This is the best focal length

[@Simon74]

Thank you for finally settling this debate with FACTS and LOGIC once and for all.

[@mariavanschie7946]

Amen, because it is so true, photo's from a 35mm make me dizzy because of the warping and distortion. 50 is acceptable. 85 is perfect.

[@curtisbme]

I think Jordan needs an award for how patient he is with Chris always being wrong.

[@albert_gyorgy]

I think Chris needs an award for how patient he is with Jordan always being wrong.

[@niccollsvideo]

@@albert_gyorgy You're my new favorite person for the day! Thank you!

[@albert_gyorgy]

@@niccollsvideo Achievement unlocked. Thank you!

[@shaanbilla3944]

I think both of you are right, These two lenses, 35 and 85 could do almost all jobs🙂

[@curtisbme]

@@shaanbilla3944 Of course but we aren't having rational discussion, we are choosing a side.. ;)

[@hiteshwarmehla2267]

I am loving the fact that they shot Jordan side at 35mm focal length and Chris side at 85mm. Then combined them together. What a great easter egg! ❤️❤️

[@jonathanmvisser]

Wedding shooter?

[@hiteshwarmehla2267]

@@jonathanmvisser I am actually an amateur. I do filming/photography for my own fun.

[@pdlagasse]

I totally missed that … thanks for the excuse to go watch it again!

[@rrosomasa]

how can you tell? I'm genuinely curious, i couldn't tell any difference

[@jesbek]

​​@@rrosomasa shallower DOF in Chris 's ISO

[@alhOOO2O]

I watched the first 2:26 of this video and can safely say I agree with *everything* you said and you are indeed right the 85mm is the perfect lens, I don’t feel I need to watch any further into the video as I’m certain I’m right

[@mariavanschie7946]

Facts. Every focal length under 50mm is worthless, it distorts the subject to the point of unrecognizability, especially when shooting people or basically anything with a form or surface. 50mm is alright, 85mm is perfect.

[@jennifercall9014]

😂

[@_o__o_]

DP is my favourite

[@socas_nic]

👀

[@vexphoto]

I’m more of a POV type of dude. 😮

[@CarletonTorpin]

Came for these comments.

[@niccollsvideo]

I'd review your DP anyday!

[@BenjaminSandness]

I can’t even remember DP Review’s videos before they imported the current much loved Canadian flavouring

[@pfirsichdrop]

I think 8mm is objectively the best focal length. You can get great landscape shots, but it's also great for portraits and especially wildlife and sports shooting. You just have to get a little closer which should not be a problem with wild animals at all

[@j_a_lee]

Exactly. And you can always crop to get other, (paradoxically) lesser focal lengths.

[@ANSWERTHECALLOFJESUSCHRIST]

That made me laugh! 😄

[@CarlBergsdorf]

I always use a 8mm then just crop in post the frame I want and do some AI upscaling 😄

[@j_a_lee]

@@CarlBergsdorf For astrophotography I put my fish-eye photo into Google picture search then type the text from the top result into Dall-E 2 to simulate a telescope that would otherwise be outside my budget.

[@SingularityEngine]

Actually the 8mm is a hindrance in closeup shots because you will be eaten by lions and stabbed by your street photography subjects. No, 400mm is the best focal length, and I will not be told otherwise. Closeups without intruding? Check. Beautiful bokeh? Check. Birds? Check. Oh, wanna do a wider shot? Just stand further back, idiot.

[@joshyang886]

Is it just me or it really gets more and more personal by the minute… 😂 I love this

[@Tarets]

What do you mean? That was a logical discussion based solely on FACTS!

[@cinematicjohn]

@@Tarets Something to be written on stones...😘

[@princesanghera]

This was so entertaining to watch! You guys are killing it 😂

[@tombonifas4501]

Brilliant! Simply brilliant! Thanks guys for brightening my foggy, dreary, cold March, day. I love the forgiving sort of, "I appreciate your opinion but, it's absolute rubbish" approach AND to completely omit the, "I appreciate your opinion....", portion is pure, video genius. My favorite lens?........ the one without all the dog hair stuck to it at the time.

