Zoom vs Prime - 50mm f/1.4 vs 24-70mm f/2.8 Portrait Challenge

In this portrait photography challenge, we find out which is the best option for shooting portraits - primes or zoom lenses? So, myself and Tim Berry from Sigma UK were set a number of tasks to try and complete in order to discover both the pros and cons of using zooms and primes.
Being a prime lover myself, I was equipped with the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG HSM prime lens, whilst Tim was sporting the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN.
Once we completed all 4 of our tasks, we sat down to discuss our experiences and try and figure out once and for all whether primes or zooms are the best for capturing portraits.
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Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN Art
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⏳ TIME STAMPS ⏳
Intro - @0:00​​​​​
Task 1: Speed - @0:31
Task 2: Bokeh - @1:44
Task 3: Low Light - @2:30
Task 4: Moving Target - @3:38
Task 1: Analysis - @4:51
Task 2: Analysis - @5:44​​​
Task 3: Analysis - @6:46
Task 4: Analysis - @8:24
Final Thoughts - @9:44
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tom.calton
tom.calton
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#ZoomvsPrime #Sigma #PhotographyChallenge

[@frankfeng2701]

A zoom doesn't just let you get closer by not moving; it lets you change perspective by moving without changing lenses.

[@TomCalton]

Absolutely, well said 👌🏻

[@michaelbell75]

Exactly. Ive been a prime only shooter for all my 17 years shooting professionally but just switched over to this same 24-70 2.8 Sigma which replaced my 24, 35, 50 and 75 primes. While I could zoom with my feet, a 50mm lens is still a 50mm lens no matter how your frame it. You can step back and get a full body shot or move closer and get a headshot, but its never going to be or looks the same as a 35mm or 70mm focal length shot. Took me a long time to grasp that concept.

[@JD-eo6cp]

Actually, if you don't move (relative to your subject) the perspective is the same, regardless of any change in the focal length you use. Changing focal length changes magnification and angle of view, and that may prompt you to move and therefore to change your perspective, but unless you move (relative to your subject) you don't change perspective. You can test this by taking a shot with the long end of a zoom and then, without moving, the wide end of the zoom. Crop the wide shot to match the long shot and compare them.

[@ryanclouse299]

I mean, you can change the perspective by moving with your feet using a prime too. It'll effect IQ/MPxl but you can then crop for composition in post. Its easier/better with a zoom, but not really exclusive.

[@ryanclouse299]

Perspective actually changes with distance and FL is like percent of your view. You can change the perspective with a prime by moving your feet and cropping in post.

[@RoyboyMeyer]

You guys deserve a tv show. Really enjoyed how much photography principles you showed in a fun and relatable fashion. I just hit the subscribe button.

[@TomCalton]

Thanks Roy, you're very kind! If you know anyone over at HBO that wants to talk, let me know 😜 Welcome aboard 🤜🤛

[@RassoOuest]

great video and great duo! a big congratulations Tom, as always 👏

[@TomCalton]

Thanks bud, glad you enjoyed it! Hope you're well 👍

[@In_tyme]

My lord is this channel entertaining and actually informative. I didn’t realize you only have 7k subscribers… with this quality, that’s criminal. Keep up the impeccable work!

[@TomCalton]

Thank you! Glad you're enjoying the videos! I've only been on YT for just over a year, so still fairly new, but really appreciate your kindness!

[@noephoto85]

now 112.000 🤩

[@Revan89]

Love the banter. Also enjoyed rhe Sigma guy was a knowledgeable and not simply a sales rep.

[@TomCalton]

Despite his sub-par photography skills, Tim actually is a fountain of knowledge... but don't tell him I said that...

[@Joizygyrl926]

@@TomCalton 🤣🤣

[@hurleygreen927]

LOVE THIS VIDEO! I have a Nikon D750 and BOTH of these lenses are in my camera bag...I love them both, and feel I'm redy for most shooting situations....thanks again!

[@alanpollak]

One of the few videos I actually watched in its entirety, solid stuff!

[@malretk5085]

GREAT COMPARISON! Awesome job guys!

[@theMixElite]

Amazing! Thanks for excellent material

[@TomCalton]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching 👍🏻

[@eucsvoboda]

founded your channel 1 hour ago and absolutely love it! Man, u are inspired me.

[@TomCalton]

Thank you! Glad you're enjoying the channel - welcome aboard 🤜🔥🤛

[@thefavourofgod]

Thank you I totally love this. You guys are super informative and amazing

[@TomCalton]

Thanks for the love 🤘🏻

[@OliBaitsMedia]

One of the most helpful videos I've seen in a long while. Thanks!

