50 mm Prime Lens Challenge - A Landscape Photography Hike with the Nikon Z6 in Leadville, Colorado

In this week’s video, we take the landscape photography adventure to Leadville, Colorado, where I challenge myself to only use the 50mm prime lens. Using only the nifty fifty on this outdoor photography adventure takes some creative thinking and a bit more time composing a photo, but in my opinion, the time and effort are well worth it. I find that when I challenge myself with a prime lens like the 50 mm, it encourages me to really connect with my scene as I look through it in a completely different lens…literally!
With nearly every camera manufacturer having a 50 mm prime lens in their lineup, and ones with a wide aperture (think f/1.4 or f/1.8) it becomes almost a must-have in every photographer’s camera bag! Even if you are primarily an outdoor photographer like myself! Not to mention, it is often a very affordable lens, which is a huge bonus!
What’s In My Camera Bag in this week’s video?
Nikon Z6 Mirrorless Camera body only: amzn.to/3sSukhz
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.8G Lens: amzn.to/3ri9gRr
Nikon Mount Adapter FTZ: amzn.to/3btN15H
Kase Wolverine Filters: amzn.to/3IGna8K
Peak Design Capture Camera Clip: amzn.to/3ModQZw
Leofoto LS-324C+LH-40 Tripod: amzn.to/3aydGg4
GoPro Hero9: amzn.to/3iAsKOj
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Thanks for watching and have a fantastic day!
~Acacia~
#50mmlens #LandscapePhotography #LeadvilleColorado #Leadville #OutdoorPhotography #photographychallenge
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My Camera Gear
GoPro Hero9 Black: amzn.to/3iAsKOj
Nikon Z6 Mirrorless Camera w/ 24-70mm Lens: amzn.to/3oNoXOs
Nikon Mount Adapter FTZ: amzn.to/3btN15H
Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 lens: amzn.to/3IGna8K
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.8G Lens: amzn.to/3ri9gRr
Kase Wolverine Filters: amzn.to/3IGna8K
Peak Design Capture Camera Clip: amzn.to/3ModQZw
Leofoto LS-324C+LH-40 Tripod: amzn.to/3aydGg4
Joby GorillaPod Tripod: amzn.to/3rnXp3Q
ULANZI Phone Tripod Mount: amzn.to/36Cx4Yc
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[@TheArtist441]

Isn't photography just the best hobby ever??? I find that photography gets me to go out and walk a ton, getting good exercise. I've explored so many places in my city to take photos, it's like a never ending treasure hunt!

[@AcaciaFikeNelson]

I couldn't agree more!! I love being able to explore new places and photography just gives me another reason to explore a bit more! 📸😀

[@woodeternal8162]

I watch many landscape photographers and there are a few who can express the beautiful art of landscape photography with 50mm like you. Appreciated.

[@AcaciaFikeNelson]

Aww, thank you so much for the compliment! I really appreciate it! ❤️

[@chrisb2129]

I watched this last week and had to come back and share that you inspired me to finally get a 50mm lens with this video after talking about it for months. It seemed like I was missing out on some photo fun and challenge! I took it out yesterday for the first time and there really is fun and challenge being fixed there at 50mm that you can't get from a zoom lens (like you I also have a 24-70mm). And the background blur! There seems to be a lot of creative possibility with all those extra f numbers (my zoom lens only goes to f4) 😃

[@AcaciaFikeNelson]

I love that this video inspired you! I also use a 24-70mm lens for the vast majority of my landscape photos, but find it enjoyable to switch things up and flex my creativity! 😀📸

[@coloradofotomatt]

Glad to see you touting the nifty fifty!

[@AcaciaFikeNelson]

Love the nifty fifty! It's fun to find compositions with it! Also, you really can't beat the price point! 😉

[@CourtneyVictoria]

I love the 'Waterfall in the Pines'! What a gorgeous looking area. I never would have thought to stitch a couple of 50mm images together like that, I like the result! This is definitely a good way to remind yourself to move around, something that we can all bizarrely forget to do sometimes!

[@AcaciaFikeNelson]

Thank you Courtney! That is probably one of my favorites from the hike. It was so calming and beautiful, I could have stayed there forever! And yes....why is it we forget to move around sometimes? Silly us!

