The Best Lens for Literally Everything.

[@seandalt]

Tell me I’m wrong 👇🏼 What’s your favorite focal length and why?

[@cameraprepper7938]

The 35mm are a great focal length for full frame Cameras, I have got two, one compact light weight, the Sony Carl Zeiss Sonnar 35mm 2.8 T* ZA I got used in 2023 for US $215 (taxes included) and the excellent high performing Voigtländer APO-Lanthar 35mm 2.0 Aspherical. But I do not have one favorite focal length, I all depends on where, why and when, so I have 14, 21, 24, the two 35, 55, 65 macro, 85, 110 macro, 135 and 500mm Lenses. For decades the 35, 38, 40mm focal length have been the major focal length for compact cameras with fixed lenses, because it is so easy to use for most people, you get the felling that it is your eyes and not the lens that makes the photos. Other focal length, like 14 or 500mm you need to get to know much more before you can handle those more easy.

[@bondgabebond4907]

All of them. I have used everything from a 16mm fisheye to 500mm mirror. I love them all as each has their own perspective that can enhance a photo. 35mm is ok, but a 20mm is exciting. I have been shooting since 1972, used many different cameras, enjoyed them all. I finally ended up with my dream, the Nikon F2 when I served a 4-year tour near Tokyo. That was camera and stereo heaven. I have shot landscape, portraits, goofy stuff with a fisheye and telephoto zooms at airshows. There is no single greatest lens. They all serve a purpose and beg you to try them out.

[@jdebultra]

When I started out my mentor gave me a Nikon FF and a 35. He told me to use this setup and no other lenses until he gave me permission. I give the same advice to any any new photographer. He had me on this setup for 2 years and then told me I could buy a 50 mm and a a 105 mm and I did. Today those are the only three lenses I have in my kit. I use the 35 mm about 90% of the time.

[@seandalt]

Love that story. I think learning on a prime teaches you many things, and that an interesting perspective. After shooting for many years now, I feel like I walk away with better photos on a prime. Not because it’s sharper or anything like that, but because I truly understand the focal length. I think your mentor knew that. That’s epic

[@jdebultra]

@@seandalt He always said that I have to learn to look and the camera can get in the way. He said once you see it, all you need to finish what you saw is the edges of the frame assuming you have pre-set the proper exposure. You look better with your 35.

[@mariahezra]

Wow, I am blown away by your photography. They are so emotionally moving

[@seandalt]

What a lovely comment, thank you so much!

[@Sqeezy3]

I LOVE my 35 GM, the best purchase I've ever did. With a 70-200 GM II it's the best all around 2 lens combo

[@seandalt]

Such a sick lens combo! 100% agreed

[@phaceless1]

Throw in 2x tc now you have everything you need except macro as the 90mm lowa that's my primary go bag.

[@chrismccathern4653]

@@phaceless1 2x is trash. Image will be soft and not as sharp. the 1.4x tc is money though

[@hiddengato]

I really love the 50 1.2 gm

[@Festvangelist]

I have been since 1971. I had limited finances as a student but invested in 1 Nikon prime , the micro Nikkormat F50 3.5 macro. That lens taught me how to shoot with a smaller F Stop and use my feet to compose photos. The quality for me was excellent. Fast forward 50+ years and I now shoot with the 35mm equivalent lens. For all around use this is my personal favorite focal length. If I am spending Time in the mountains areas I usually take a 24-120 equivalent lens for focal length flexibility. I like traveling light so multiple primes are not my preference, I understand why most Professionals would take the primes but it is secondary to my preference to enjoy my travel experience and not be burdened by the size and weight of a larger kit. I appreciate the photographer that makes that sacrifice it is a testament to their conviction to photography. However, I have listened to many Professionals who have various opinions on kit size, etc. so I believe as they say “ IT DEPENDS ! No such thing as a 1 - solution answer for everyone. Too many photographers that take photos for all types of reasons.