[@TomCalton]

Thanks Oli, glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for the comment 🤜💥🤛

[@ghas4151]

That’s a great point that a lot of people miss. If the subject fills the frame on a 24mm or on a 200mm, at the same aperture setting the background will have the exact same amount of blur. The difference is that the elements in the background will appear bigger on the 200mm due to the greater compression giving the illusion that the elements are “blurrier”.

[@Boubakam79]

instructive, insanely fun, good job guys!

[@TomCalton]

Thanks bud, glad you enjoyed it!

[@mickywes3733]

Thanks for helping me understand why I'm a prime shooter!

[@mattc3510]

Best lens review I ever seen. Great content man.

[@TomCalton]

Thanks Matt, you're too kind! Appreciate it 🤜🤛

[@KCameronJ]

Another great video, Tom. You deserve waaaay more subscribers!

[@TomCalton]

Thanks Kevin, appreciate it dude. Things are going the right way - so grateful to have this many subs at 1 year in. The more people who watch, share, like these videos, the quicker things will progress 🤞

[@ryanclouse299]

Primes are great for planned shots, & zooms are great for events and wildlife. You don't want to miss your shot changing the lens. However I do like primes. I'm no pro, so a 50mm prime and (slower, smaller, cheaper) standard zoom is perfect for me. I'm on fuji, and find the xc 15-45 and xf 33mm f1.4 compliment each other pretty well.

[@meadow9165]

Excellent video. I'll be watching a few times more as you had so much noteworthy commentary. Thank you so much. I look forward to more reviews

[@otmanelachker6424]

Very interesting video to me, I have a 50mm art and the major problem is lack of versatility but very good image quality, yes we cannot have every thing in one thing ☹

[@UnconventionalReasoning]

In the low-light task, especially, Tim's better technique with holding the camera helped. That is why Tom had to go to 1/100th instead of 1/50th. If Tom had used the EVF and held his elbows in like Tim, he could have done it at 1/25th.

[@BrentODell]

Reasons I'm happy with my move to Sony: 1. Excellent autofocus 2. Lower noise at higher iso 3. Found this KZbin channel 4. 42 megapixels.... seriously, who needs this many pixels?!?! Always entertaining and informative.

[@TomCalton]

Thanks Brent, you're a true gent. Glad you liked the video!

[@rayc2137]

I k know this wasn't a comedy bit, but it was hilarious AND very informative, great work.

[@sehemunzuri]

This is a very helpful video, learned alot.

[@TomCalton]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it!

[@JacopoDiGiuli]

Great video... really! Thanks... so many thanks!

[@TomCalton]

You are welcome! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Ethersis]

Very entertaining! Good Job dude!

[@TomCalton]

Thanks!

[@funnybugsbunny]

Lovely way to put forward a comparison video. Also, the comparison parameters and results really contrasts the differences. Enjoyed every bit of it. Thanks! But I thought the sony would have fared much better in low light. Hmm..

[@TomCalton]

Thanks for watching and for the feedback! Glad you enjoyed it 🤘🏻

[@fenmoods]

I've been thinking about which to buy first for my APS-C camera between the Sigma 30mm f1.4 or the Sigma 18-50mm f2.8, and this video helped me a lot in the decision making. Thank you very much!

[@LeslieArnelleTV]

enjoyed this . thanks for sharing :)

[@TomCalton]

Thanks for watching and commenting - glad you enjoyed it 👍🏻

[@intercept0rr]

The cat dexterity moves did it for me, subscribed. Nice video!

[@TomCalton]

Thanks, welcome aboard! 🐱

[@PropFlier]

Great video! Tell Tim the world is waiting on a 120-300mm ƒ2.8 for E mount, next time you see him. See if he can pull some strings for those of use that cannot dish out the price of a 400mm prime. 😂

[@TomCalton]

Haha! Thanks Dustin - I'll be sure to pass on the message 😂

[@garreswe]

I've got two primes: 24 1.8 and 50 1.8 and two zooms: 16-28 2.8 and 28-70 2.8 (both Sigma, great lenses 😀). I bought the primes first so I primarily used the 24 since 50 is so limiting but now that I have the zooms I'm much more free to shoot in varied situations. The zooms are so much more convenient, even if I didn't have the 16-28 I would only use the 28-70 for most things. If I need more bokeh I use the 50 but that's rare.

[@KnottyKev]

I'm deciding between the 50mm and 28-70mm. Is the later on par with the 50mm in terms of sharpness? What would you rate the sharpness of each on a scale of 1-10?