[@zollieuncle9647]

Thanks for sharing! Lovely landscape shots, and finally a real life photography content producer whos passion drags attention and quality footage keeps me wathcing till the last second.

[@AcaciaFikeNelson]

Thank you so much for watching and the compliment! I really appreciate it! Have a fantastic day! 😃📸

[@ddki9094]

Beautiful photos all around!! The waterfall photos were stunning! Also, being able to see what you did to capture that was interesting. You didn't even have to get your feet wet!!!

[@AcaciaFikeNelson]

Thank you! 📸

[@jimowens8105]

Thanks for taking us along and sharing your great photos. I especially like the stream photos because of the use of perspective with the "normal" lens. As you pointed out, the use of a wide or ultra-wide lens to exaggerate a foreground element (flower, rock etc...) is much easier and in many cases becomes cliché. On the other end of the spectrum is the compression of the background to make that majestic mountain bigger. The angle of view from a normal lens forces us to use our eyes and feet for positioning the point of view to best make use of the composition in front of the camera. Whether that means climbing on rocks, straddling a stream or sometimes wading into the water.

[@AcaciaFikeNelson]

Thank you Jim for your comments! It is such a fun challenge to think of the scene differently with the 50mm. I like to think the challenge helps to make me a better photographer. 😉 Although, I will admit that it was sometimes hard not to swap lenses for my 24-70.

[@totalwalker]

Thanks for sharing this amazing video!

[@AcaciaFikeNelson]

Thank you so much for your comment! I am so happy you enjoyed it!

[@BobEstremera]

That stacking technique you did never occurred to me. Excellent!

[@AcaciaFikeNelson]

Glad you were able to learn something new! 😀 Have a wonderful day!

[@barrymedlin6587]

Love these Colorado adventures!! Beautiful photos Acacia, Split Rock and Meandering are my favorites, but it was hard to pick, they were all wonderful!! Perfect timing on the 50mm prime challenge. I have the same lens you use and did my own challenge in Jan, where I only used the nifty-fifty for the entire month. I’m looking at doing that again to start 2023, but maybe not the entire month🤪.

[@AcaciaFikeNelson]

Wow! An entire month?! I don't know if I could do that. 😂 I find it's hard enough to do it for one day! Sadly, I believe this was my last video of the Colorado series and the last of my prerecorded content! Which means I need to get outside! I have a week off of work coming up, so I am hoping I will be able to get outside and do some wintery/frosty photography! 😀

[@barrymedlin6587]

@@AcaciaFikeNelson I thoroughly enjoyed your Colorado Adventure Series and you showcased the beauty of it masterfully👍🏻😀. You’ve inspired me to get out the 50 early and go out this week and do a little street and landscape photography!! Thanks!!📸👏🏻😀. One of my favorite sayings is “Outdoor more, worry less.” So, enjoy your time off and get out there and shoot📸👍🏻

[@AcaciaFikeNelson]

@@barrymedlin6587 Love it!! Great motto! Happy shooting! 📸

[@peterfritzphoto]

I LOVE my 50mm lens! Lovely video, Acacia, and some really pretty images, too. I’d love to see some of them in mono - I reckon they’d be even better. I always enjoy your style of video, luv - you’re just so genuine and loveable. BTW, I hope you’re always safe out there on your own. I worry that some weird d*ckheads might roll up and give you trouble. Take care of yourself, and all the best to you in 2023. 😄🦘🎉

[@AcaciaFikeNelson]

Thank you Peter. I will have to switch a couple of the photos to mono, thanks for the suggestion! 😀 My safety is always on the top of my mind! There are too many crazy people out there! I try to be as safe as possible when I am out hiking around and I have a few self defense "tools" I keep on me and a communication strategy with my husband. There have been a couple times where I have arrived at a parking lot for a trail and see a car or individuals that give me the wrong "feeling"/look questionable, so I leave and find another destination. I do hike with friends or my husband occasionally, I just don't generally show them on camera and still pretty much film everything myself... except I will have them hit stop recording so I don't have to walk back for the camera! 😂 Happy holidays and have a fantastic 2023! 🎉🦅📸

[@pedrofilipealves9054]

Really loving photos, with a fantastic landscapes Acacia. Nice exercise with a 50 mm. Regards from Portugal!!

