You Know You're GOOD When you Master the 50mm Lens

Hello my friends! In this video I discuss why I feel the 50mm is the most difficult lens to master and how you can excel when shooting with it. Don't give up on this lens! It takes time and approaching a photo with a slightly different state of mind.
Hope this helps
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[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Hello my friends! In this video I discuss why I feel the 50mm is the most difficult lens to master and how you can excel when shooting with it. Don't give up on this lens! It takes time and approaching a photo with a slightly different state of mind. Hope this helps

[@Ahduciekwndnbbbsvvvghhhyyyyy]

“Think of yourself as a landscape photographer first”. Loved that.

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Helped me a lot when it first clicked 🔑

[@marcp.1752]

And for that, a 35mm is ideal ! It's wider than a 50mm, and you don't need to play the bokeh game to impress. With 35mm, i do shoot ca. 80-90%. It's good for (almost) everything. Rest is zoom.

[@hsvision8051]

“Think of yourself as a landscape photographer first, and then place your subject there…” my brother, you have single-handedly with that line alone solved my biggest obstacle with photography. Such a logical statement in hindsight, but never did I look at photography this way until I heard you say it. Beautiful explanation

[@stanspb763]

For most of us old timers, a 50 was the only lens they had in the film era so it is still the standard we compare with since it is the closest so a field of view with a single still eye( our eye focus scans to make up the image in our brain so we actually perceive a wider scene even though a still eye can't focus that broadly). Most art in galleries of the great masters is a 50mm equivalent field of view of a 50mm. I suggest every beginning photographer take an art appreciation class before learning the hardware because so much of the emphasis is on gear and few users of cameras learn about composition or perspective and take lotosf technically ok images but have nothing to contribute. The 50 1.2 S is a jewel of a lens but so is the 1.8 version that is about the best affordable lens of any FL or brand. There is no excuse for the boring snapshots that these lenses are used to make. That said, for my headshot work, the 85 1.8 is the workhorse that pays the bills.

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Great comment and I totally agree!

[@Huffoto]

You have made me realize that I was shooting the 50 as if it was my 35. I love my 50 but find myself leaning to my 35 and 85 but I wasn’t sure why. Now I understand it.

[@n-kphotographyandstudio8774]

In an arena where there are so many photographers giving their perspective on the craft itself and then specific lenses [including overused] and sometimes BAD info on the 50this is one of the BEST videos on both the focal length and photographic perspective. looking forward to going through the rest of your videos.

[@pfh777]

You managed to articulate so well the challenge of 50mm.

[@hurleygreen927]

REVISITING THIS VIDEO, and still appreciating your ivaluable info about the nifty-fifty! Thanks again!

[@Gusseq81]

"Think first in the environment and then place your subject", as simple as that. Thanks for that piece of gold. Nice content!

[@robertbohnaker9898]

Very insightful, especially for a casual newby who wants to capture friends, travel in a meaningful way. Your images are beautiful. I get it.

[@anhphamviet7522]

35 and 85mm have a little bit exaggerated perspectives, so it is easier to "wow" common folks with them. If you nail the composition with 50mm, you are doing well. I agree with that :D Funny thing is, the way you feel about the 50mm being more than a portrait lens... is the same way I feel about the 85mm. I seldom use the 85 for traditional head and shoulder portraits, it is super rewarding for wider / full body environmental shots actually and where it excels for me the most. :D

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Very true 💯

[@frithjofkjer91]

Great thoughts. If you master a prime lens (35 / 50), you really learn a lot. That's what I say, if beginners ask which camera they should pick. Pick any camera and a 50mm and you will learn to take photos

[@Jettfire22]

This was a good video. I was literally giving up on my 50mm and was looking to trade it for another lens but after watching this im going to hold on to it for a bit longer

[@paulthomas8986]

Out of all the KZbin photography videos I have watched you just gave the best advice I have heard bar none. And the way you described it is the easiest to understand. Thank you

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Comments like this make doing YT worth it 🫡

[@vncdvncd8331]

Man, all this honesty in your videos make me instantly wanna watch your content without wondering if the minitaure is a click bait or not. Because I know it will never be, you just create things when you really want to, so I know its always worth a watch. Thanks!