[@crayshaunhenderson1265]

i want the sigma 24mm 1.4 and the 18-35 and the 24-70 and the 70-200 all from sigma i love what i'm hearing from them so i want to start getting these camera lenses. i really like what i see so i want to know how good sigma art series is

[@TheDka1]

Great video Tom

[@TomCalton]

Thanks! 🤜🤛

[@MeSayus]

Hopefully Sigma will release their DG DN version of the 50mm lens soon.

[@TomCalton]

Couldn't agree more! 🤞

[@louissantiago8313]

Have you heard smthg about it ? Man i am like waiting it like if was my wife

[@ohadvik]

love your channel / great job !! did you ask the guy from sigma when the 70-200 art going to be for Sony ?? before i will buy the Tamron

[@TomCalton]

Thanks, appreciate the support! I pester him about this all the time - still no news yet. As soon as it's a reality I'll do my best to get hold of a test copy for review though! 💪

[@ak47akmak47]

I hope there would be a review with all 35mm compared, just like the one with every 85mm available! That one really helped me and I purchased the 85mm F1.4 DG DN in the end. (Really love it by the way, thanks) Now I'm in the market for a 35mm, but confused by the plentiful options available (with new products like Batis 40mm, Sony 40mm G) Starting to question whether Sony 35mm F1.8 is still the most suitable choice 😂

[@TomCalton]

It's on the to-do list Peter, don't worry! We're just still waiting for Tokina and Viltrox to release their new 35mm f/1.8's and then we can do it. Probably won't be until late this year or early next year though, unfortunately!

[@WhoIsSerafin]

The model didn’t even flinch with the goofiness.😂

[@TomCalton]

She's a true professional. Us on the other hand... 😅

[@BIMLounge]

Love the humor... I thought the shots had a bit too much sharpness/clarity to the point where the texture of her makeup in daylight and the noise in low light got emphasized. Interesting comparison thought

[@TomCalton]

Thanks for the feedback. Interestingly, I didn't touch the sharpness or clarity in the edit so wasn't that 🤔

[@BIMLounge]

@@TomCalton weird, maybe some in camera settings... If it's the lens that's ultra sharp that's great because it gives you options!

[@TomCalton]

All shot in raw, so in-camera settings aren't applied. These particular lenses are pretty sharp, though it might just be the high contrast colour grade that's doing it.

[@Robin_Polarstern]

Hey Tom ! I see everything when you shooting inside this beautiful wall 02:49 Is this a vinyl backdrop fixt on a wall ? Whatnot that ? Greetings Robin

[@TomCalton]

Hey Robin. It's actually just a real concrete wall in the studio. 😊

[@martin9410]

I'm a prime guy but really enjoyed the video. If I was a wedding photographer, I would probably have a 20mm, 35mm, 85mm, and 135mm lens. Would have two cameras and start the day with the 35mm on one and the 85mm on the other, and then switch to the other lenses as needed.

[@TomCalton]

Glad you liked it! I use primes for weddings and do almost exactly that! With two bodies and a 35mm and 85mm attached, I can normally capture everything I need throughout the day. I only occasionally switch the 85mm for a 135mm for the speeches or any time I need a little extra reach 👍

[@michaelbell75]

You are a brave man Martin, thats a lot of juggling around and if you have the wrong body or need to make changes to settings after picking up the second body and you miss a moment, youre done.

[@JuarezRichard]

Great comparison!! I currently own the 24-70 Art and a Sony 85 f1.8 prime and I am thinking I like primes way better than Zoom lens. The zoom lens yea is versatile but is heavy and doesn’t have the same aperture. Great video thanks again!

[@999slawter]

If you are not focusing only 1 or 2 genre, then you need a zoom lens loke the sony 70-200f4.

[@Joizygyrl926]

🤣 enjoyed this vid a lot!

[@TomCalton]

Thanks Tiffany - glad you did! ☺️

[@doncrisan]

I do try convincing myself of getting this 24-70 for travels and not changing lenses when in the field but I like so much my primes that I can't like zooms :(

[@MatchuCT]

Which is better? = The one that fits your needs! Can't imagine shooting sports with a prime and running on the race course to get the composition I want. XD

[@TomCalton]

Haha! Couldn't have said it better myself!

[@GoodGuysMedia]

Using the zoom wasnt that muh faster in the first test. However in a crowded reception or show, you dont always have the luxury to take a step back to get the shot with a prime. Although i still prefer to "ninja" my way around and find the shot with my prime🎥👌

[@TomCalton]

Completely agree! Having the flexibility of a 24-70mm has saved my ass a few times in the past! Thanks for your comment ☺️

[@GoodGuysMedia]

@@TomCalton it would save my ass when i can remember to use it!. I ALWAYS have my 35 or85 on my cam and never feel like adapting or transitioning to my zoom. Its like a mental thing i cant duel process when im in the heat of battle

[@bruh-qi7ue]

5:32 I mean yes it's true, but if you want to include a whole building, the 24-70 would be WAY FASTER than having to run for a few minutes with a prime 😆

[@TomCalton]

😂 True that! I wouldn't fancy running all that way back with a 50mm! I guess the point is, zooms offer the ultimate flexibility if you need it 👍

[@hiawrj]

Very funny and informative. :)

[@TomCalton]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it 👍

[@prestonosborne2806]

Your work is incredible….any time I am having a shit day your humor makes me laugh…keep it up and congrats on getting a Sub from me… However we need you to have many more!!

