Why I Only Use 35mm Lens For Portraits

[@mirza1bac]

Dang, someone that actually talks about composition vs just saying "this gear is sick af". Thanks man

[@The_Idea_of_Dream_Vision]

I wish most KZbinr could take that approach ....

[@aarondavis156]

👏👏👏

[@EricRamz]

35 if you want the environment to be as important as subject. 50 for more importance on the subject. 85 for all attention on subject

[@michaeltruong405]

Great way to put it

[@EnclaveDesigns]

Having all three primes is excellent, but the 35 is the most versatile.

[@Nicholasxie]

I just bought a Nikon 35mm f1.4 lens for taking portraits. Your explanation of the importance of the background in creating the image is very insightful. Now I’m more aware of the role that the background plays in constructing a good portrait photo. Thank you!

[@fragkat4948]

I was searching the internet for the past couple of days to decide which lens will be my first one after the kit lens that came with my new camera. I struggled between the 50mm and 35mm, but in this video you just nailed what I love about capturing in photos and therefore I will go for the 35mm. Thanks for helping me with my final choice!

[@justinfinch2458]

im debating it to between 35 and 50, his photos are gorgeous here

[@alhOOO2O]

The best way for you to decide that would be to put together an album of all the favourite photos you've taken with your kit lens, and then look at the focal lengths of those photos and work out if the majority are closer to 50mm or 35mm.

[@QuangHaiinh]

Learn ton shit of knowledge just from 8 minutes of your wisdom, more than dozens of hours spend fidgeting around, watching other videos. Absolute quality content, many thanks!!!!!

[@myspace04]

What you said resonated with me. I've only used 50mm 1.8 until now, and for most of the photos I use blur as the composition technique. After a while, it kind of felt like I'm doing the same thing again and again. Now, with 35mm, I can bring in that background into the picture and move on to other compositional techniques, which I feel is liberating. Thanks for the video!

[@okosakaroklenni]

I've just switched to 35mm full frame and your video helped me appreciate my choice even more :) I had my first spontaneous potrait session wit my GF and had the same experience: instead of isolating my subject from everything with a longer focal length and bokeh'ing the s*hit out of every distracting visual element, I had to be more aware of my sorroundings, the the different angles, colors and shapes, and the exciting challenge to create a good composition.

[@Alensbove]

Thank you for this video i actually have the 35 RF 1.8 macro from canon and i love it

[@daveed4475]

Excellent analysis of this focal length. For the past 12 years my most used camera has a fixed 35mm f2 (Sony RX1), it has really evolved my ability to see and compose. Thanks for doing this video.

[@manuelsen69]

Still loving the 40mm pancake on Canon ff. It sits nicely „in between“ and not getting an all blurry background with its 2.8f limit makes you think a lot about composition. Tack sharp as well.

[@Hero_my_Hiro]

Great Video. I’ve only been shooting with my Fujifilm x100 for the past year, which has a fixed 35mm. I feel like exclusively using this focal length has improved my photography.

[@lensman5762]

Once upon a time, during the film era a 35 mm lens was all that was deemed necessary to achieve outstanding results in 90% of the situations. Leica earned its reputation on the strength of outstanding performance of her 35mm Summicrons and Summilux line of 35mm and 50mm lenses. Great photography BTW.

[@snootyfox.indahouse]

Yes I was saying that same thing

[@MarcoACasco]

I use a Fuji X100 T with a fixed lens (35 mm equivalent), and you are correct, best focal length for me too, and like you say, you concentrate more on composition than you would with a zoom lens. Thanks for the video !!!!

[@eddenton9107]

Up until the last month I had always used a 70-300mm lens. I just now bought the 35mm 1.4 and 85mm 1.8 sigma art. Both are AWESOME compared to what I had. Now all I want to do is take photos again! Thanks for the nice video! You take very nice photos.

[@_tommykuo]

Thank you so much!