[@simoncharacter01]

absolutely 😂

[@bradbennett1420]

This script and edit are amazing guys. Great performances too. But when ‘35mm is the worst focal length’ popped up I legit laughed 😂

[@mariavanschie7946]

Me too, because it is so true, photo's from a 35mm make me dizzy because of the warping and distortion.

[@ghislaincote4882]

"This applies to painters as well" 🤣🤣🤣 Very well written. Thanks guys.

[@petermcginty3636]

Chris, I am batting on your team! I bought an OM-5 and I am currently building my lens kit. I bought an Olympus 45mm f1.2 Pro - WOW. An incredible lens, beautiful images and VERY versatile. I also bought the 25mm f1.2 Pro. Magnificent! The near perfect lens for so many occasions. I am planning on getting the Oly 75mm f1.8 and know exactly how I will use that lens. Then, my sister said, "Hey, if you are blowing all your money, you should get the 17mm f1.2 Pro". My immediate thought was, "When would I use it?" You guys are a riot! Do not ever change! Thank you.

[@DanielLasia01]

I feel a 17mm focal length can only do selfies and interiors; by far, that wasn't so much needed.

[@bhtooefr]

@@DanielLasia01 It's an OM-5, so it's Micro Four Thirds, and 17 would be 34 mm full frame equivalent.

[@MandEmma]

Love it every time you guys are together. It is fun to watch and I found myself smiling while watching

[@JeahnLaffitte]

I love my 10-1200mm f1.2 zoom lens. It does everything I need it to and is only 56lbs and costs $1.8m 😊

[@JoJoOnTheMove]

🤣 You have beaten them both, i agree with you 👍

[@tomgoffnett5624]

The Sigma version of that lens is only 1.2 million.

[@dawidmajewski3103]

Guys, you nailed my favourite ones! For majority of the shoots i use 2 camera setup with 35mm and 85mm attached to the cameras. I rarely need to change lens for anything else.

[@pdlagasse]

If they ever relaunch “The Odd Couple,” it needs to star you guys. This is one of my all-time favorite review videos ever!

[@SolidBrixStudios]

I agree with Chris, 85, 50, and 28 are some of the best. Even tho I shoot most of my videos at 35mm 😂🤣

[@Ildskalli]

You're both wrong, and you're both right. It's 42mm and 85mm, those two are the perfect focal lengths. Everything else is secondary. I've derived this scientifically, so there's no point in trying to argue with me 😬

[@torogoz2001]

This whole discussion just proves that a 24-105mm zoom is the most useful, sensible lens to have.

[@henryl716]

If you refer to sony 24-105 f4 . Optical performance are below average especially long end. I think It’s not my copy’s problem . it’s the design . there’s no free lunch to get such wide zoom. Just want to put it here as a buyer beware. I was encouraged by good reviews all over the Internet.

[@wentan8978]

​@@henryl716the canon 24-105 F4L is bloody amazing though

[@edwardtye4119]

@@wentan8978 I have this lens as my only one. It covers pretty much everything I need it to, and is sharp from f/4 to f/8, which is where I like to use it anyway.

[@TeraAFK]

And clearly an adjustable crescent wrench is the best wrench. Who needs a set when you can use one for everything?

[@warrenwilson7836]

This might be the best KZbin photo review ever posted - humorous satire with the most straight-faced delivery. Thank you for the perspective.

[@PhillyNichols]

35 and 85 is a perfect combo as long as one of them can do macro. But I would definitely choose 35 if I could only have one.

[@cesarm8811]

Fun video to watch. The best focal length is the lens you have at the time of taking photo. Let's Chris and Jordan, discuss the best candy bar, beer, wine, food....etc.

[@DavidDarrow]

I would happily welcome more content like this. Productive? No. Entertaining? You betchya!

[@kevenspargo6829]

Solid perspectives, and you guys have perfect comedic timing. Do you rehearse much to pull off videos like this so flawlessly?

[@xkben90]

I like to use my 8mm lens on my full frame for squirrel photography. I like the challenge it brings. 🤓

[@MrTmiket0007]

You guys are the absolute best, from now on I will only use a 35mm lens and a 85mm lens 😂Keep up with the awesome content 👍🤗

[@JaySilva88]

You both are right: there is a "best" focal length to capture a certain subject and tell a story in a certain way. You want to isolate the subject? 85/135 But you want to get the big picture? 35/50. Afordability is something you just touched lightly, the 50 is so affordable there's no way you can touch that with any other focal length. So I'm declaring the 50 the best focal length!

