen it argued that it is near 40mm that is closest to the 'natural' view point. Sigma, Zeiss and Voightlander have recently released 40mm mirrorless lenses, so I think 40mm should be on the radar for both 35mm and 50mm fans. 40mm may not be considered 'classic', and 35mm vs 40mm may be splitting hairs to some, but I find it interesting that major manufacturers release both high quality 35mm AND 40mm side by side, within the same generation.
Hey Tom great to hear from you. Yeah I have heard the 40s are natural lengths as well!
I use the 40mm Voigtländer f2 pancake lens , I like it because of the size and weight the lens is not perfekt or any other Voigtländer lens it gives you natural colours dreamy bokeh (round onion ring ) and a special look to your image , not everyone like it . I like 35mm more have a Zeiss distagon f2 , the manual lenses works great with the Z6 now saving up for the Nikkor 35mm 1.8s because of autofocus and sell other gear that I don’t need and don’t use anymore . There are so many good lenses on the market , if I had only one lens it will be the 35mm
What stops me from using a 40 mm lens is the fact that my rangefinder film cameras have no 40 mm frame. Works fine on digital or the Leica CL film cameras though.
"That lasts the test of time ..." sense of depth, compelling image and composition, tells a story. Not to rely on compression and bokeh. Thank you. I am unlearning. My new teacher the 35.
Great video like always. The 35 is definitely the most important to learn!
Thanks for watching Sam!
I agree with the 35mm, I would also include the 50mm as well. Even for well seasoned photographers, these are great lenses.
100%. Great to hear from you Michael
As usual great topic. Not sure if I will add one to my bag but worth the thought. Would love to see some of your pictures to understand your ideas. Continue the good work.
Thanks very much for watching my friend. Will definitely include some sample images with my full review
I'm a new subscriber. Just picked up the 35mm prime headed to Golf Port and New Orleans. Have a 24 to 105 and a 16 to 35 and a 20mm prime. What two lens would you take? Thanks enjoy the channel!
Many thanks Tony
You look like you came out of a COD black ops cinematics😂 good work
Great video, my Nikkor 35 1.8 z arrived today. Next week i’m expecting the 85. Next in the line is the 70-200 when it will be released. On my D750 i have the Tokina Opera 16-28, and for weddings that is all for me.
You’re gonna love it man, such a phenomenal lens!
I picked up the new 85mm f1.8S and WOW!! great lens super sharp. It finds the eyes super quick and it’s the best lens I own except the Nikon 50mm f1.8S. The new Z lenses are hands down the sharpest lenses , you can’t go wrong.
What he said ☝🏻☝🏻☝🏻☝🏻
Hi Will, excellent video! I also like the 24 mm focal length. Especially for taking pictures inside. Sometimes, when you are inside a building, for instance in a restaurant, 35 mm may be too tight in my opinion. In this situation, a 24 mm lens may give you more flexibility.
Hey Pierre, thanks for watching!
Totally agree here. The 24 is a great option and I use it often when things are too tight
As always full of honest truth. Interested in seeing what your views are on the new camera.
Review coming soon my friend!
Hi there, i've started with a 50/1.7 lens (Pentax SMC-A to be exact) into 87. Whileas it was never my fave focal length, 35mm since 89 is, around all gear i do use. Sometimes also 40mm, which came back into my SLR days. Nifty-fifty's are too narrow for my taste, 35mm is that one lens, too shoot it, rule it all. 🙂
35 is a beast too! Love my 34 1.4G
You sold me on the 35mm. I find myself having a harder time getting shots I love on a 50mm. Question, do you feel the Nikon 1.8s lens are good enough? I feel a lot of RUclipsrs want 1.4 or more to be considered pro. What's your thoughts on this?
Great to hear from you man!
The 35 1.8s is phenomenal and the output is excellent. My business could pay for any lens I want and I chose the 35s
You will not find a 35, 50 or 85 anywhere as good in color, corner to corner sharpness, color fringing, and contrast that is better than S lens. 1.8 is the new 1.4 in light gathering when using a large flange and short flange distance. All of the 35mm fast lenses for smaller mounts are good in the center but show real weaknesses across the field...except the S lenses. There are no lenses made that are as sharp wide open as stopped down, except the S lenses.