[@manemrob1510]

I really loved this video. I've shot with 50 & 35s almost exclusively for so many years. 35mm is definitely more difficult to use for me and I think the reason is you have to be much more conscious and deliberate about your background, angle, and composure compared to a 50mm prime. Your advice about dedicating to a single focal length is probably key advice to really grasp and grow your skills for that specific focal length. Switching focal length to often can be confusing, 😂

[@yashwinning]

Honestly it's so cool that you're still shooting on the 5Diii, that thing may be 10 years old now but it's still PACKING. It's humbling to see someone of your talents still using such an "old" camera

[@TheZeroLT]

Photography is definitely not about the latest and greatest

[@yashwinning]

@@TheZeroLT absolutely! I myself shoot with a Fujifilm XT10 and a vintage Konica 57mm f1.4 lens and imo I'm a capable photographer and I produce some pretty good images, but you've gotta admit that KZbin and photography KZbinrs constantly push this notion that you've gotta own the latest and greatest pieces of gear to "become like them"

[@TheZeroLT]

What is your ig? I would love to see your work

[@yashwinning]

@@TheZeroLT It's @yashwinning :) if you like my stuff you could always give me a follow :^)

[@yashwinning]

@@zechariahpaxton6378 nice spam

[@effieskitsa]

Great work! I shoot portraits with my Canon 85 mm, however recently I've purchased the Canon 35mm and I must say that I totally agree with you regarding the storytelling about this lens. Thank you for the video!

[@_tommykuo]

No worries, enjoy your 35mm!

[@aileedubaron]

I watched a ton of videos trying to decide what to buy. But this is the one that finally convinced me. Appreciate that

[@lac7123]

You've shown me the other side of wide angle lenses, the outcome is dope and tell the idea story. Thank you

[@edurmissa]

I can agree quite a lot with you. I'm just like you, a person who place scene as part of composition and storytelling, but i am more a 135mm lens, doing just the same.... as long as there are enough room for me. Due to that limitations I found myself in the same conclusions as you with the 24mm STM as it works as 38mm, becoming my current favorite lens. It can achieve a nice bokeh, but still so far away an f1.4, but due to the field of view, close focus distance and it's cropped-down 24mm properties such as perspective and distortion, no where near to a FF 24mm but different to an FF 35mm it gets a quite nice and versatile combo. I wouldn´t say it's not too wide/tight, sure it's wide, but it's cropped normal-type frame with a wide background worked so so good for me that I'm falling in love with 35mm lenses too.

[@2011troya]

35mm as well. I’m a Nikon shooter with a f2.2 lens and its been so amazing so far.

[@nickj3218]

Wow dude I’m amazed your channel has so few subscribers. Your vibe is really good. Keep the channel going dude, it’ll blow up eventually.

[@brianeibisch6025]

Good thinking on composition and attempting to create a unique style. Well done.

[@AshBashSneakers]

This was dope.. had to sub.. I think I’ve got sucked into the bokehlicious 85mm lane more so lately.. I’m gonna play around with my 35 more

[@joanneny8638]

Love my 85 too.

[@Owenwithee]

Your analysis of your work is great. Thoughtful.

[@Bryan-lu4du]

Fanatic photos. I subscribed to your challenge because you actually talk about how you compose and shot and why. That’s rare amongst KZbin photographers so please keep doing more of that.

[@_tommykuo]

Thank you very much mate

[@TheKamrenB]

I agree. I shoot on a 6D. Ever since I got my Sigma 35mm 1.4, it ended up being my favorite lens. I have 5 lenses for my camera, but I just realized in the 8 years I've had it, it was on my camera about 80% of the time.

[@frankievasquez8903]

Will this lease work on my canon eos m6 mark ii mirror less camera??

[@sarahsloane]

I’ve been playing with the idea of a 35mm having been an avid user of a 50mm. When I compare my photography between now and a few years back, I used to use a zoom lens so frequently but now I just love prime lenses. Can’t wait to use my 35mm (collect this weekend) and use some of your hints and tips from this video!