[@personallycatholic]

That helps a lot! Thank you! moving from a lot of film into some photography. A lot of similar concepts, but photography requires attention in certain ways that film does not. Just like film requires attention to a lot of things not necessary in photography. This helps. Brilliant work. Thank you!

[@MrJapanforce]

absolutely correct. the 50mm is the ONE focal length for life! I am in love with the 50mm lens. Any 50mm lens. One camera one lens. And thats the 50! Great video...

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

💯💯💯

[@wsclesky]

I haven't shot people in many years, but when I did I loved using the 50mm to help tell the story. Blurring out the background is easy, integrating multiple elements into your composition creates a better image IMO.

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

100% facts

[@JohnPatrickWeiss]

I have a Fuji XPro 3 with Fuji 35mm f2 lens (which on APSC is around 50mm). That’s the only gear I have, and I look forward to learning and growing with it. I like focusing on a subject, but still having some background context. Thanks for your informative video.

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Thanks for watching John!

[@Smoothblue90]

Just when I thought it was safe to go back in the water. Monochrome Memoirs drops a new video.

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

hahah theres sharks out here

[@iambeautiful8190]

ofc 50mm is the first lens I want on any camera :D You can literally do anything with it, you just need to know how. Good video mate :)

[@iambeautiful8190]

and ofc.. I shoot boudoir first and evertything else second :D It’s the lens for boudoir.

[@WOLFTICKVIDEOS]

I love stuff like this. I actually struggle more with the 85mm than the 50mm, but then again I'm not so much a portrait photographer or even a full time professional of any type for that matter. The 50mm is all I had for a year back in the day, and I believe that I learned so much more during that time then all the rest of my 35-ish years of photography combined. You have such a great delivery of your message without any corny, or over the top antics....so refreshing. Thanks My Friend

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Amazing comment man thanks for watching!

[@soholingo]

My guy. I have never heard my difficulty with the 50 described this well. I got a 50 f1.2 and immediately realized i didn't need the 85 any more. If you could describe how to use the 50 indoors that would be epic. Thanks for this video!

[@12345663484]

It's funny, having used a 50 for so long, I never thought of it as a difficult lens. When I bought my first full frame camera, I got a nifty fifty with it and it was basically all I used for about a year. Then I went on a trip, that camera got stolen, and when I got my new camera, I used an old 50 1.4 from my grandfather's Pentax on it. Shot almost exclusively with that for about a year until I upgraded to a voigtlander 50 1.2. Having shot with 50s as my main for about 3 years now, I never even really thought about making the background work as being an extra thing, that's just always been a part of how I shoot. I love blurring that background out, but it's always there, you still know what it is, your subject just pops off it perfectly with the 50. Until now I never thought about that being a struggle for people, but I can totally see now that someone who hasn't worked with it much could be a bit thrown off.

[@brandonhall2735]

I enjoy your videos but especially enjoy when you explain the 50 1.2 and show your pictures from it. I have that lens and love it. It’s by far the best lens that I have ever used.

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

It really is amazing. Thanks for the support!

[@sidneykincaid851]

This is an excellent video Will! I can completely relate to this video. I've mostly used a 35mm lens for about 10 years until last summer when I started using my 50mm F1.8 Z lens on my Z6. I was really surprised at how much I liked the look of the pictures from this lens. It does render pictures differently than a 35mm lens. I'm going to keep that 50mm lens in my camera bag and use it on a regular basis now. This video is a big help for people like me who where stuck in a focal length rutt and needed some help getting out of it. Thanks again Will for another great quality, very helpful video brother. I'll see you in the next one bro!

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Thanks for watching buddy!

[@MrEricJames]

Very happy to have you back dude.

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Big part of that was Sara reminding me I was leaving you guys hanging. Sometimes a man needs a good woman to kick him in the ass haha

[@MrEricJames]

@@TheMonochromeMemoirs pass my thanks to her! Power couple.

[@Greggybread]

So true. The 50 is beautiful but not easy to shoot with after you've used the 200mm and 85mm

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Truly

[@hurleygreen927]

GREAT TIPS FOR THE 50MM lens: I lost my Nikon 50mm 1.8 lens last year, and my camera tech sold me a 55mm macro 2.8 Nikon MANUAL lens, and once I got used to the manual focusing, I fell in LOVE with it! But the nifty fifty is a must have for street photographers...thanks fo the video!