[@DanielLasia01]

50mm focal length is extremely versatile.

[@arfmf]

10% like/views ratio. That's outstanding for youtube standards. This video deserves waaaay more likes than that.

[@bassandtrebleclef]

I think 'favorite' changes with life circumstance. Loved the 35mm when getting close when my kids were younger. Now that they're older, they don't want me up in their grill and they're playing indoor sports, so a longer focal length with speed is needed. Best tool for the job.

[@jodatseyal7877]

Hi, I use combination of Sony 35mm GM with 135mm GM on Sony A7 IV for everyday family photos. And I love them both. However, for travel I use Sony 24mm GM on A7c and this works well for me. In my humble opinion, its a personal choice and every focal length is good if that is what you are comfortable shooting with.

[@thatjordandrake]

35mm and 135mm you say....

[@petercruz1993]

Toxic comments section

[@Ulrich.Bierwisch]

My favorite focal length is 24mm. I have used the Leica 12mm/1.4 on the GH5 and now GH6 a lot and if I had to go with only one prime, it would be this combination.

[@selmertime]

I am with you! My 24 rarely leaves the camera body! I do like the 35 equivalent in my x100v too, but I keep coming back to 24.

[@seth094978]

I like my Olympus 12mm/2 quite a lot, but it certainly could never be default for me. I'm actually thinking of getting a 42.5, 45, or 50mm to use as my primary lens.

[@astrobotnautics5291]

I have to say, my favourite FF focal length is 65mm. A bit of an odd choice but I really enjoy the compression you can get, where it's a bit closer to an 85mm, but at a slightly wider angle closer to a 50mm. Great for 2 shots. I was very excited when Sigma announced their 65mm Cine T1.5, and I hope they will bring an AF, affordable version to Sony E or Canon EF soon. Would be nice if it had a good MFD too. Fantastic show, glad to see you guys over on Petapixel. I'm very much enjoying this more comedic style as the channel draws to a close.

[@donbergeron5466]

I love the Fuji 90mm, but have recently changed to the Z group - and the Z 35mm (which can also shoot in the 50mm dx range), is now my walk around lense. My Z 24-70 f2.8 is my dream work horse though.

[@gong9901]

Lens

[@thatjordandrake]

Nikon needs a new 135mm!

[@qvarfoto]

This was even better than the annual best/worst of each year videos! Amazing stuff. And yes, I agree with you...........

[@d-godfather]

I remember more than a decade ago, digitalrev was considered king of camera reviews and these two even jested that they're likely to be queen of camera reviews... Fast forward today, these two have absolutely reached the top when it comes to camera reviews... All Hail the New Kings of Photo/Video reviews 👑👑👑😁😂

[@Hangiinjohnny]

Kai and lok are together again in England and very much has the same vibe

[@d-godfather]

@@Hangiinjohnny yes, I've been following them since they put up their own channels.

[@justinklemish7894]

this was such an enjoyable 8 and a half minutes of chaotic goofery. pure gold lol

[@MikaEriksen]

Best lens, 14-800mm f/0.95-5.6 zoom

[@stephensmith1509]

I think Canon actually makes something like that for broadcast tv lol

[@DanielLasia01]

I have always loved and frantically enjoyed to use my ef 50mm f1.8 with my Canon 6D for 10 years and that focal length is extremely versatile and produces extremely charming and memorable results. All the lovely photos I have taken fall within the focal lengths of 50 to 150 mm, thus, I partially agree with Chris' opinion. And sometimes, a 35mm focal length would include too many distractions into the frame and you got to deal with so many unnecessary elements in a 35mm focal length. The only primes you need when traveling are 50mm and 85mm with a full-frame camera.

[@TheHipClip]

For landscape photopgraphy, I often use a lens between 50-135. Wide-angles look nice but never interesting. You can never really convey that sense of awe when visiting a beautiful scenery, so it's best to focus on one subject, rather than a mash of everything.

[@piotrgraniszewski8544]

Sounds like you have no idea how to frame wide angle shots.

[@tomgoffnett5624]

The acting was top notch, the comedy was top notch. I no longer care about focal length and just want to watch videos like this all day long. Liked,subscribed and hit the notification bell.