[@_tommykuo]

Thanks for sharing! This is so great to hear

[@vavafornax8035]

Yes !!! 35 mm is Definitely a Powerful "Must Have" for Portraits !!!

[@dianascarletthenry]

I love my 35 mm, 1.8 ... but definitely, I need some zoom one or another prime, maybe a 85 mm. Love your work. Regards from Chile.

[@gvtv8124]

Dude this was actually an amazing video! Super helpful, thank you!

[@t5ukkix]

my FAVOURITE FAVOURITE thing about your photos is the fact that they arent OVER-EDITED yknow??? like those tiktok photographers that over clarify everything in their photos and vignette everything,,,, no sir YOUR photos are BEAUTIFUL

[@_tommykuo]

Thank you so much! I really appreciate it

[@jmackultra]

I'm a fan of the 35mm as well. Also you have a dope voice for this

[@kennethwhite842]

Great video. I just bought the Sony 35mm G Master. I almost went with the Sony 85mm but I chose 35mm because its versatility

[@DavidMcMeakin]

Really enjoyed your video. It’s made me rethink how I shoot. Thank you.

[@rocheuro]

gooosh such a great portraits, another level. I have to pick up my old samyang 35mm 1.4 and take some pictures right now!

[@rar2024]

So pleased as I just recently purchased this lens, mostly because I’ve been struggling with low light indoor portraits at events. Great lens

[@heyhey5963]

Hey Tommy, could you tell me how this video itself was shot? E.g. the lens/focal length, distance from camera? It's a great setup. Thanks!

[@miriamgaleria6042]

Im thinking about getting this lens and you convinced me!! Thank you for this helpful vid.

[@_tommykuo]

Glad I could help!

[@Narsuitus]

For general subjects, the 35mm has been my personal favorite for decades. It is usually the first lens I buy for a camera system. A slight telephoto is usually my second lens. The 35mm f/2 and 85mm f/1.8 were the first two lenses for my Nikon SLRs. Later, I upgraded to 35 f/1.4 and 85 f/1.4. The 35mm f/1.4 Zeiss Distagon and 90mm f/2 Summicron were the first two lenses for my Leica rangefinders. The 35 does make very nice environmental portraits. However, for tight head shots, I prefer the slight telephoto.

[@gilbertjiang1]

Great video and photos! I had a similar experience as well. Had been shooting with 5dIII with 85mm for 3 years before getting into 35mm. Now they are the only two focal length I shoot in.

[@BooLee01]

Wow! These portraits are breathtaking. I just bought a Fuji X100v (fixed 35mm equivalent) as a gateway into the Fuji system. Seeing your work made me in less of a hurry to expand. Now I need to see how far I can go with this one lens. Thank you for the inspiration. Subscribed!

[@_tommykuo]

Thanks for sharing! i'm glad you enjoyed the video!

[@nikonmark37814]

Awesome video, I use the Canon 35 f/2.0 IS and a 6D and agree with everything you discussed and your photographs are so well composed and tell a story which is what photography is all about!

[@nikonmark37814]

I'm now using the Canon 5Ds and the Canon 35 f/2.0 IS and the images are so much better in every respect! After watching many reviews I've decided my next 35mm lens will be the awesome Tamron 35 f1.4.

[@AndysCuts]

Your photos are fantastic. I love my 35mm too but I'm no where near your level. Great job. I need to keep shooting

[@_tommykuo]

Too kind Andy ! Thank you so much

[@grumpymark2938]

Great video, you actually explain your compositions. Really helps someone new to photography like myself.

[@gausrv]

hi tommy! i love your aproach on 35mm as best focal lengh for portrait. I have plans to buy a go-to zoom lens for fashion filming, like sony gm 16-35mm or 24-70mm. if you have to choose one of them for fashion photoshoots, which one you would choose? - only considering the focal lenght..