[@kmulhall8233]

Everything you said. 100%. I picked up the Voigtlander 58mm f1.4 in f mount specifically to push myself in my photography journey. It’s not a lens that everyone would like, but I love using it. I’ve done a portrait shoot with it with pleasing results. What you said about the noticing the difference in use case from a 35mm, a 50mm, and an 85mm was glaring to me. There is a learning curve for the 50mm. Great vid as usual.

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Thanks for watching man! I really feel like getting good with the 50 unlocks another level of photography, not everyone gives it the time it takes to know how to get a good frame consistently with the 50

[@edinburghaction5515]

I hadn't thought about lenses the way you think about lenses but what you say makes sense. I think about the 24 as the 'in amongst it' lens and the 105 as the 'stand off' for full lengths, mids and heads but I can see what you are saying.

[@PatrickDaviesC]

"The 85 just kind of takes care of things for you" - I hear you. I bought a Nikon 85mm AF-D F/1.8 some 20+ years ago and I found myself almost immediately being pleased with the results. Every other lens I've purchased demanded more thought and more trial and error before I got results that I liked.

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Well said Patrick and totally agree

[@Soormand]

This is great - thank you so much. I'm learning a lot from your videos.

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Happy to hear!

[@erichensen3953]

Fantastic video on the 50mm - thanks mate!

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Thanks for watching Eric!

[@ahq6273]

Supergreat inspiration and fantastic advice. Made me think in an new way. Thanks for returning to making videos.

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Very glad to have helped!

[@Andrew-ix3yz]

Too good brother! Been through so many books and classes but yr approach nails the topic on its head in one shot of 9:40 secs ❤❤❤. I’m going to produce some masterpieces with my Zeiss Otus. Thank you !

[@ChandraChandra-wx9em]

Invaluable advice. I just got the 50 1.2 and i have a long way to go. and your advice will surely help me get there. Thank you!

[@Altitude2011]

Hi Will, excellent video! All you explain in this video totally makes sense!

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Thanks for watching my friend!

[@jmchristian5867]

The advice you gave in this video is some of the Best I've heard in ages! You are Awesome 👌

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Really appreciate that!

[@csc-photo]

Just got my first 50 (1.8 S) last year, admittedly after many years of never having one - absolutely love it! I still lean more on the 85, but your approach & tips here might just change that - SUPER helpful, thanks man! 👏🏻

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Thanks for watching Craig!

[@musiqueetmontagne]

I so agree with you about the 50mm. I see it as an environmental portrait lens, IE, as you say, look at the subject and the background, its environment, together. The 50 1.2 does make one do/ learn to look like that because when you get it right the results are spectacular. I'm hesitating about the new 85 f1.2 because , although I'm a bokeh junkie, the files often look just the same, beautiful smooth falloff, but no context. I actually prefer the look of the f mount 105 f1.4 more for many shots or the 135. I taught my sons and daughter with a 50mm f1.8 f-mount lens, as their only lens for a year while they learned a bit about composition, zooming with the feet etc, they came away much wiser about the technical side of composition... Thanks for a great video.

[@Hexlord]

Thanks for the video! Yes, I spent 10+ years shooting with the 50mm and it has helped me a lot in my photography especially in areas of conceptual themes/styles. It also has helped in preparing myself for the dream lens 58mm. Cheers!

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Thanks for watching!

[@christianattermeyer6866]

Amazing Video. Like your way of explaining photography very much!!!

[@maheshsrinivas8941]

Great, insightful video! I love the way you have clarified the concepts in terms of background and subject. Thank you!

[@Alien-Only]

You are amazing! I improved my photography so much better after your tips!

[@MegaBriarpatch]

So incredibly insightful. Thank you!

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Thank you for watching!

[@miller1520]

Brilliant explanation, fully agree. For long I thought the 50mm was a dull lens. It isn't, but as you said you have to learn its characteristics and then intentionally setup your shots first. Thanks!

[@andybowlin]

Literally just unboxed my 50 1.2 while watching this. Can’t wait to try it. My normal lens is a 35, so I’m use to thinking about the background too.

[@TaylorBrush]

Very good, concise and practical advice and reminders for seasoned professionals and newbies, too. I just found you, but I'm going to watch more. The examples are shown were steller! I want to see more of your photos now!