[@AcaciaFikeNelson]

Thank you so much! I appreciate it! It's always fun to practice using different lenses and the pretty landscapes don't hurt! 📸😀

[@muzicgr8]

Great video. I have been using 50mm exclusively for digital and film for the past 2 years, yes you do rally have to think about composition, but that's what makes it fun.

[@AcaciaFikeNelson]

Thank you for sharing and I agree, having to think a bit more about composition is what makes the 50mm fun! 📸

[@outdoorspal]

I really loved your video..! Great job Love those Long Exposure Shots

[@AcaciaFikeNelson]

Thank you! I really appreciate you taking the time to watch and leaving a comment. Have a wonderful day! 📸😀

[@craigpiferphotography]

The 50mm is a great lens to do a one lens challenge with. I've got a video of my own version that I need to finish up, probably coming out sometime in January.

[@AcaciaFikeNelson]

Thank you for your comment! It is a fun lens to do a challenge with. When I bought it years back my initial thought was for portrait photography, but I ended up leaning towards outdoor photography, so it's fun to still find a use for this great affordable lens! Good luck with the video! Have a wonderful day!

[@jamesmlodynia8757]

I have the pleasure years ago to take a ski trip to Colorado, I stayed in Breckinridge and we did what was called Ski the Summit tour. The mountains of Breckinridge, KEYSTONE, Arapaho Basin and Copper mountain. I skied with my father's brother and I could not believe how beautiful and different each mountain was, must be a beautiful state to photograph in, but because I live in the Hudson valley of New York state, l have taken trips to Maine and Cape Cod for coastal photography and the Hudson valley has a variety of subjects to photograph.

[@AcaciaFikeNelson]

Thank you so much for sharing your story! I love and miss Colorado (moved to North Carolina almost 5 yrs ago). If you have a chance to ever go back summer and fall (which is generally late September) is absolutely gorgeous! I don't do a lot of coastal photography (I'm 4-5.5 hours from the coast), but love it every time I visit! Thanks again for commenting! Have a fantastic day! 📸😀

[@sebastrianw.4673]

I really enjoyed your video. Very good work. I am a beginner street photographer and I think I will try some landscape photography as well. I just subscribed to your channel. I am shooting mirrorless. Thanks again.

[@AcaciaFikeNelson]

@@sebastrianw.4673 Thank you! I really appreciate your support! I enjoy mixing things up and will occasionally shoot street photography. Sometimes it's nice to stretch your creative comfort zone and try something new or to just switch things up. Have a fantastic day! 😀📸

[@sebastrianw.4673]

You are right. Thanks and you like wise.

[@GlennCooke]

Well done. Thanks for sharing!

[@AcaciaFikeNelson]

Thank you so much! I am happy you liked the video. Have a wonderful day!

[@kevgoes]

Really great photos. Enjoyed this a lot!

[@AcaciaFikeNelson]

Thank you so much! Have a wonderful day!

[@stigfloberghagenphotography]

Nice lense and photos 👍

[@AcaciaFikeNelson]

Thank you!

[@stigfloberghagenphotography]

@@AcaciaFikeNelson 👍

[@mattiekeiser7983]

One of my favorite places!!!

[@AcaciaFikeNelson]

That's awesome! This was the first time I ever went and loved it!! ⛰️

[@B_a_c_k]

Хмм, как у вас тепло и солнечно. Обычно или широкоугольный или теле. Лежал на полке 50-мм объектив, похоже, нужно его доставать.

[@AcaciaFikeNelson]

The 50mm lens is always a fun challenge to take off the shelf. I've been feeling inspired recently to break it out again! Thanks for watching! Have a fantastic day! 📸🙂

[@williamdavidson1490]

You have a great eye for composition, not all your shots are from eye level so cool. Cheer's from Vancouver Canada !!

[@AcaciaFikeNelson]

Thank you! I appreciate the compliment! Have a fantastic day!

[@michaelbandeko3519]

The fifty is my favorite lens!

[@AcaciaFikeNelson]

It's definitely a fun lens! What do you use it for most often??

[@MrClaudioAgostini]

The challenge is to use only the 50mm... If you stitch multiple images together is just like using a zoom 😅

[@AcaciaFikeNelson]

😂 Fair point! 😉

[@effphotography2639]

Awesome!