[@_tommykuo]

I don't know much about zoom lenses! But I'd make a not of aperture limitations for each lens

[@gods_astronaut]

@Tommy Kuo Question do you sell presets ? I love your work

[@domstevens2851]

Thanks Tommy, I've been primarily using an 85mm because I'm usually shooting in places where the background is too busy or there are too many people around and I don't want them in the shot. I'll try more with the 35mm though as I want to tell more of a story with my images instead of just a pretty photo.

[@_tommykuo]

Awesome! I highly recommend the 35, obviously ;)

[@Visible-soul]

A place and a person I can learn from! Many thanks

[@tewaewae]

Nice video, good work. I'm enjoying your insta as well. 35mm is great for walking around with in crowded street and festival scenarios too.

[@_tommykuo]

It really is! Thanks a lot for checking out my Insta as well.

[@scottmarble]

Great explanation of the benefits of the 35mm focal length, plus some really great photography sprinkled in.

[@everybodyskuya562]

Indeed bro. There's a reason why 35mm is a classic focal length to use. Thank you for not pushing the gear hawk narrative. No one needs ALL the dang lenses.

[@Qaqiman]

Hey what 35mm lens should I buy for my Canon EOS Rebel G film camera?

[@ferdiyansurya]

Hi, I just stumbled your video. I didn't think of using 35mm for portraits, now I need to explore and experiment more with it. Since i like the 35mm field of view, that means less lenses to bring!

[@ShutterNChill]

My favorite focal length is also the 35mm. Actually, I recently got the Sigma ART 35mm... your lens! It is my absolute favorite, it just completely blows my mind how much better it is in every respect compared to the nifty fifty that it replaced... for a very long time my (only) lens was the 50mm on crop sensor (effective 80mm). Looking back at my photos I took wonderful pictures with it, but I never felt I was completely happy with it, always felt it gave me tunnel vision and I was extremely frustrated that it did not allow me to capture wider scenes. Since, I have a 28mm as well, and tried 50mm, 58mm, 135mm, and other combinations as well (as I have both a 5Dc and an M50, so can use same lenses with very different effective focal lengths). I found on the M50 that after I got the EF-M 22mm prime lens, that gave me the field of vision that I found closest to what I am the happiest with. The 22mm on the crop sensor is the 35mm on full frame, and that's why I upgraded to the Sigma ART 35mm. I am just so much impressed with that lens!!! With the EF 28mm F1.8 I thought that I needed a different camera body, as the low light focusing ability, noise, etc was very poor and totally useless for indoors portraits. However, the F1.4 Sigma ART is not just a tiny bit better at low light, it is completely transformational! Astoundingly sharp even wide open, very low noise in comparison, and the focus is always superb. I realized that I do not need a different camera body, and my 5D classic is all I want....

[@YC305]

Is there a significant difference between 35mm 1.4 and 1.8? I have the 1.8 and I wonder if it’s worth the upgrade

[@2005rosebud]

do you use a strobe for most of these great portraits?

[@LeafOfAutumn05]

your concept of framing the portrait is actually very unique and better than the normal 50mm or 85mm which is too close ... thanks for the tip

[@Heavensntme]

I’ve wanted to shoot with this Lens for a while. My current fav go to- is my 85 1.2 Nikon prime. (I’ll be trying out the 35mm this month)

[@nastynate838]

i have my 35mm 1.4 samyang for portraits as well. great perspective and shots as well

[@yeaboy707]

Good video, 35mm is great, wide enough for environmental portraits, but it’s not wide enough to cause distortion. Overall, it creates very pleasing images.

[@bluezikylez9743]

hello what your brand camera and lens gear list? i wonder good explain about it. so keep up

[@alexkerry11]

Really loved the portrait photos. As explained in the video, there's a lot to be said for just getting to know one focal length really well.