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Thanks very much for watching!!

[@naziraltamar]

Thank you! Thank you very much for that video. I thought I knew a lot about photography, and I was so wrong :) You are absolutely right. Now I get why I so much like longer focal lengths and try to avoid wider lenses (28 and above) I focus too much on a subject and often forget about the background. Now I'll glue my 40mm to the body and master it for the next twelve months. Once more time - thank you!

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@dance2jam]

Glad you're back. Appreciate your thoughts (as always). Particularly helpful were the examples you utilized in the video. The perspective on the 50mm focal length, in general, shows some "depth" and thought. As always (even with the 600mm), it's important to be aware of how your subject fits the background, and if you want it to be seen, or blown out to smithereens. Keep up the good work, brother. Good wishes to the Mrs. as well. Glad you had some time to get your thoughts together, focus on work and travel. KZbin is a tough rode to hoe if you want to educate instead of promote gear. Love the philosophy behind what you think when shooting.

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Man this is such a great comment and so true! It is very difficult to run a proper education format here as most in depth videos with actual useful information are hard to package in a way that triggers YT to push the vid.. that’s why I really appreciate the people who take the time to comment and share my videos, means a lot

[@dance2jam]

@@TheMonochromeMemoirs Anytime. I comment when I feel moved to do so, and you were really missed. That said, I can appreciate the road and wanted to thank you in difficult times. Thank You. Now, back to work! 🙂

[@greghuber9256]

Will -- so glad you're back. It made me reflect on my Z6 journey and how much your videos helped me. Like you, I was an early adopter before even the first firmware update and have always had the mentality to learn how to use the tool in my hands to fit my creative vision. Your content really helped me get started, and I've referred your videos to so many new Z users - especially the Z6 settings video. Question: Have you considered doing an update to that video, or are you still using those settings? I think that video is a good foundation for anyone starting out.

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Greg - thanks so much for the support! Can’t tell you how much it means to know my videos truly help people get better at this craft. Settings still the same but Nikon will be sending me a Z9 soon so will have to test all the settings with that. They work just as well on the Z6ii as they do the Z6 though!

[@greghuber9256]

@@TheMonochromeMemoirs Good to know - I’ll keep referencing them. Even though I don’t plan on shooting weddings, I’m looking forward to your master class to see how you interact with the subjects and set up the poses. Love all your content!

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

@@greghuber9256 Thanks Greg!

[@fatherdanmclaughlinosa3215]

Thank you for your explanation of the differences of lenses and how to use them. I liked how you emphasized background, lighting and leading lines to frame the subject. I recently purchased the celebrated Nikkor 50 mm 1.8 S lens but have not used it yet. I shoot Church photos, mostly, and your video helped my mind see the different places where I will shoot and how to use the lens for both portrait photos and the events of the day. You helped me understand why photographers say they use a 50 mm lens as much as they do. I have relied on my 24-70 mm in FX mode which works well for me but now I want to include the advantages of the sharpness and falloff of the 50 mm. Thank you! Dan

[@DanielAlthof]

It perfectly sums up the intriguing character of this lense. I couldn't put my finger on it. Thanks.

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Thanks for watching Daniel!

[@jaredemmanuelganesan7623]

Awesome video. Learnt alot. Will approach shoots differently from now on with my 50mm. Thinking about environment first makes sense like setting up your canvas up for your subject.

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Exactly this 👆🏻

[@senalirving]

I agree with this video a lot. I am one who came from using 70-200 and 85mm to using a 50mm a lot. When I got the 50 1.2 s I was expecting that 85mm effect and was a having trouble with it's use. but then when I would practice using my 50 1.8s when I travel. I would use it a lot for street photography. So when I would do portraits with my 50 1.2, I would apply what I learned with street photography, to my subjects, and I would get way better results that I was happy with. It has become my main lense. Now I feel awkward using the 85mm at times. I am still learning more and more how to get better at it. I must add that the 50 1.2 is the best lense I have ever used and owned. I would easily buy it again. The one lense that is tricky to use is the 24mm. You should make a video about that! You can create epic results, if you know what you are doing!