[@AcaciaFikeNelson]

Thank you!

[@rofferdal]

Nice video. Great use of the 50mm prime. Do you use the GoPro for all the video footage?

[@AcaciaFikeNelson]

Thank you! I would say I use the GoPro for the vast majority of the video footage. Probably around 90%. But will occasionally use my Nikon Z6 or my cellphone. But if I am walking and talking at the same time, it is most likely the GoPro. If I am standing and talking where both hands are free...good chance it's my Nikon Z6. The cellphone is mostly b-roll and occasionally talking when the GoPro malfunctions or the batteries die.

[@skyyefinance]

Hoping to buy the Nikon Z7 II soon. Trying to decide on one lens to buy for it. Thinking the 50 mm f/1.8 S. I do a lot of outdoor shooting. Mainly landscape, some street. As well as some indoor pet and room shots. Considered the 28-75 but want the 50’s sharpness.

[@AcaciaFikeNelson]

Oh the struggles are real! For me, the versatility of a lens is really important. The 50 can be versatile with some creative thoughts, but the 28-75mm with its f/2.8 is still pretty fast and very versatile. You might be able to find a really decent used 50mm online saving you some money and allowing you to get both lenses. If I was purchasing only one lens, I would be leaning towards the 28-75, but that's just me because I like flexibility. Good luck! 😀📸

[@skyyefinance]

That's helpful! Thank you. I will look into the 28-75 more! @@AcaciaFikeNelson

[@skyyefinance]

May save up for the nikon 24-70 f/2.8. The sharpness is just so important. Abes has it for $1849. I know an order from them basically voids the warranty but Nikon's warranty is only a one year limited warranty covering manufacturer defects (which would likely be apparent immediately upon use, where I could return the lens)@@AcaciaFikeNelson

[@AcaciaFikeNelson]

@@skyyefinance I hear all good things about that lens. I have the 24-70 f/4, which came with my camera, so I can't justify the f/2.8 😂. I am renting the 17-28 f/2.8 lens for a project this weekend. So, I am excited to see that one in action. 📸😀🤞🏼

[@skyyefinance]

So the 24-70 only gets a sharpness rating of 26 MP from dxomark vs the 50 gets 37 MP (and many readers say this is an underestimate -- that the 50 is in fact sharper than 37 MP). So confused right now. Really prefer spending $465 for the 50 but then thinking if you're going to do it, do it right and get the 24-70 for $1849. Ugh! Anyway, enough of my personal crisis lol! Thank you for a great video which really highlights the pros and cons of the 50 mm alone! @AcaciaFikeNelson

[@muzicgr8]

Just found your channel, subbed and am looking forward to some great content.

[@AcaciaFikeNelson]

Thank you for subscribing and the support! I really appreciate it! Have a fantastic day! 📸

[@johnmclean7852]

The thing I like about single lens challenge, you can put a bigger lunch in the bag. Get out and play.

[@AcaciaFikeNelson]

😂 So very true! If I was smart, I would have totally done that! Next time for sure!

[@MatthiesWesche]

Ain't that the truth!

[@FollowThomas]

It takes work to get up there but it would be rewarded greatly 👍

[@stormphotovideo771]

Awesome video my friend great job

[@AcaciaFikeNelson]

Thank you!

[@kickuragaming]

@@AcaciaFikeNelson your welcome my friend have great day and happy new year

[@DeanJohnson67]

I find that I am only carrying primes these days headed out this morning with only a mid range 300PF/F4! ... They are more fun (for me) to have to get into position be it my 500/F4 or the shorter lenses! p.s. Always love pics from the Leadville Area

[@AcaciaFikeNelson]

Thank you Dean! The 50mm prime is my only prime lens I currently have. Bought it when I thought I would do more portrait photography. 🤪 I agree, it can be more fun because you have to get into position to get the shot. I always feel very engaged with my surroundings and my scene when I use just the 50mm. Have fun getting out there this morning with the 300! What do you typically photograph with it?

[@toine1915]

Hi, If you only gonna use a 50 mm why do you have that big camera bag on your back????????????????

[@mightyliving3753]

I am a Pastor and use this lens.

[@VisualHues]

Good but the talking is too much!

[@VisualHues]

Good but the talking is too much!