35mm or 50mm - Which Should You Use?

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With these two focal lengths in my camera bag, people often ask which one I prefer and why I chose these two in the first place. Hopefully this will answer that question and give you something to think about when you're choosing your focal length!

[@Emilioh888]

It's important to mention that a 35mm lens on a aps-c camera like the ones people buy the most ( Nikon d3300, Canon t5i, sony a6000) will be equal to roughly 55 mm. The 50mm will equal to roughly 78 mm. What this means is that if you have one of these cameras, you will not get the look that you see in his video because he has a full frame camera. You will roughly get the look of his 50mm lens with a 35mm lens but your 50mm will become more of a telephoto lens. This means that you wont be able to get a wide view of the scene. It will be zoomed in all the time. I write this because I didn't know that before and I always thought that my 50mm on my nikon d3300 was giving me the focal lenght of what the eyes can see but it turns out it was my 35mm who would give me the best representation. Hope that helps someone and great video dude!

[@alpirl2921]

Emilioh888 same camera as me, which lens do you recommend to use with d3300? Used for some event, portraits and fashion photography?

[@Emilioh888]

For portraits I would recommend the 50mm. You get an easier nice background blur effect and the faces will appear more natural. But for events it will be very difficult to get wide shots with it. The 35mm is better for wider shots. So if you do more portraits-->50 mm. If you do more event--> 35mm. The best thing to do is to go to your local camera store and try them to see which you like the most. Hope that helps ;)

[@Emilioh888]

Lol i don't know why the 50mm part in my reply is crossed... I didn't intend to do that..

[@alpirl2921]

Emilioh888 thanks man i appreciate the reply

[@manwhalejoe6962]

If you honestly don't know at the beginning, I don't think you could go wrong getting some version of a fast standard zoom. For canon aps-C I would recommend something like the Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8. After using a decent lens like that, you start to realize which end of the spectrum you gravitate to (ie do you like your 17mm photos more or less than your 50mm photos). On the other hand if you need a walkaround lens or an event lens (like at a wedding, where you may miss shots if swapping lenses, and cannot "zoom with your feet" in certain situations) then a fast standard zoom will likely serve you much better than one fixed lens. I personally use a manual focus 50mm 1.4 old legacy Minolta MD Rokkor lens I got off ebay for $40 on a fuji XT1 and I absolutely love the perspective (it is about a 75mm FOV FF equivalent). But it took me ten tries with different lenses to figure it out!!

[@thewzrdharry]

Your photos have got a certain magic about them

[@mattdayphoto]

Thank you!

[@Faded.Visuals]

David Preston well, he is using a Leica 🤓

[@critical_eye1]

Yep... they are all black and white.

[@ironmike2732]

I am watching this video today that you made four years ago, and it is a timeless video. The topic applies today and for generations to come. I love your 35mm family photos, great composition and context for you to look at and remember in years to come.

[@TomKaszuba]

All your videos are brilliant. Your style and presentation and personality make these THE most watchable and enjoyable I have seen in years. I can’t thank you enough for producing and sharing such great content. You have a gift.

[@russpartee113]

Matt, the shot of Molly through the window with your reflection is something else. Her eye is almost perfectly placed where yours would be!

[@mattdayphoto]

Thank you!

[@seantuck]

Great video mate and some beautiful images in there. Thanks for sharing!

[@mattdayphoto]

Thank you!

[@hoorayforpentax3801]

The general (though not universal) thrust I got from the pictures is that 35mm puts the subject in a broader context more easily; 50mm is there for when the context/background isn't so important and the subject comes to the fore.

[@Pascal15B]

The photos really showed exactly how both lenses have their place. The photos, for me, were superb. It was a pleasure to see them & feel inspired. You have a new subscriber.

[@DevonLad]

I hadn't even thought on consistency before this. In the age of social media and scrolling through your Instagram images or portfolio, having that consistence is a benefit indeed.

[@joeszeto8859]

Stumbled onto your video and found it very informative. However, what I appreciated most is the high quality images you included. Wow! Those are some of the most gorgeous, yet simple and natural, b+w images I've seen in a long time!! Excellent work!!

[@singletrack29349]

It's all preference, but I feel like the 35 is a better story teller.