[@dwinandaaldyan]

I'm so used to 50mm, bought the 35mm GM, didn't gel well with it. Sold it, got Voigtlander 40mm f1.2 for less than half the price, love it to bits. :)

[@seandalt]

Really keen to try it 40mm for a few months, I think I’d vibe with it at well

[@robbycastillo1717]

100% totally agree. the 35mm focal length is my go to and favorite.

[@seandalt]

It’s gorgeous. Thanks for the comment man!

[@cesarinmateo8496]

I couldn't agree more with you on ALL the points you made. 35mm is such a perfect focal length for me personally. For travel, street photography and even portraits is my go-to. As for work though the 24-70 covers ALL bases for me since I just like having one lens on me.

[@t87h21]

I started with the 35mm 1.8 and quickly switched to the 35GM. Over time I have acquired the 85 1.8, the 50GM and the 24GM, among others. I have owned the Leica Q3 since May this year and the 28mm is currently my favorite for portraits.

[@seandalt]

28mm looks epic for contextual portraits. This is a focal length I really want to try, might pickup a 28 for my Konica for that reason

[@adreaminfocus]

When I bought my new Sony A7 four I decided to only purchase two lenses 35 and 85. I wanted to get really competent with using just the one lens but have some flexibility for gigs . (I do some second shooting for photography and some portraits.) I still haven’t mastered the 35 as I would have it before I move onto my next lens. I love it and it’s nearly never off my camera.

[@jordanjoestar8839]

I have the older crop 35 1.8 and I always forget how much I love the images it creates.

[@seandalt]

Such a great lens

[@richardbukowski3300]

45mm looks like life, and even enjoyable for panoramas. I'm used to 28 because I love landscapes and I don't mind lots of detail in the frame. Short telephoto lenses are good for subject separation by diffusing ugly backgrounds into interesting colors.

[@seandalt]

I think anything in the 28-45 ballpark are solid!

[@specialized41]

True, with A7III my first lens was Sigma 35mm f/1.4 for a long time. Later I use 24-70mm. But 35mm is a special Lens, I love it.

[@saudbuhamdi6907]

I really found this focal length hard to use after being so used to the 50mm and the 85mm, so I kinda gave up on it 4 years ago. This summer I borrowed a 35mm equivalent from FujiFilm (23mm 1.4) and I was blown away. I laterally kept it on my camera for the whole 1 month trip and got amazing pictures. I will definitely buy one soon.

[@seandalt]

I was the same when I first picked it up. I think as we grow as photographers we get drawn to a more classic/natural look. Took me a few years to really see the beauty in it and then it was game over. Definitely pick one up!

[@whichwatchnext5629]

wait what lens was that? I just focused on the stash

[@seandalt]

😂😂 it’s gettin out of control

[@morgone8675]

@@seandaltgotta keep that lip visible man

[@seandalt]

@@morgone8675this is my first stache I still learning lol. I’ve trimmed it down a bit more since I filmed this

[@g_lantos]

Same... Love the GM 35 on my FX3 for videos and also on my A7IV for photos... It's literally perfect, and thankfully focus breathing is not an issue anymore either with compensation. Also super versatile on the A7IV as a 55mm-ish lens (x1.5 crop + breathing compensation on) for video.

[@ReDevilJR]

Hi Sean, have you heard of "Pocket Dispo"? I was thinking of getting one for my older Sony body (A7C) for a disposable/travel photo look in digital.

[@seandalt]

I’ve seen it but haven’t thought about picking one up. I like having a nice lens on the camera, can always degrade the quality to look like a cheaper lens if need be

[@shonen84]

It’s no coincidence Canon relatively recently launched their R cameras with a 35mm. It’s absolutely wonderful - compact, versatile, evocative. I completely agree with you!

[@seandalt]

100%! Canon knows what’s up

[@mikepanton]

After obsessing over the X100VI, I started shooting almost exclusively at 35 with my Sigma 18-50mm (APS-C) to see if I would even like the X100VI, and I must say, it's been great. I've gotten some killer photos, and looking back at old photos, so many of them are way too tight. I way always zooming in to 40-50mm without thinking. Now I know I'd love the X100VI. It's just a matter of saving up and finding one. haha

[@parvezryt]

Preordered one 2 weeks ago, expecting delivery in January

[@mikepanton]

@@parvezryt not bad...😅 I haven't pulled the trigger yet.