Besides, there is less need for a 35 to be shot wide open so a lot of lenses will do fine stopped down. A 24 35 or 50 or 85 S primes are the best for wide open but if you have a 35 1/4 AF-S G lens it is fine when stopped down. It can have pretty significant color fringing however wide open so F/4 is a good choice. I had a large collection of fast mid primes and the usual 2.8 zooms in F mount but when getting the Z6 I ended up with the 35, 50 and 24-70 f/4. The 50 is a favorite FL so I used that and the 24-70 f/4 and the difference between my F mount fast primes and the S lenses was dramatic, without pixel peeping)a had habit beginners get into..100 or 200% zoom in tells you nothing about the picture only about invisible characteristics that gets people chasing the wrong criteria. The only scale a photo can tell a story is a full image seen at once without scanning the eyes side to eyes.
Rent or borrow a 35 S for a few days and shoot everything and don't change lenses until the viewed captures appear as you imagined before shutter release, the point that you can start depending on a lens due to knowing its response.. I added the 85 S last week and have been shooting it exclusively in all sorts of conditions and see is a remarkable lens, more hones than the 85 1.4G with zero color fringing. Love it. The 50 s is my next most favored lens among the 6 other lenses from 50-58mm including a 50 1.2 AI-S mf lens. I use the 35 the least because it is not the right field of view for most of what I do but have really taken to the 24 1.8. My portrait lenses for isolation are 1-5, 135 2.0 DC. 85 Sigma ART 1.4, and 70-200 2.8 in addition to the 85 1/4G and 85 1.8G. I am saving for the soon to be announced 70-200 2.8 S and then my kit will be complete and all my F lenses will be sold off. except the 15-30 2.8 Tamron because it and the Z6/7 play so well together. The S lenses are that good.
Stan SPb man. This is a great comment. Thanks for sharing brother
I got rid of all of my 1.4 glass. The Nikon 1.8 S lenses are better and so much lighter. Love them.
Thank you Will,
as always you bring a great video sharing your thoughts on this amazing system, My wife and I switched to the Z system just before lockdown moving from our pair of D3s. We shoot primes only, and have always used 24, 35, 50(no so much) and 85mm on the F system we had the Sigma arts 1.4 and now the Nikon Z 1.8's and find them as good if not better than the 1.4 glass.
Keep up the great work and looking forward to a walk through of your settings on the new Z6ii
Any day this channel will get one video to blow up and you will be at 100k Subs. You should be already.
Dude I freaking really appreciate the support! Putting a ton of work into making this as useful as possible for everyone
35 mm is my favorite focal length too. 50 is too close; I often can't include the background, but it's not close enough for a nice portrait focal length. 28 is nice too, but I often have to get uncomfortably close, which ruins some shots. (distorts folks' noses, for example) 35 mm is "The Goldilocks" lens.
Will spoke about "getting into the scene" with a 35 mm. This is not what I like it for. When I'm shooting street scenes like that, I like them to be candid, and "getting in" just immediately kills that. For that kind of fast action reflex-type shooting, I like a 24-120 or even a 28-105. A 35 prime has better contrast, but if we can't frame it right, we lose image quality by cropping in, or we just miss the moment while trying to "zoom with our feet."
I like 35mm for all kinds of purposes from street to landscape. I don’t really use zooms for my personal work but if I am doing commercial work the zooms do serve a purpose. I like primes a lot more though. 50mm is a little tight sometimes and 28mm is a little wide for my taste but I feel the 35 is a perfect balance between those. Also they say the 50mm is “normal” but I definitely think we see closer to 35mm focal length. The photos that really pop in my portfolio seem to be shot on the 35mm or equivalent most of the time.
Excellent video Will, really really helpful. Love your point about 'story telling' and not relying on bokeh. I know from previous videos that you use to use the Sigma 35mm 1.4 but have recently switched to the 35mm 1.8S Z lens, just wondered if you miss not having f/1.4 and why?
Hey bud thanks for watching!
I am not missing the 1.4 currently as the low light performance with the Z6 is so good. I will continue to upgrade to faster glass as the S lenses are released though!