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Great comment and exactly what I was trying to get across in this vid. Thanks for watching my friend

[@PearceWeddingPhotography]

Got the 50mm 1.2s recently. Love it

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

It’s a monster for sure 🔥

[@jimrinaldi8357]

I've used the 50 off and on over the years and never quite liked the effect. There wasn't anything that popped out at me. This video will help me a lot because I've been going at it the wrong way, like so many others. It never occurred to me to study the back ground first then fit my subject into it. That is a chestnut worth keeping. Thank you so much for this video.

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

So happy you found it helpful my friend!

[@carmenfraser-king1202]

SUCH a great video thanks. I'm starting with the 50mm, it's my first ever lens

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Glad it helped Carmen!

[@modernmusicstudio303]

Awesome video! Thank you for posting this and for the tips and tricks! Cannot wait to try on my own!

[@BOhl]

I have a vintage 50mm 1.4 on my D700 and it's my favorite lens ever. Even used it for holiday pictures mountain hiking in Austria. Can be tricky to really get a good frame because intuitively you'd lean towards a wide angle for mountain views. But we shot some amazing pictures there. If someone welded that lens onto the body I wouldn't really mind at all.

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Great to hear from you buddy! Bet those views in Austria were amazing

[@nangs2039]

ugh the tip about including the background and not just seeing it as just a portrait lens and expecting the background to fall away, just nailed my whole problem and frustration with the 50mm. next time I shoot with it, I'll try to keep this in mind instead of just reaching for my 35 or 85mm

[@JRodPhotoArt]

Great video, I have always loved the 50mm. It has always been the standard lens for 35mm !! You can always make some magic with a 50 !!!

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Truth!

[@ToanNguyen-kk1rs]

TY. I just bought the canon 50 1.8 STM. This video helps me a lot.

[@jahseantenn4574]

Total agree now you mention this. You have certainly given me something to think about, when I go out next with my 50mm. Thank you 👊🏼

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Glad to help!

[@James-ee1pk]

I've always liked the 50mm focal length. I used to think it was because it's similar to human eyes (minus peripheral vision) but now I understand it's because I like portraits with nice backgrounds (not just bokeh).

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Facts!

[@krisceuppens5273]

Interesting video! I had a 50 first, then an 85. Loved the 85 much more. Perhaps because it was easier indeed... Thanks for making me think.... You are on a way to leica with a 28 and a 50 🤓 great combo!

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Haha you might be right! Thanks for watching Kris

[@Kirill-q7i]

great work man, I like the way you talk about photography, so much resembles with what I've come up in my mind shooting for 7 years as an enthusiast/part time photographer. I learnt so much of a composition just with my nikon d7200 + 35 f1.8 (50mm on crop), so I get exactly what u mean. great channel, keep up with a great work!

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Thanks so much for watching my friend!

[@SikandersDesiVlogs]

I so agree with you, at first it is a challenging lens for the reasons you explained, I stuck with it and yes i thought of it as a portrait lens and indeed the focal length is a bit tricky, I stuck with it I struggled with it, nonetheless now I do start reaping the benefits of it and I can t do without, in fact it s my favourite lens eventhough still challenging at times but I now even use it in videography I got the basic 50mm 1.8 the cheapest canon one but I m still struggling to use it in urban areas for example.

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Thanks for watching my friend!

[@lukykentucky]

I use the 50mm 1.4g mostly on a D500 , this lens has created a lot of memories in my life . razor sharp , punchy colours completely different rendering and colour then the 1.8g especially in low light , on full frame I use the 58mm Voigtländer it’s easier to frame then the 50mm it’s slows you down because of manual focus , the 50mm 1.4g struggles with AF on the Z6 . 28mm on ff it will be an interesting focal length, I heard that the cheap Nikkor Z28 2.8 is a nice lens on the Z cameras

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

So funny how different lenses produce slightly different colors. Never enough for me to have to change the white balance too much when I’m editing between my 50 and 28 but just enough to notice!

[@kmulhall8233]

I’m enjoying the Voigtlander 58mm f1.4.