[@anastasiospapatsoris5326]

I really enjoyed your video! If I were forced to choose only one lens (full frame reference), that would be a 50mm lens. Analysis of my images revealed my other favourite lenses to be 135mm, 35mm, 75mm and 21mm, in descending order.

[@TheTangyapple]

Nice, i also pair a 50mm with a 135mm. Distance from my subjects is better for me that way. And besides, people who pair 35mm with 85mm are objectively wrong to do so 😉

[@vznquest]

Chris and Jordan are the GOATS of gear review at this point

[@BrittleMoon]

my 3 lens outfit atm is 24 / 40 / 75 and I love them all dearly but if I had to pick one for sheer enjoyment (not necessarily versatility) it’d be the 75. Beautiful focal length

[@maxfrisket]

I agree and how do you feel about the 40mm? I'm curious :)

[@maxdistortion]

This was so entertaining! -- It also played a part in me getting a 40mm Canon 2.8 lens used. I'm a 50mm guy, and I wanted to say that's the best focal length. I still want something that can veer toward portraiture but just wider.

[@DanielHodotcom]

I’ve watched so many of your videos and this is the funniest ever! You guys are absolutely brilliant!! Amazing rapport!!!

[@involvementinc7748]

You two experts are CLEARLY the best presenters EVER! I now have an almost clear idea of the best focal length lens...Sheesh!

[@manaphyex3964]

If there is a sharp lens that is 35 - 85mm f1.2 , there would be no more arguments like this.

[@the_wiki9408]

Nobody would want to carry it.

[@shang-hsienyang1284]

I'd settle for a 35-85mm f/2.0. And after seeing the Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8, I really think it could be achieved.

[@huaij]

I know the online photography community can be toxic at times. Thank you Chris and Jordan for bringing much needed objectivity and level-headedness into the conversation and finally settling this great debate once and for all

[@thebitterfig9903]

There was a compact pretty close to 85mm. The Sigma dp3 Quattro. It has an APS-C sensor with a fixed 50mm f/2.8, not quite macro but 1:3 for rather close focus. The Quattro line also was available with 21mm, 28mm, and 45mm equivalent focal lengths, although they’re just about all discontinued by now.

[@wunderler]

This video brought to mind an Abbot and Costello act, "Who's on first, What's on second". Only us "OLD" folks can relate to that ! Comical and entertaining but always informative is what Chris and Jordan bring to the table. I even watch their video's of products I think are the "WORST" only because I know I'll learn something new and be more informed. Oh !! Buy the way. I think the best lens is a "ZOOM" because I hate to zoom with my feet. Looking forward to more from Chris and Jordan !!!!!

[@wobblythumb]

My two lens rig consists of a 35mm and a 90mm, so this discussion had me feeling pretty validated. Then I noticed how often Chris said "utilize" when he really meant "use", and I began to wonder: could he possibly be wrong about other things too?

[@niccollsvideo]

Oh I can be wrong about many things, but not the best focal length, which is 85mm.

[@SixStringGrace]

I'm here for it! All reviews should have this level of dialog.

[@axa2wa]

The Statler and Waldorf of photography!

[@niccollsvideo]

YES!

[@bernie_xj]

Big fun, I usually start walking around with Fuji X @ 35mm but 85mm equivalent is always in my bagpack... I actually love the compact f2 primes as well as the outstanding f1.4/ 1.2 Mk1 which Fuji still makes... Niftyfifty, I use rarely and then there is 40mm equivalent pancake...

[@sambennett5203]

Love this one, guys! 😂 In a round about way, you nailed it. In Micro Four Thirds my favorite two lenses are the 17/1.2 and the 45/1.2. Obviously, very different lenses for very different purposes but with those two I could cover the vast majority of my photography needs.

[@petermcginty3636]

Both great lenses! Stunning images.

[@Elazarko]

34mm and 90mm ff equivalent?

[@vladimirkarphotography]

Yes

[@3BMEP]

LOVE you guys!

[@thatjordandrake]

Back atcha Hugh!

[@rbdllama]

You're both wrong. 1200mm is the best focal length, it's literally over 1100 better than either of your picks! Numbers don't lie.