I tend to see in 50mm yet I came to love 35mm after rolling with an X100 series camera for 8 months. 35 feels like a wide 50 since it doesn't distort any more than a 50 does when you're far enough to give subjects context (i.e. environmental portraits or group shots). 35mm landscapes have a postcard look to them due to the classic fov. Last, 50mm can be quite...Stale, somehow. Clean, clinical. Very easy to get a decent image. But little of the "wow" factor that comes with complex compositions. 35mm is messier. Fewer keepers. But when I get an image I like, I REALLY like it.
Congratulations, this is an important video. What you say, I can not agree more and I think you framed well what/how someone learning photography can go up one level. I position myself somewhere in between those two levels. There were some shoots with my 85mm where I grabbed the iPhone 11 pro of my wife and took some great semi-wide shots that were very good at telling the story and including things in the frame for a purpose. (I think the optics 1x of the iPhone is somewhere like 30mm)
My most used lens is 50mm followed by 28mm. For some reason I just can't get used to 35mm.
Total preference for sure! I do love the 50 as well. Did a whole wedding with just the 50 this summer
I have never owned a 35mm lens. My favourite was always 24mm but lately I prefer 20mm for landscape and travel. For portraits, it's my 58mm f1.4 or 85mm f1.8.
Thanks for this. Looking to buy a z50 for my wife. Money is tight, do I sell some of my other cameras and lenses? Regretted this before. Totally agree re 35mm. Took one on holiday to India and Nepal. Everyone else had the giant 70-200mm on their cameras. Just moved my feet and there you go.
Yessir! Get good at zooming with your feet and you’re all set. I hate selling gear to purchase new stuff but if money is tight I would definitely consider it!
Probably a silly question. But for the 35mm are you talking about full frame or apc-s? I currently am getting my photog learn on (d3400) and really enjoy the 35mm. I am also really enjoying the depth that I am getting from my 50mm also.
Hey Hassan,
Not a silly question at all! Yes I was referring to the 35 on a full frame which would be 24 on a crop sensor. Don’t worry about the number, the focal length is what’s important. Any other questions please feel free to ask my friend
I have been using only a 50mm 1.8 for months now, but looking to switch to Canon RF 35mm ($500) and Canon RF 85mm 1.2 ($2700) , but saving up for the 85mm now.
Nice explanation, I totally agree.
My reason in thinking about a Z50 is for my preparedness of the Z mount system. Either the Z6 or Z7 has enough to compel me to get one, and the Z50 may allow me to get the 58 f/0.95 now. As far as the 35mm focal length, it isn't on my radar. Especially after I studied the statistic of the most used focal length(s) from my Canon and Nikon Lens Trinity in the last two decades. Also, I didn't own a 35mm prime for my SLR either. Based on my four decades experience in taking photos, it has to be the 50mm as my must have lens. But in reality, it is the 24-70 (or the Lens Trinity) that becomes the must have lens(es). As for a walkabout camera, I'm on the verge of getting a Leica Q/Q2. Furthermore, I think there is a valid reason for the modern photographers to consider a 35mm. Since most are trying to get away from the traditional/boring looks, hence many are abandoning the Nifty Fifty and 85 f/1.2 for the 35 f/1.4. It is more a trendy choice, like the soft focus portrait lens in the past. But since history repeats itself, the next generation (or it is happening already), the 24/28 or 105 can be new must have focal length.
Great to hear from you my friend. I’m also interested in the q2. If you pick one up I’d love for you to shoot me an email and let me know your thoughts
@@TheMonochromeMemoirs Will do, but most likely it is the Q.
I am more in filmmaking, and I'd say 35mm is really versatile, but I prefer 35mm only for tight spaces, and 50mm outdoors. I like 50mm the most, because for me it just looks better and more natural than 35mm, especially for portraits. I have 15, 21, 35, 50, 85 mm. I like all of them, sometimes I need all of them, but 50mm is my favorite, and if I had to pick just one, it woud be definitely 50mm, and not 35mm.
But I would say it's just a matter of taste and preference, just shoot whatever mm you like and enjoy it, emotion and story telling is really more important than focal length.