[@lukykentucky]

@@TheMonochromeMemoirs wich 28mm did you use ? maybe I will buy the Z 28 mm 2.8 for my Z6 as a lightweight travel lens

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

@@lukykentucky I use the 28 1.4E lens with the Z adapter. It’s a beast but definitely an investment

[@CiscoPhipse]

My 50mm is my go-to lens & is on my camera by default. Portraits are my favourite & I shoot weddings, however I feel I use my 24-70mm 2.8 to accommodate them. I don't mind zooming with my feet, but guests will think I'm weird 😜

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Haha not to mention videographers.. they hate prime lens photographers

[@moderatelyhandsome]

Thanks for making this video. I've been struggling as a new photographer and this helped to frame the puzzle. Cheers

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Glad it helped brother 🥂

[@rafalkonieczny]

Quite interesting way to explain it. Thanks, got me thinking why I avoided this focal length.

[@GonzoTheRosarian]

50 mm is always my go to, great tips!

[@georgebowen2161]

I am always thinking background, background, background. What's in it, what do I need to eliminate, what do I need to include. I still have a lot to learn, but I think I am on the right track. I just need to learn the finer points. I just bought a Nikkor 50 f1.8 D for next to nothing. I'm going to start using it a lot. It's small, lightweight, and focuses fast. Truly a fun little lens.

[@szafran85k]

Thanks a lot man,well explained👏

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Thanks for watching buddy

[@dolipops]

I was trying to figure out why I loved this lens so much. I THOUGHT it was because it's in between my 35/85 combo. But it's about the BALANCE. 100%

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

FACTS

[@MichaelVincentMagic]

Fantastic video thank you. I really get the idea that the background provides a context for the subject. This provides a creative use of Aperture. 1.4 is great and so is F8 because the context drives the narrative. Excellent.

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Thanks for watching Michael. Glad this helped!

[@MichaelVincentMagic]

@@TheMonochromeMemoirs cheers buddy. Your video on the D700 was outstanding. With all the technology out there the D700 and 50mm 1.8D is my favourite set up.

[@mikefoster6018]

Great video. Yeah I've been moving from 16-55mm crop (24-84mm equivalent) to 33mm (50mm equivalent), and it really is stripped of the 'automatic wow' of distortion etc. I've got to admit I'm nervous, but I want people to see my street subjects cleanly not some lazy lens effect. So I'll work at it. Given the importance of the background, I image I'll be moving left and right a lot more ... dodging around like I'm playing Doom or something!

[@lulitaviolino]

I love your photos!❤

[@todddammit4628]

I often use my 50 as a 35 replacement. I use a 135 as an 85 replacement. I like compression, so that's how I see them in my head.

[@Garrus4Spectre]

Wonderful samples! ❤

[@mazzith]

As a wedding photographer I love using the 50mm during the reception. My 70-200 2.8 S is my favorite lens though. I love the compression of that lens. I’ve been trying to decide if the 1.2 is worth buying as I have a sigma art 1.4 F mount lens w/ the adaptor for my z 7ii bodies.

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

I would say the 1.2S is definitely an upgrade especially with the bodies you use but it is a pricey one. I think if you are going to be spending upwards of $2,500 on a lens it should be a lens that you are using a hell of a lot. Personally I never shoot without the 50 1.2!

[@mazzith]

@@TheMonochromeMemoirs yeah that’s the sticky point. Is the lens that much better than the art lens version to justify the price. I might have to reach out to Nikon via NPS and request a loaner for a couple weeks.

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

@@mazzith the size is a factor on site all day, I do notice it. But I shot with 1.4 lenses for years and I can tell you the 1.2 does make a difference, I’m not sure when you break out the flashes but for us we like to shoot with natural light as much as possible and very often during the summer there’s plenty of light throughout reception where we don’t even need to bounce a flash. You can really tell when you’re editing low light photos, the quality of the glass is just so good that you can really push the exposure and shadows without the colors falling apart

[@mazzith]

@@TheMonochromeMemoirs yeah same thing with the sigma art 1.4 lenses. They’re no joke. They’re better than Nikon F mount lenses for primes. The major difference is the lens is like $350-400 on eBay vs $2000 before tax. I want the lens but just question is, is it worth 6-8 times the price.