[@djice1804]

I got clicked baited where is the punch…Did I miss it? 🤠 You both right. The art & science behind these focal lengths, love them all. (Y’all such great actors)

[@bodythetan]

6:40 pushed me over the edge 😂

[@carravagio16]

2,678,043 videos between the two of you and this one is the best!!

[@danielmoscovitz2520]

I like 20mm and 40mm a lot, the tamron 20-40mm f2.8 zoom is bright enough and small enough to make me not want primes anymore. 24mm is often not wide enough for me and going wider than 20mm (say a 17-35 at 17) just adds too much distortion. I also like the 135mm for faces, studio type shots, anything with shallow depth of field. I guess I'd be happy if I could just shoot at those 3.

[@jonhuij]

There is a rumor tamron is making 20-50 2.0

[@maxfrisket]

Same here 40mm is my favorite the 16-20mm are fantastic then 85 for portraits

[@travel734]

So funny. Earlier today I watched a Tony and Chelsea Northrop KZbin where they gave you guys a really nice shout out. The topic was "Real Photographers don't do this". In my view, the common thread in their video and yours is that good photographers tell a story through their images. They are good communicators.

[@vintehindecembre1607]

50mm is great for 24x36 shot but not wide enough when shooting 16/9, and most of images are now displayed on 16/9 monitor. So If you want to shoot 16/9, the best lens is 40mm. I've tried 35mm vs 40mm for a long time, the difference is real ! Give it a try !

[@richarddenise3886]

Objectively. the greatest You Tube video in the history of man or beast!

[@mbvglider]

My favorite is 35mm. I also do like 24mm. I probably wouldn't use them together, though. I like keeping to two focal lengths when I'm using primes, and that means either I go with 24 + 50 or 35 + 85.

[@drthompson65]

When I was a photojournalist it was 24mm. For street work I like the 35mm. I do love the 85mm for all other avenues including portrait or on the street where I need to be back a little.

[@jaysantiago-BX-NY]

Great content, as always!!❤️ I can watch you guys discuss growing grass! 🤣 I wonder if there's a difference of what a beginner would prefer as to what a much more experienced photographer/videographer would prefer? 🤔 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@VZAAGE]

As far as a pleasing look, I agree that the 85mm is the king. You can't go wrong with it IF you have enough room to work with. If I could only shoot with one focal length it would be at 50mm because it's way more practical to use and offers a more natural look. If I need to go wide then it's the 24mm all day long. My least favorite is 35mm because it doesn't quite me the compression (bokeh) I like and it's not quite wide enough to capture a scene. It feels very plain to me.

[@lsamoa]

True, but compression and bokeh are two different things. Compression is about perspective while bokeh is about how pleasing the background blur is.

[@VZAAGE]

@lsamoa You're right. It's just that I have yet to see great bokeh from a 35mm lens and I feel that it's because it sits in a no man's land of the compression zone. A 24mm seems to keep enough in focus so it's rarely an issue and as you get closer to your subject, things tend to blur together much more pleasingly to my eyes.

[@lsamoa]

@@VZAAGE It's just a question of aperture and distance, you can get very good bokeh at 35mm

[@jimee998]

7.5mm fisheye is ideal for all situations

[@SamTaylors]

At last, somebody said it. Thank you.

[@workingwiththelight3119]

Great video! My favorite focal length is 18mm on Canon M50 which is 28mm in FF I believe. I just like my face best. 16mm distorts more and anything over 22mm makes my head square and flat.

[@adnanmansour8757]

I love this episode, by the way how was your respective blood pressure after that ! The lens in my bag almost 80% of the time is the RF 24-70 f2.8 and that should almost keep both of you happy!!

[@GainesvilleKen]

Classic camera club debate--content and style! Very funny and insightful.

[@wwz3320]

great episode as always!

[@funtaril]

This is my favorite video of all you've ever done. And for my APS-C I got a combo of fast 85 and 35mm (eqv.) primes and versatile Tamron 18-300, so basically I'm all set.

[@martinbrochu7906]

You made my day guys! 🙂

[@JasonOverHere]

"Pentax is the best camera manufacturer." - that was my favourite moment. This was brilliant, and I love that it's gotten 612 comments, including mine.