[@TomCalton]

Thanks Preston, means a lot for you to say that 🤜🤛

[@BassusContinuus]

I had a similar dilemma, but in my case it was 135 1.8 vs 70-180 2.8. I eventually picked the prime.

[@kevingrunert2415]

How is it going with the 135mm 1.8 ? Do you miss having 180mm and what kind of pictures do you take with it? Wich lens did you pick up SIgma, Sony or Samyang?

[@BassusContinuus]

@@kevingrunert2415 I took Samyang and I'm happy with it. I mainly shoot classical music concerts and occasionally some portraits. 180mm would be nice for sure, but in hard light conditions a 1.8 is for me more important.

[@kevingrunert2415]

@@BassusContinuus Thanks for the Info. I prefer the Samyang too its less expensive then the Sony and much lighter then the Sigma. I want to use it for street i just dont know i i would miss the 180mm. One big plus for a prime is that i enjoy it much more.

[@BassusContinuus]

@@kevingrunert2415 me too, I just take better photos with primes. Having a zoom is for me like having one more setting to worry about

[@rumorscameras]

When i had canon 5d and is lenses hahaha i ddidnt even tgink about these things handheld it was always sharp

[@tristanwilhelm9600]

What about using super 35 mode? Also, someone wanted to take out your eyes with those throwing stars

[@TomCalton]

You can use super 35 mode with both primes and zooms, so it's certainly an option that's available, but for this challenge it doesn't really provide a leg up for one of the options over the other, so a bit of a moot point. Tim holds a grudge. Wicked right arm though 🎯

[@talhashah]

@5:06 - 24mm makes the model look like a bobble head. LMAO.

[@TomCalton]

😂 It's not the most flattering focal length, is it?!

[@Hansengineering]

wait wait wait wait. Are those cameras aping the sound of an SLR's mirror? Why would they do that? I don't imagine just the aperture could be that loud.

[@TomCalton]

It's the mechanical shutter you can hear.

[@jackyang2912]

3:39-3:42 My favorite part of this video.

[@bibhubhusana2]

which is better 50mm / 35mm for all round performance

[@TomCalton]

For portraits, if I could only pick one focal length, personally I'd go for the 50mm. It's a good all rounder.

[@ohadvik]

@@TomCalton 35 vs 50 vs 85 !

[@mozanek]

@@ohadvik 35mm and 85mm

[@kateparmaku6524]

Is that the guy from the Practical Photography videos?

[@TomCalton]

The one and same! 😂

[@svenyss]

I have zoom and prime lenses. What I use? Depends on what I do. :-)

[@saudihermawan6599]

😃👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@TomCalton]

👍👍👍

[@MisterWu228]

my Minolta 28-80mm 3.5-5.6 take same photos...cost: 15 dollars

[@DM_______]

This generation's best combination is Sony A7 cameras with Sigma Art lenses.

[@nickwilliams7867]

You could have shot slower in the low light test if you held the camera properly :) can you ask the sigma people why they make their lenses out of such soft metal. I LOVE my sigma 85 f1.4 art for Sony but it has more chips than an Iron Age flint axe. This has stopped me buying any more sigma lenses.

[@joekelly9369]

A 70mm is always going to give more natural look than a 50mm for portraits , as a 50mm will distort on a head and shoulders portrait , a 70mm is closer to the human eye than a 50 ,

[@Daweparik]

6:05 wtf is that eye edit :D :D it looks amateur af

[@Aroundtheworld-ew6rx]

If he had 28-75mm it would of been better.

[@TomCalton]

Not really. This was to test the practical pros and cons of having a zoom Vs a prime. The Tamron 28-75mm has the same practical limitations and benefits as the Sigma 24-70mm.

[@neilr7935]

Did you perhaps mean the Tamron 35-150mm?

[@devor8251]

OMG, never use those nasty LEDs, low light photo is a total mess

[@TomCalton]

Denis, what the hell are you banging on about mate? The whole point was that it was a low light test to see how each lens would cope. Purely a practical experiment, not a fashion shoot. 🤦🏻‍♂️