[@jamesward6175]

Interesting...I had come to the conclusion after looking at all my favourite photos, that 40mm is perfect (so not far off 35) though it gets enough context in frame, but forces focus on the subject more than a 35 no matter what the subject.

[@seandalt]

I'm really keen to give the 40mm a shot, although I'm sure there will be an adjustment period. I just don't feel the need to buy the Sony 40mm f/2.5 as it would be a little redundant owning a 35. I think the 35 and 40 are quite close and can totally see why some say it's the perfect focal length, looks beautiful!

[@el0blaino]

You're wrong!* *If people use the lens like you do, you're right! The 35mm field of view pictures you showed here are fantastic. "Pretty pictures" is a great description for them - they are very clear and clean and beautiful. I have an aversion to this focal length but "even I" liked almost all of them heaps. And it is a very versatile and popular focal length, so you're on solid ground and in great company. My favorites are the 24mm and the 50mm ... so I'll go comment on that 24mm video now!

[@seandalt]

Appreciate the comment and thank you for the kind words on my work! Totally understand that 35mm isn’t for everyone, and that’s totally okay, I didn’t like it for a long time but once I really gave it a shot I fell in love with it

[@franksterkb891]

that color profile is top notch! just wondering if you sell color presets? thanks

[@seandalt]

Thanks man! I sure do, you can check them out on my website: seandalt.com

[@Sudarat-qf9uq]

I love your works Sean! Waiting to see more🔥🔥

[@seandalt]

More to come! 😉

[@alertbri]

In my experience, the 20mm F1.7 on my Olympus E-P1 was the most powerfully useful focal length... on Micro Four Thirds that's around the same perspective as the new Leica Q3 43mm - just a fraction of the size, weight and cost. I think I may search out an original Pen f digital and the latest Panasonic 20mm F1.7 lens to go with it.

[@seandalt]

I’ve heard great things about 40-43mm. That new Leica is lookin real nice 👀

[@Lucamitm]

Sony has a really tiny 40mm g lens, forgot it’s f stop, if you pair it with one of their smaller bodies maybe it’s not that big for you coming from olympus

[@victor.ivanov]

On the point of imagining your future shot: it is kinda doable for telephoto (while compression is something that's hard to see before you see it), but it is almost impossible for the ultrawides, because we can sort of zoom in, but zooming out means only step back and that's not imagining

[@justinburley8659]

Compression is actually really easy to see when you get used to it. I shoot on the telephoto end for sports all the time, and I’ve got used to cutting out a tiny part of the scene with my eyes

[@victor.ivanov]

@@justinburley8659 that’s basically proves my point - cutting things out is easy, trying to see “more” is somewhat harder and proper distortion is also somewhat hard. I always admire an artistic use of an ultrawide, but I also know that you can’t do the whole shoot with it - I can take 15 steps for a full body portrait on my 85mm, but I can’t take away huge nose and distorted other face features when I shoot 20mm up close

[@markusbuechter3766]

Great video , like you photos and your enthusiasm. I still like my 50mm and use it quite often for portraits. When you are out and about in a city, it can be a bit tight from time to time. If you are carful with you composition and put not too much into the frame it produces great results. If you just step back a little to capture more the photos can easily become kind of dull. If I can take only one lens I would choose my 40mm 1.2. This focal length did replace my well loved 50 when I got out in the streets. It is my allrounder. I love your 85mm shots, like the compression. That is a special look. So my 75mm (MF) or 85mm (AF) are my second lenses, if I take a camera bag with me. Now from time to time I like to take a 24mm as well. I try to plan in advance what I want to do when I go out and shoot and very often take one lens with me. If I need to travel light and stay at a place only for a limited time I love my 40 1.2. Otherwise if I stay longer at a place I love to bring a 24, 40, 75/85 combo and use one of those lenses on different days.