[@JohnRobertsTV]

This was great. I have to go with Chris on this episode as he had, by far, the most creative insults (e.g. the mistake was the lens taking Jordan on the trip. Hilarious!). As for lens focal lengths, I like a high quality zoom for travel, but primes for street photography. When I use a prime it's typically 28mm, 35mm or 50mm. Alas I agree with Jordan about the versatility of 35mm and would travel with that one if I had to use a prime.

[@johnbuckingham6895]

Chris in his pompous ass mode is always comedy gold - that comment about calling the lens was the real gut buster. The only thing which would have made the video funnier is if their puppet stand-ins had done the arguing.

[@josephparks4270]

I love the humility.

[@CarletonTorpin]

I’ll watch this show every day. Please continue being best photo personalities on KZbin.

[@digitaldevigner4080]

What a great satire on every single social media debate about this subject.

[@patrickmckeag3215]

Another fun video. Great work guys. I have to vote with Chris for 85mm over 35mm because of the kind of photos I take, which are mostly portrait type shots at family gatherings. I like to get head and shoulder shots and with 85mm you are not too close to your subject. With 35mm the camera is right in the person's face, which is intimidating. My 85mm mostly stays on my main camera body

[@JET-Photo]

Chris is right, the new Fuji 56mm f1.2 (85mm FF) is glorious. Jordan is also right, the Fuji 90mm f2 (135mm FF) is also glorious. Let's agree that Fuji rules!

[@vorpled]

I know this is a joke, but it’s 40mm.

[@ssebb2020]

Just seeing the thumbnail made me smile 🙂

[@ammadoux]

bird photography mostly, but for causal shooting the 17 mm of the m4/3 = 35 mm is my favorite. also loved the 75 mm 1.8 form Olympus for landscapes. sorry i am not taking sides, LOL. great video boys, you are so funny and great photographers.

[@niccollsvideo]

But admit it. The 35mm lens is terrible for bird photography right!

[@duhaalhashimi9191]

yes it is 😂

[@zaddy6960]

I watched the first couple minutes twice; and then it started getting heated. There’s nothing more that I love than fake sincerity.

[@future62]

I have had pretty much every prime between 14 and 135mm and concur with Jordan on the 35mm. 40mm is the true ideal but much harder to get in the right configuration.

[@toddysurcharge771]

I ADORE my Sigma 40mm f/1.4 Art lens for Sony-E mount. It's the one I would keep if I had to get rid of all my lenses but 1. It's wider than 50 and while not far off from 35 it just hits me better than the 35.

[@markwiemels]

OMG, I’m so glad YT kept trying to get me to watch this video, finally did, freakin hilarious, and excellent.

[@peaceone9733]

🤣🤣🤣 Totally objective, and of course you can see how serious a topic this is!

[@MohanJan1954]

We got the best focal lengths objectively. 35, 85, 135mm. I think these are in the bag of many photographers. Well done. Enjoyed it.

[@chongu]

Is it april 1st already?

[@stefanwagener]

Lol, exactly my thought

[@BrianKilgoreCanada]

Well worth the few minutes I spent with you. In my world, I've probably shot 1/3 of my pictures on 100-105mm lenses. --BAK--

[@xXadambXx]

For me is 50mm, but 35 and 85 is also perfect, 24 is amazing for wide .

[@xXadambXx]

of course f/1.4 :D bigger than 1.8 , but not too big and expensive :D

[@DinoJagger]

this is still, and always will be the best place for interesting photography discussions on the internet.

[@DocDealgood]

35mm + 85mm covers almost all 👍🏼

[@RobertWedderburn]

35mm.... This video was so funny! Thanks for making it!

[@RealDaveTheFreak]

Had a great laugh, thanks guys! But we all know 20mm ist the absolute best! 😍

[@nomadben]

You guys are usually so level-headed and objective, that this is a hilarious break of character haha. Great stuff.

[@MichaelLaing71]

I have lenses from 16mm through to 200mm and the simple answer is the lens that fits what you are shooting. Personally I hate the 50mm, I just find it boring but I still use it, when needed. If I could only choose one lens to keep though it would probably be the 58mm. It is just long enough to be able to take nice portraits. It is pretty fast (down to 0.95) and it is the ideal lens for 2 person portraits.

[@tedkloske9273]

This video is great! Thank you for all your insight, and for finally solving this age old issue! I now know the best focal length and it was so simple!