[@hum2020]

Very good pictures the thoughtful composition shows strongly though.

[@jeffmss.fanchun2379]

I recently bought the Sigma 35mm 1.4 Art for my Nikon D750 and totally loving it! Great video!

[@beatewinkler5332]

I bought this one and 5d mark IV. my favourite photographer is using it. her reason was because it makes things warmer and it is more like you see it through your eye what I like. I love moments captured more realistic. my question is are there specific setting to get sharp pics? I didn't have issues before but with new cam and lens it seem like I can't get them sharp if there are more than one which is super weird. also lens doesn't seem to work great when it is darker never had this before. any recommendations on settings or what to do that I will get a whole family in focus when they are in different raws? thank you

[@DanFerrall]

I had a sense before I watched the video that I would be critical of someone limiting their primary lens to just one focal length. I came away not feeling like I needed to not be critical but re-evaluating my choice in using which lenses for different situations. I use the Micro Four Thirds format and I have the 20mm f1.7 Panny/Leica lens. It is similar in use to Canon's 24mmx36mm sensor format cameras. I plan on using my 20mm a whole lot more after watching this educational presentation by Tommy.

[@silviocaravelli7750]

Hi are you referring to 35mm fill frame sensor? Thanks for the heads up. Amazing review. Regards.

[@jarodod5760]

Can't decide 24 vs 35 mm? 24 too wide? More background, less main subject? More distortion? Thnx.

[@antant06]

Nice compositions, colour balancing and explanations mate. Subscribed as well!

[@rockabrilia]

I'm shooting potraits with 85mm and it's on the different horizon altogether!

[@TKNORTH]

Great video man! I do love that field of view, such a great lens

[@_tommykuo]

It really is! Thanks a lot mate!

[@snowwalker9999]

Thank you, I subscribed. I have been exploring less popular focal length primes for portrait photography which has helped me improve my skills in composition.

[@rc52]

Yes, I totally agree about the 35 MM lens which I like as well cause you don't have to move too far back to get the environment. But I like to use it on a full-frame 35 MM film camera. Are those cropped images caused by the camera that you're showing cause there's a crop factor in these digital SLRs not making them a true 35MM image?

[@ninoklapcic2945]

Awesome video Tommy, love how you explain compositions

[@_tommykuo]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks always Nino

[@j.k24]

nice explanations man, you got skillz 🤜🏽🤛🏽

[@carrie_rebekah]

Your work is so stunning and inspirational. Can’t wait to get my camera!

[@_tommykuo]

You can do it!

[@crayshaunhenderson1265]

hey tommy i want this lens but do i have to buy this for a full frame camera or i can use this on my canon 80d. i want good lens so i can start taking better pictures. i'm going to buy all my lens from sigma. i was told to buy the 30mm 1.4 for the crop sensor and i should buy the 35 for the full frame well help me out okay

[@stuharris2219]

Mate! What a great video! Congratulations for going with an unconventional lens for portrait photography and creating absolutely stunning pictures! Your work is truly breathtaking!

[@nirresharulgnanam2615]

Good day.may I ask how do u control the distortion?.photo is nice I don't see any distortion but by theory 35mm should give some distortion.thx

[@iemwill9429]

love the glasses! what is the brand of it? let me know

[@miller1520]

This was very helpful, thank you very much! Great shots for illustration of your comments. Cheers!

[@_tommykuo]

Glad it was helpful!

[@kvncnls]

Since you mostly use the 35mm, have you tried the Fuji X100V? It's a fixed lens 23mm APS-C camera (35mm equivalent). It's also smallll.

[@_tommykuo]

I haven't tried it! I don't own too many other cameras

[@sundarcg11]

really love this video! Informative/concise/honest! thank you

[@iainmacdonald7034]

Really enjoyed this, thank you! I have several lenses but have better days when I go out with just one, and that is always the 35mm. It takes away a lot of thinking/worrying, as you say. Loved your examples.