[@eminakben1]

This is all needed to hear to go for 35mm after all the research.

[@satinimage1577]

I made the right choice

[@risikolowchannel3744]

Yes.. My first lens is 35mm. But it depends on environment. For me, the right choice is 35mm

[@randomrichardhere]

Well he did say he grabs the 35 ninety nine percent of the time

[@geralkay3012]

50mm is way a bit more zoom for me. I choose 35mm too.

[@Davey_Boyle]

Really like the direction your channel is taking, gear reviews are fun but I find vids about creative choices when making pictures are where its at for me

[@mattdayphoto]

Thank you! I'm trying to share more practical, every day use kind of videos.

[@AlejandroRamos-im4to]

The best video I have ever watched showing the difference between both lenses!! Your photographs are awesome!! Fell in love with the music too!! Greetings from a Mexican residing in Canada!!

[@kui360]

Beautiful photos of your family, Matt! Thank you for sharing.

[@mtcrun]

I love how your photos always capture the exceptional beauty of everyday life Matt.

[@Jerry-kg9pr]

Thank you for sharing your beautiful family images . you have such passion for capturing images of love , joy , family life . 😇

[@miamidolphinsfan]

Matt those images at the end were extremely motivating, and reminded me once again why I have a passion for taking photos. Yes they were simple, but yet had a depth of feeling to them.

[@linfengli3686]

Thanks Matt for the explanation and showing the photos of your family. They're lovely! Hope you all are doing well during this challenging time. Sending love from Shanghai! 🤙🤙🤙

[@zulfiyawilde6365]

Oh my, this is such a good video. Thank you a lot for this! Also ... You have a great family, man. Your kids will absolutely love those photos when they grow up.

[@BTCAsia]

First, you’re incredibly talented, especially when taking “apparently” casual shots. Apparently because when I look at the attributes - lighting, timing, focus, composition) - nobody could be nailing all these difficult aspects just haphazardly. I’m sure you’ve trained yourself so much of the effort is subconscious, but the results show tremendous effort. The pic of your wife with a halo of your reflection, your child with hair covering half her face with just an eye - in focus - poking out with so much life. I, for one, would like to see more videos on composition and lighting, especially of people. Thanks.

[@indigoaugustus9154]

This was really wonderful. Your video was so different in that it is about the feeling the lenses offer by their compositional abilities. Truly what it's about. Beautiful photos, really loved the motion shots of the dogs together, as well as your portrait composition of your wife with the 50mm. A new little influence. Thank you.

[@wasabi8920]

Thanks for this video Matt! I was kind of stuck on exactly this. Loved your 35mm series and how you compose on that length. Funny how just by looking at your pics I seemed to got all the clarifying I needed.

[@weebadwolf4893]

Great video and stunningly beautiful photos...thanks and yes I agree those two focal lengths are so versatile... 👍

[@pablors6718]

Pure Black and white art in those pictures!

[@TheBepacific]

Whenever I want to see some good photographs and really enjoy watching them with good music I play this video. Is it just me? Really love your work @matt

[@JamesGreen321]

Very good comparison, exactly the video I was looking for. The image comparisons really showed the different styles the lenses provide. Great stuff!

[@christopherreily1895]

One of your best videos to date. A question that I still contemplate after 25 years of shooting. The only 2 lenses I own for my M system. Your style is most excellent!!!

[@jamesmolleur2196]

Great video, I always find it interesting that people struggle to figure out what mm lens to use. When I started out I was told by a pretty seasoned professional to buy a lens anywhere between 30mm and 50mm and then just move myself accordingly, it will make me a better photographer. Example: If I shoot with my 50mm and want to fill the frame more I move closer and vice versa. Obviously you can't always do that as fixed objects tend not to move out of your way easily but I have never really had an issue. Actually, some of my best shots have been because and object was in my way and I had to take the shot from a different angle that I didn't initially consider.

[@xinyimao5132]

I do really like these images in this video! So vivid and peaceful. Thanks for sharing!

[@noonsound4894]

Just rewatched this video....how I love these photos. ❤️

[@tallaganda83]

I travelled through Japan with only the Fuji 23mm f2, it nearly did everything I needed, there may have been one two times I could have used a 24mm equivalent but for the most part it is the jack of all trades.