[@maze5638]

I am using a 50mm mainly right now, but you have convinced me to try 35mm. Which one would you recommend to pair with my Sony a7iii? I am relatively on a budget, considering some of the prices

[@scentmystyle]

I have the 24-70 GM II and really enjoy 35 & 50. But it’s just something about 35 for video👌🏽

[@seandalt]

Such a solid video lens, agreed!

[@3irik]

Needed this. Inspirational!

[@seandalt]

Appreciate the love man!

[@ajbroo]

35mm will always be my go to

[@seandalt]

It's just too good

[@garfieldmtify]

Hi Sean, I quite seriously like the SONY 135mm 1.8 GM, just not always crazy about the distance required with such a lens. What do you think about that lens? Maybe a 30mm or 40mm might be interesting. ...I will try with my 24-70mm f/2.5 & see if I like. Have you tried those focal length in a prime? So subjective. ...thanks for your video!

[@seandalt]

Hey man, I actually haven’t shot with the 135 but I know it’s a beautiful lens. I do have a 70-200 and do like to shoot compressed, you’ll see quite a few compressed shots on my IG or in other vids. I think the 35-50 range would be a positive challenge for you. The 40mm 2.5 G is an awesome lens and not outrageously expensive. Alternatively any of the 24-70s are great for sure. I’d prob go for the sigma 24-70 DG DN MKII. I love my zooms, but love shooting with my primes even more. Maybe you can rent some lenses and take them for a spin before diving in.

[@garfieldmtify]

Like you I like ⭐️ PRIME ⭐️ more. The 135mm f/1.8 GM is the most beautiful lens I have used thus far. Two things prevents me from using it more: 1️⃣distance required for shooting, you need lots 2️⃣lens can start being a bit heavy if using for a while. I will play around with 40mm on my zoom and see how that looks/feel. Thank You 🙏!! I have a few all Sony lenses 🟡 20mm f1.8 G ⚪️ 35mm f1.4 GM 🟢 85mm f1.8 🔴 135mm f1.8 GM 👉 when you try this lens please give me shout out since I would ❤️ to hear your thoughts 🙏 please. 🟣 24-70mm f2.8 (II) GM 🟠 70-200mm f2.8 (II) GM I’m thinking about one of these lenses next: 🤔 16-35mm f2.8 GM (II) ⚫️ 14mm f1.8 would be interesting to try. 🤯 😆 12-24mm f2.8 GM - TOO MUCH 💰 🤔 85mm f/1.4 (II) GM Do you think SONY will ever go medium format? They already make the sensor for those lenses. Thanks Sean!

[@HeadphoneChamps]

So that would mean a 23mm on a crop sensor right? I'm thinking about getting the sigma 23mm 1.4 lens on my a6400 for my all arounder!

[@seandalt]

Correct! 23mm on APSC is 35mm full frame equivalent

[@HeadphoneChamps]

@@seandalt Thanks!

[@182-media]

My sigma 35 f1,2 is my absoulute fav but the size limits how much i use it lately. Rather jiust bring my 24-70 gm II hehe

[@seandalt]

I feel you, that’s why I wouldn’t buy a f1.2 lens. They’re so massive

[@xmennD]

Literally have been doubting between the Sigma Art 35mm or 24-70 lens for months now. I just want one universal lens (for work and for travel photography). Which one would you all recommend?

[@manifesttrust]

Sony 24-50 and Sony 35 1.8 is a good combination

[@seandalt]

You can’t deny the versatility of zooms. If you’re doing photo and video I think the 24-70 would be the best one lens kit. However, id recommend picking up a cheap prime on the side if you can

[@Stefan_Heinrich]

I do love the flexibiliy of zooms but damn those are some amazing pictures.

[@seandalt]

Thank you my man. I love the versatility of zooms too but I end up walking away with more photos that I love with a prime. I find it awkward shooting at in-between focal lengths if that makes sense

[@PhayulFilms]

thanks for your contribution brother

[@seandalt]

And thank you for the comment brother!

[@veemeech]

Help me out, beginner here, youre saying 35mm in full frame does that mean i will look for 24mm in apsc? Or is it also 35mm in apsc?