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

@@mazzith all just preference tempered by affordability honestly. I’ve owned and shot with every brand of lens that’s out there and most differences are minuscule, the tipping point is in if you connect with the gear, i.e you just know if it feels right. I understand the 1.2s like a carpenter understands a skill saw, it’s my tool (for now at least). So if you already have something that works I wouldn’t switch it up.. spend that dough on some better lighting

[@maze400]

Always good content. I do not have any 1.2 lenses, I do have the Nikon 50mm 1.8G and an old ais 50mm 1.4 and I know what you are talking about brother, the falloff from the 1.4 is evident so I can only imagine the 1.2.. Keep the videos coming.....

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Thanks for watching Michael!

[@asharafmoidu007]

Thank you so much for this video 😍.

[@sergeantcrow]

What a nice surprise.... Thank you!

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

You're welcome!

[@khengteoh4318]

I love the 50 🙌

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

👆🏻👆🏻👆🏻👆🏻🎯

[@markuehlein805]

I really enjoyed your video. It's funny I often hear people say the 50 is boring lens because that's how we see the world. Made me feel like I shouldn't be using a 50 and I should be wider or tighter. I actually love getting in tight with a 50. I currently use the Z 1.8 and afraid to go below F2 🤣.

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Mark I promise you can definitely nail the shot at 1.8 with that Z 50.. I used that lens a TON when it first came out.. Great piece of glass

[@jona3797]

Wow great feedback thanks! Yeah I thought 50mm was going to make shooting portraits easier but that hasn’t been the case

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Glad it helped! I love this video too

[@liroymona2661]

Nice, thankx for sharing👌

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Thanks for watching!

[@smalltalk.productions9977]

nice thought. thanks for the effort and the sharing. thumbs up.

[@HelenWongsTour]

Thanks for the video I love the 50 too but I now love the 58 1.4, do you prefer the 50 1.2 to the 58? What's the 28mm you use? Is it the 1.4 E?

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Man I love that 58 so much also, used it on weddings for years.. I do prefer the 50 1.2 because its so much more flexible, the 58 looks amazing for portraits but I feel like its just a little too tight for a lot of situations i'm faced with while working.. Yes I use the 28 1.4E, cant wait for a fast Z 28 lens

[@francisaubry3038]

Please please please make a video on your AF technique. You’ve mentioned mostly using the 3d box rather than the eye AF and would love to learn more about it. But how do you get everyone in focus in a group photo? Are you still shooting at 1.2? With the eye AF wide open with a group of only 2 I will get someone sharp and the other person blurry. Keep up the good work!

[@ntbarone]

Just started using the 50mm. I have found it a little awkward to get decent focus and realize i actually have to move back and forth for decent focus, but ive taken some decent photos so far as well. I primarily enjoy doing astrophotography with wide angles. This 50mm is a new challenge cause i want to broden my photography skills as i am still learning and want to become more versatile. Picked up a canon 5d miii and slapped a canon 1.8 50mm. Challenge accepted!

[@Odnajdz_Siebie]

I love my 50 mm on nikon z6 :) it looks almost impossible to ruin shots because they all looks incredible

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Beast of a combo for sure

[@Odnajdz_Siebie]

@@TheMonochromeMemoirs I'm making videos using mainly 24-70mm f4 and 50mm 1.8 kzbin.info/www/bejne/rJPHqWxrfpKpqdE I'm sharing this on my second channel cus it's only one in English that I have - my main channel is all in Polish (spirituality, philosophy, personal development stuff) so it will be hard to understand my talking ;) I like your content btw. I remember you posting like 2 years ago and sharing lots of cool tips, nice work man!

[@richsoby8072]

The 50 has got to be one of the easiest focal lengths to learn. Maybe because its so close to how we naturally see the world that we.are complacent in its use and versatility. I agree though its like training your eye to see how it actually sess and let your creativity grow from there

[@laurenparkinson1715]

great vid !!!

[@mattjpnw]

the 50 1.2S has some of the most beautiful rendering of any Nikon I've ever used. Razor sharp where it counts, and nothing short of gorgeous in the foreground and background.

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Absolute facts

[@bfs5113]

I don't know I'm good or not as an enthusiast, but I shot with my a 50 mm (FF) and 80mm (MF) exclusively for several years (desperately poor), when I started out with my F2A & 500 C/M. Nevertheless, it doesn't matter anymore with the holy trinity and specialty primes later on and haven't use one for over four decades until now with the Z 50 f/1.2 S. 🙂

[@webersteve1547]

Great advice, thank you!

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

You bet!