[@kuchabhi]

Very useful discussion; and the pics are lovely! Thanks for sharing your personal insights.

[@jonathanraven5939]

Many thanks for this post, it helps me to understand the use of these lens. These photos are absolutely amazing.

[@Manuelbm13]

I was looking for advice and then found this amazing photos, really good stuff man, keep it up!

[@razibshahrier3355]

Matt I must admit that your Black & White photos are outstanding and so inspiring at the same time. Cheers!

[@jacobh5817]

Matt, what a great video to watch. This is valuable information for many amateur shooters. But in fact I was blown away by the last image of you and Molly at 11:52. What a great double portrait. Beautifully composed and you can really feel the love. As a professional myself, I recognize these once-in-a-million shots. By the way, the image at 11:22 is another beauty. Thanks for sharing.

[@PierLu_77]

Hey, I love your photos! especially those intimate family moments, and the dogs too. That's quite a find!

[@anaglog77]

I love your photos of the family they're s heartwarming to look at

[@mattdayphoto]

Thank you!

[@jogey5890]

Amazing depth to what the two focal lengths feel like and I did not expect my attention to be drawn to some subtle issues in this way. The intimate beauty capacity of 50mm and the wonderful story context of 35mm. It comes across that you love the image, the subject and the sharing. There is dimensional depth that can not be understood, only experienced. Very few looking from the outside appreciate that images are slices of your life, and a dog is a person whose spirit dances with light like yours. Love your house intensely for only the photos will stop time.

[@charliejg]

A video from almost five years ago, but super helpful. Love your images as well as your explanation. Thanks five years later!! :-)

[@KaanGonel]

Great images. You got very solid compositions and your shots are "live". I dont see this kind of talent very often. I was very inspired by your style. I have been shooting almost exclusively with a 50 mm for a year and was thinking maybe it is time to switch to a 35mm. By the help of your examples I can see that these focal lengths are quite close but yet very different at the same time. Keep up the quality work, we meed more people like you to get inspiration from

[@IvanMaras84]

Great video Matt. Really like the calm way you deliver your explanations and your images as well. Subbed.

[@bobsykes]

The photo examples near the end are everything. Very helpful and appreciated! Thank you. I've been shooting 50 or 55mm (or equivalent on medium format), and very recently Sony's amazing 24mm f/1.4 GM digital full frame. I need to try a 35mm. The 24mm is my favorite for composition in many cases, all the stuff you can have from front to back, and the environment. But, it can be so limiting in just being too wide for many things, and for producing very slanted lines and odd perspectives if you can't shoot exactly on level. I love the 50/55mm lenses for anything with people close up. I really do love primes, though. They change how I look at things in a good way.

[@mjztx]

Great video. I’ve been playing with my primes more and learning which ones are good for what. This helps.

[@wayneandrews3128]

Matt, what gorgeous videos of an awesome family. Well done and keep the great videos coming. Really nice to watch. Cheers

[@decorman99]

all of these lenses have their purpose, with that being said I'm so glad you did this video, it was so wonderful being able to see your work ,how good you are with the Leica system and your incredible professional craft Great Images!!!

[@tuntitommosille]

Another great thing about 35mm is that you can crop to get the same composition as with 50mm. You lose some pixels in the process, but digital cameras these days have more than enough of them anyway. Some cameras even give you the option to digital zoom so you can compose directly at 50mm FOV even though you're really using a 35mm lens.

[@gazwerks1951]

Just fell across your page. Love your photographs. Put a big smile on my face! Mission accomplished.

[@bobsaget6675]

Great images man! 35 is by far my favorite length but I also love an 85 and 135

[@alesya11ify]

Amazing photos! It's like I watched a movie about your wife and kids. So many emotions in these images. Bravo!

[@LaurenceGudge]

Your shots are incredible. This is my first video of yours. LOVE your work man at first sight man. Subscribed immediately!

[@zdude335]

These photos are beautiful. Thank you for sharing!

[@Ryan_Schlutz]

I search so many videos to find this comparison. The part I like most was your tipod shot to show how the lens changes the scene. Thank you.