[@Dreza_official]

what cam body do you use for your majority or your imagines your style ? I really like your work

[@davidhunternyc1]

Thanks for the education. But what about close-up portraits? Would you still only use a 35mm lens? Thanks.

[@_tommykuo]

Yes! I will still generally use 35mm

[@felm.974]

Awesome video, thanks! I have the same lense, the Tamron 35mm (for the Nikon Z6ii) and it is awesome. I have a question though, does it distort the face/body, and is it noticeable? I just watched another video where he was saying that it may not be very flattering although I don't really notice it, I notice it more with the 24mm...

[@drvelocio]

Really like his portraits! Composition!!

[@_tommykuo]

Thank you so much!

[@DJSIC82]

Wow Tommy! i checked out your web page and I'm blown away with your style of images!! i Love it! did you shoot most of the commercial ones with the 35mm sigma art?

[@michaelschmitt5413]

I too love shooting with a 35mm. I shoot Fuji crop sensor and 35mm f2.0. Even though the field of view is essentially 52mm, it does give me the distortion of a 35mm. I just need to step back farther to get the 35mm field of view. I also like including more of the environment in my shots. Thanks for sharing your opinions.

[@viktorpaulsen627]

"it does give me the distortion of a 35mm". No, it does not. The crop sensor crops away the 'distorted' outer parts of the image. "I just need to step back farther to get the 35mm field of view." No, if you step back then you change the perspective, and the image is going to look different (relatively enlarged background).

[@Realletsplaygrey]

Great video, I recently bought my FIRST 35mm lens lol. After shooting for 12 years it's about time that I did, and I regret not buying one sooner haha. I had too many zooms because I shot weddings, so i'm really loving the 35mm man. So good.

[@_tommykuo]

Haha 35mm is the best! Thank you so much

[@philfournier]

Algorithm led me here. Great explanation and examples man. Love wide angle lifestyle photos. I am all about 24/35.

[@_tommykuo]

Awesome! Love that!

[@2005rosebud]

Excellent information! Thanks for sharing it

[@Obscurainc]

what if u use the 35mm focal length on a 24-70 compare to a 35mm prime, would it make too much of a difference?

[@myfakeguuglaccount8307]

The primes generally offer wider aperture choices, but good telephotos can get pretty close. I have a 24-70 2.8 on my Nikons. It's the reason I haven't bitten on the 35 1.8 prime, and am patiently waiting for the rumored 35 1.2.

[@AlexandreLollini]

Yes, I completely agree with the only use one lens advantages. I'm sticking with the 85mm 1.4 for years now. I'm thinking of getting a second body with a 24-70 F2.8 for practicality, but I will always have the 2nd body with the 85mm ready in case. I've tried a photoshoot where I had (because of client request) to alternate with a zeiss 21mm, the photos were all great, but the photoshoot was exhausting, and I have the feeling I lost some opportunities. Also 21mm wich I chose using an app weeks before the fact ended up being too wide. I think 24mm to 85mm represent a limit for shooting one person (to avoid strange deformations and perspective issues on a human body). 35mm makes complete sense to me. And this also adds confidence in my choice of a 24-70 for my second body.

[@_tommykuo]

Amazing to hear mate!

[@ColdComrade]

What if I have a crop sensor camera ? I don’t get true 35mm with a 35mm or with a 24mm

[@anttuz]

Love your style of shooting! 🔥 What lense of 35mm equivalent would you recommend for a crop sensor camera? Right now the closest I have is 24mm (which is 38,4mm on my crop sensor)

[@_tommykuo]

24mm is the way to go !

[@kalikinkarbiswas4975]

Hello sir, I confused about 2 lens.... Sigma 35mm 1.4 art DG HSM & tamron SP 35 1.4 Di Please suggest me which one should I buy !! My priority better sharpness, better bokeh, better color reproduction... I'm Nikon D750 user. Please help me🙏🙏🙏