For funny crazy portraits you can use ultra wide angle lenses, brake the rules, and get very interesting results :)
Awesome video Will. Keep bringing it man. Greatly appreciated and your personal opinions respected.
Always appreciate your support Jerome. One of my early subscribers!
I bought last Iphone 11 pro. That's became my full time enjoy playing camera.
Z6 just for my wedding work.
Was using that 11 cam the other day, pretty sweet!
@@TheMonochromeMemoirs weight lot less than a camera, got "ultra wide, wide, normal" night mode. Everything I may need when I just want to walk.
Have a problem, i want the fuji x 100f but i like a 50mm lense way more than 35. Heel like its more my style. However i really like the consept of the fuji.
Great advice for beginner and pro.
Thanks for watching my friend!
Brilliant. Very well put over with excellent points. Thank you 👍👍👍👍
Great video like always my man! You make it so to the point and for everyday (non-pro) people like myself. Keep up the great work!
Great to hear from you Gary!
I bought a Nikon D3500 and bought a 35mm prime lens for an extra lens. I am getting to love it.
You said “shoot your kids”
Lol I say this a lot and folks call me out on this .
I’m thinking hard on getting the Z6 . Was looking to move away from Nikon but you and a few others are talking me into it . Thanks for your hard work
Another great video. Love your channel
I got both the 50mm and the 35mm for Nikon. Find myself reaching for my 35mm, especially for street photography. Just repeating what others have already said, the 50mm is great but the 35mm is way more flexible.
Love your insight towards the 35mm lens, I’ve been considering getting my first modern prime lense I’ve gotten old vintage lenses (SMC Takumar stuff, 28,55,135) they have “character” but I’m wanting to get more clean images and not be stuck with “that look” but if wanted I can mimic it in post.
My question for you is in regards to the 35mm focal length does it matter what sensor size, I’d assume so? What sensor size are you thinking about when your making this video?
Thank you for your further input.
Nice video. I love 35mm and currently considering a 35mm 1.8 or 1.4 for my Z6 (and a 85mm). You say that 35mm is the focal length that is closest to the human eye view, but isn't it 50mm?
Kudos for the great channel! Keep up the good work
The new Tamron 35mm 1.4 is NAILS.
I head that!
You’re my new mentor sir 👍🏾
Agreed on the 35 for sure. I had the Sony 24mm GM for a while and it's a beautiful lens for sure, but my brain just struggles to see in 24mm. 35 just clicks.
Great to hear from you bruv 👊🏻
The Monochrome Memoirs love the channel by the way. More meaning less bluster = win
Very interesting perspective !
Great video, Will. Very helpful and informative, thank you!
Thanks my man!!
This is true. Since getting my 35, it has been on my camera for most of the time.
Old faithful.
Always good to hear from you Alex!
Great videos! I can’t decide between the Sigma art 35mm and the Nikon Z 35 mm. I’d like to use it on my Z6 for mostly weddings and photoshoots. Which one do you prefer? Has the Nikon one faster autofocus, what can be useful for weddings? Thank you!
What do you think about the 50?
Love that lens brother. I did an in-depth video on the 50s a few weeks ago!
your honesty got me.
Great to have you on the channel my friend
Thanks for all your pro tips. Really helpful because I just picked up photography after almost 29 years. I recently got the Z50 with the kit lenses and I’m getting hooked again. With reference to this video, would you recommend the Z 50mm f1.8 in addition to the kit lenses?
Sorry, I mean the Z 35mm f/1.8 or because of the crop factor, the Z 24mm f/1.8?
Thank you for your videos! Your channel helped me decide on the Z6 over the Sony a7R IV for my corporate work. I'm struggling to decide what lenses to get for my kit though. I'll be using it to shoot our team's lifestyle, group, travel, portrait, macro, & product photography (80%), as well as doing our cinematic & interview video (20%). What lenses do you recommend for this, as I could see needing something similar to a wedding kit? (I'm coming from a landscape + macro background. I used my personal D5600 crop sensor with my 18-35 & 55-200 lenses for the job last year, shooting most my work photos at 70mm+.) Also, do you recommend I get an external video recorder to record in 10-bit for post? Thank you in advance for any recommendations! I appreciate the help!