[@russdenney]

I really enjoyed seeing your photos - wonderful composition and an eye for good light. I receive my first Leica next week - an M11 with the 50mm Summilux-M 1.4 ASPH. I am really looking forward to this new type of shooting experience.

[@astraltraveler1357]

A real informative video for choosing between this two lenses , made my choice easier

[@Kaip911]

Thank you for including sample photos. Some people who talk about gears are all talk but no show.

[@razibshahrier3355]

Excellent video and lots of solid information and mostly its wort watching when you come across at 9:31 and 10:32 shots. So amazing!

[@russellfishes]

Those are beautiful family pictures. Also, I really like the simple acoustic music you played with the photos.

[@mattdayphoto]

Thank you! And that's just some random royalty free music. Haha. I like it though!

[@robertbutts9835]

The 50 is definitely the lens to use .. great shots and great close ups .. I use the 50 and a 55 to 200 both are stunning

[@millertime6]

Pretty cool the discipline you have. It probably makes it easier to point and shoot rather than overthink. Awesome images!

[@arifeens]

After seeing your photos I changed my mind and went with 50mm. Those are just beautiful shots. Great job!

[@chifungleung8357]

Great photos. I too shoot (mostly family photos) using both and find them to be great complements.

[@thomasraueiser6305]

Thank you for the Information and it makes it so much easy to buy me only this 2 lense , like your B/W pictures.

[@blakelyle2158]

Love the photo of your dog running! I try to capture an image of like of my pup all the time.

[@mattdayphoto]

Thank you!

[@TarrelScot]

Thanks. Very useful video. I'd been considering getting a 35mm for my Pentax Spotmatic but, looking at those photographs at the end, I realise the 50mm suits my style so much better. I guess that's why the 35mm 1.4 hardly ever leaves my X-Pro2 (roughly 50mm equivalent on the crop sensor).

[@texa5boi]

Thank you. It helped me decide on the 35mm. Especially the samples you provided as that is the style of shots I would be taking of our kids. We already have a zoom lens that can cover for the 50mm and above.

[@mrhzml]

Your photos are just amazing and pleasant to look at

[@BobsErik]

Love your photographs Matt.

[@calumstewart3009]

great video matt. Thanks for sharing. I like your point about them close together and that giving a unifying feel across your work whilst also giving a slightly different look.

[@mattdayphoto]

Thank you! I feel like it's something that has helped me over the years.

[@LevyCarneiro]

Great video, and the example photos are really helpful. Amazing composition! Thanks for the video.

[@hiredphotographer]

Molly look super cool. I always like 10, 14, 24 *Jump 50, 80 * Jump 200, i don't understand what those in between for, always thought of it as redundant focal length, now i know what 35mm is for... Great explanation. Thank you. 👍

[@OdinHardware]

Now, I know much better about which lens suits well for my usage. Great video ! Keep it up ! BTW, those sample shots were great !

[@wingkongyip]

I haven't come across such a clear explanation for the choice between the 35mm and 50mm lenses and understand why you chose to use both.

[@photobug88]

Pleasing photos! The comparison is useful. Thank you.

[@chirag4]

Fantastic & Lucid Explanation about the 35 & 50mm focal length, Matt Day ! Enjoyed the video thoroughly. Thanks.

[@mattdayphoto]

Thank you!

[@tonilea1282]

What a beautiful human being you are! thanks so much for the info, I have decided on the 50mm and so appreciate your great shots to explain. visually, the difference in the two prime lenses I have been considering.

[@mattiasburell9527]

Really nice discussion of how you use the two lenses, 35mm and 50mm, and great photos to illustrate your point! I like all shots but maybe especially some of the motion blurred ones. I enjoy your KZbin videos - please keep going! :)

[@jrodori]

I prefer 50mm. I get less lines intruding on my compositions, and it’s as much of a portrait lens as I need it to be in tighter quarters. Getting a wider view is just a matter of stepping back. I save 28mm for country landscapes 😊

[@lucasmathis5808]

The pictures of your family are so beautiful !

[@dustandfumes]

Thank you for doing this video. Never really thought about the 35mm til I watched ur video.