[@seandalt]

You’ll look for 23mm on an APSC! That would be 35mm full frame equivalent

[@TracyClark]

IMO the Sony 35mm 1.4 GM is one of the best 35mm lenses ever, across any system. Yes.. it’s got some heft.. but fuuuuuu… it delivers.

[@seandalt]

Whole heartedly agree. MEAN ass lens

[@williamhemelberg]

Hey good advise with the 35mm but you got me confused because I always heard that the human eye view is really 50 mm I do not know if is something related with the full frame situation! Can you explain?

[@tech6161]

I have 35mmf2.8 ZA lens on my a7cii all the time.

[@seandalt]

Great little lens!

[@nevvanclarke9225]

I prefer 44 which is my GFX 55 1.7 I shoot professionally and for me 35 is too wide...50 was too long Hello 44 mm and my viltrox 27 is 40mm

[@kevinschneider131]

Maybe you can give me a little hint how to enhance in the area with 35mm equivalent, as you also travelled a lot with your gear. I'm living currently in Thailand and I feel that the 35mm view gives me honestly so much "trash" in the backgrounds, that I am cropping almost every image. I can understand the focal lenght p.e. in "clean" western cities with a lot of big architecture etc. in the background, but here I feel like the image is just so cluttered with all the different colours and things and people and chaos :D Also, I honestly see the distrotions on 35mm very quickly and with straight lines that bend on a picture, I can't really get my head around... all fine with natural objects, but windows, frames, doors, architecture that is not straight? So surreal for my eyes.... Do you have any idea how that could be related to technique, perspective, etc.? Or should I simply consider switching to a 50mm focal length and ignore the few shots where I would want a wieder view in my case?

[@seandalt]

Haha I know what you mean! Checkout my last video on 24mm, it’s even more brutal. I do think shooting with a 35 is more difficult than a more zoomed in lens for the reasons you stated. But it’s also what makes it great. Not every scene is going to work, but there’s always a way with a bit of perspective change. If the scene is super busy I’ll try and rely heavily on lines and at least having one very clear subject. Or, try and utilize all the madness in the background as part of your composition. Don’t try to ignore it, pay attention to it and embrace it. There’s a lot of busy streets in Thailand, but there’s a lot more quiet ones. Venture out in some random neighborhood and you’ll find some gems. Checkout my Bangkok street photography video, I shot for an entire weekend in bkk with the 35

[@kevinschneider131]

@@seandalt thanks man, didn't see the BKK tour yet, I will give it a shot and see how much I can integrate for myself. But, with business I not only mean people or traffic, but generally the very heterogeneous way of designs, buildings, bins, construction materials, advertisements, vehicles, animals, electricity poles, and all that other things that are just all over the place too :D Sometimes chaos can absolutely make a picture - I have some chaotic electricity lines in sunset times that look awesome. But mostly when I want to focus a motive in the foreground, I feel it's all so distracting.

[@cy9nvs]

For literally everything? Guess I found my new birding lens then, thanks 🙏🏼👍🏼

[@seandalt]

Just zoom with your feet 😉

[@foljs5858]

He means for photography, not for nature hobbies

[@cy9nvs]

@@foljs5858 Yes of course, so it's literally the best lens for bird photography.

[@effrafax]

Love the photos I get with the GM 35mm, but I still hate the focal length.

[@seandalt]

Totally fair! But yeah it’s a sick lens hey?

[@effrafax]

@@seandalt Best lens I have ever used. Just wish it was 28mm.

[@Lucamitm]

Sony apsc has a compact 20mm (so like 30mm full frame i think) and sony full frame has a compact 40mm, a little wider and a little tele from 35mm, take a look into them

[@christydaniel4140]

Is sigma 30mm apsc shot is equivalent to 45mm of full frame !

[@seandalt]

45mm is also great!

[@Morespizzle]

If you’re anything like me and don’t like the results you’re getting from 35mm try 28mm and 40mm. Much easier to see the compositions in camera.

[@seandalt]

Very keen to try both

[@tride.design]

Great video, smartphones should use 35mm as a default lens.

[@seandalt]

100%, I actually shoot at 1.2x crop on the iPhone which is 35mm

[@mariovargas936]

You can set the iPhone 16 to default the standard lens to 35mm.

[@parvezryt]

@@seandalt I have my iPhone 15 Pro default set to 35mm which is 1.5x

[@mikehamilton7487]

I agree. I almost never want to shoot wider than 24mm, so I would be happy with the 35 as the standard and 23-24 as the ‘ultra-wide’. Combined with a nice 85mm zoom, it would be the perfect setup for phones. (Incidentally, I believe that Nubia phones do have 35mm for the standard lens.)

[@brtkm12]

Damn mam, didnt recognize you At first with the mustache! I know you from the skillshare courses. Looking sharp!

[@seandalt]

Thank you brother! Had to try something new

[@brtkm12]

@@seandalt definitely worked!

[@jmackultra]

Your pictures are pretty.

[@seandalt]

Thank you!

[@knnry]

OH MY GOD THE GEEAAR!

[@seandalt]

Technically you could define it as a gear video, but focal length is more of a discussion on the creative side of photography and not a specific piece of gear.

[@fohx]

Nice video, I subscribed. BTW - Where is your accent from?

[@seandalt]

Welcome! I’m American but have been living in Thailand/Asia for the last 9 years so the accent has changed a tiny bit I guess

[@beyourself9162]

Does not the focal length depends on the situation, as well as on the things I want to express? I own a wonderful Fuji lens from the 70s which gives faces a nice glow. I would be stupid to not use it if someone wants a nice headshot…

[@seandalt]

100%! All focal lengths have their strengths, weaknesses, and situations where they really shine. I still shoot with a telephoto lens and occasionally wider than 35mm. But eventually we are bound to find a focal length we resonate with the most, which can be different for everyone.

[@Lucamitm]

Hi, i just meet you, what is your career genre ? Travel? Thanks

[@theaspiephotographer]

So for an APS-C sensor, a 55mm would be the equivalent to a 35mm on a full frame, correct? 35x1.61=56.35

[@LawrenceArnell]

Nah you want 22 or 23mm. A 55 would become a 75mm on APSC.

[@theaspiephotographer]

@@LawrenceArnellughh! Dyslexia did it to me again!! I went the wrong way. Thanks!

[@kevinheg8814]

Please do something like that for 50mm

[@seandalt]

Been eyeing the 50mm 1.4, might have to :)

[@kevinheg8814]

@@seandalt or the Sigma 50mm 1.2 🤭

[@sheastlouis]

Do you do editing tutorials????

[@kamikazeephi]

35mm in Full frame language?

[@seandalt]

Correct! Full frame

[@kamikazeephi]

@@seandalt so around 23mm?

[@stephangauthier911]

I cant shoot 35. I've tried. I always come back to 50. Heck I even shoot street with a 70-200. My brain just zooms on things and fails to see whole scenes.

[@seandalt]

And there’s nothing wrong with that. I used to shoot more zoomed in as well, it’s beautiful in its own way. The beauty of being an artist is we are constantly evolving, you might fall in love with 35 in the future!

[@randomcommenterurl]

The examples were kinda lackluster though, not helping your point

[@seandalt]

In your opinion, which you’re more than welcome to!

[@kennantjessavi7648]

35mm gang 🎉

[@seandalt]

All day everyday

[@knnry]

Why are you obsessed with 35mm? Tell us please

[@seandalt]

Multitude of reason ;)

[@bharatadhikari4136]

It's 50mm

[@seandalt]

50mm is great as well

[@Blu.1004]

yo GUYS I THINK #%MM IS THE WAVe

[@seandalt]

Go on son

[@treeman7856]

Stuck in the Canon verse :|

[@seandalt]

Plenty of good canon lenses out there!

[@marchonore]

I hate 35mm.

[@seandalt]

And that’s okay, it’s totally not for everyone. I used to hate it when I first started out

[@knnry]

Aaaaaahahaha

[@seandalt]

“Translate to English”