[@tomarnd8724]

I have a 35mm and a 50mm for my Nikon FM and this was very helpful, thanks Matt !! Also : the acoustic guitar you use for your slideshows is really wonderful and it goes so well with your photography, keep being awesome

[@mattdayphoto]

Thank you, man! I'm happy to hear that. Enjoy that FM!

[@ScrappyPoontachat]

I was thinking of getting a 35mm and 55mm lens, but wasn't sure because I thought they may be to similar. But your point about the consistent look makes so much sense, I feel much more confident this is what I should do, Thanks .

[@corlissmedia2.0]

Thanks for posting those pictures with the lens info!

[@Vagabond1031]

Great explanation. The photos were great examples. Thank you!

[@N199UA]

Wow. Helpful video. It's such a huge difference between those two. I very often use a 40mm f/2.8 an my Canon, which is a very good compromise between 50 and 35.

[@thomas_shelby106]

Simple and great images. Fantastic comparison and direct to the point. 11/10 ♥

[@nickbedford]

35mm has been my staple lens every since I discovered the X100s 3 years ago. It has ultimately changed my approach to photography and I no longer use zoom lenses. For myself, I'm also happy with only the 35mm (environmental portraits and documentary) and a 50mm (more intimate moments and portraits). I only use an 85mm for professional portraits where the compression is needed. If you were to give me one lens for the rest of my life, I wouldn't hesitate in saying 35mm!

[@mattdayphoto]

I think the X100 series was a gamechanger for a lot of people in terms of that focal length, myself included! When the original X100 came out, that was the first time I shot with that focal length on a daily basis.

[@ironmike2732]

Absolutely. I have the X100F and the 35mm FOV is just perfect for family and life around the home photos. 28mm fels a bit to wide for me, and 50mm feels too tight.

[@jelly8594]

May I ask why compression is 'needed' in professional portrait? Do you mean to shorten someone's big nose?

[@nickbedford]

@@jelly8594 I said "where needed". Professional portraiture might want the 85mm look, or the wider look for certain goals.

[@jelly8594]

@@nickbedford thanks, I misread.

[@acrobaticfish]

One of the key points you make that I'd articulate yet another way is to think about focal length in terms of what else you include when you keep the "subject" the same size in frame. Focal length then forces you to think about not only what you include, but how big those things are to one another, which is clearly vital to composition of an image (as opposed to vital to photography).

[@mattdayphoto]

Very true! I didn't even think about that but that's a great point.

[@jorgeruiz7852]

Thanks for sharing this Matt!

[@ulfjonsson2122]

Lovely video and astounding images. Thank´s for sharing. Personally I use 28, 40, 50 and 90 mm lenses. Regards

[@JocelynTam]

I really enjoy your channel, just stumbled upon yesterday. Great stuff, and also thank you for making all these videos. I like your insights :)

[@Jamesakbennett]

Thanks for this, Matt! Great video and I love your style ✌🏻

[@neilbixby6120]

For years I've been shooting with these same two focal lengths and now I know why!

[@chrislj2890]

Great photos, and a lovely family.

Very Nice photos and thank you for sharing your experience 😊

[@gregpantelides1355]

Thanks, Matt. Great video!

[@FlatheadHarvey]

Great video mate, as always. Seeing side by sides and a lot of the real world use is unbeatable for getting the point across. I've used a 35mm equivalent lens for so long that when I use my 50mm I often find I'll have to take two steps back from wherever I think I should be standing...I guess our minds just get conditioned like that. Looking forward to whatever you put out next, take it easy Matt.

[@mattdayphoto]

Thank you! Glad it was helpful!

[@bunmeng007]

Thanks Matt. I bought Fuji 35mm lens (50mm ff equiv) as my first prime - a bit tight for me at first but it grows on me. I just picked pick up Fuji 23mm (35mm ff equiv) and yes it is more versatile. Overall, 50mm (ff) is better to isolate a subject and portrait. 35mm (ff) is versatile and good at storytelling. Great to have both prime lens in our arsenal :)

[@felixliu4510]

magnificent photos, Matt.

[@sled_dog]

Great video. I use mostly my 50mm but lately I've been shooting more with a 35. Didn't think I'd like it but I seriously do.