35mm or 50mm - Which Should You Use?

With these two focal lengths in my camera bag, people often ask which one I prefer and why I chose these two in the first place. Hopefully this will answer that question and give you something to think about when you're choosing your focal length!

[Emilioh]

It's important to mention that a 35mm lens on a aps-c camera like the ones people buy the most ( Nikon d3300, Canon t5i, sony a6000) will be equal to roughly 55 mm. The 50mm will equal to roughly 78 mm. What this means is that if you have one of these cameras, you will not get the look that you see in his video because he has a full frame camera. You will roughly get the look of his 50mm lens with a 35mm lens but your 50mm will become more of a telephoto lens. This means that you wont be able to get a wide view of the scene. It will be zoomed in all the time. I write this because I didn't know that before and I always thought that my 50mm on my nikon d3300 was giving me the focal lenght of what the eyes can see but it turns out it was my 35mm who would give me the best representation. Hope that helps someone and great video dude!

[ironmike]

I am watching this video today that you made four years ago, and it is a timeless video. The topic applies today and for generations to come. I love your 35mm family photos, great composition and context for you to look at and remember in years to come.

[Brother_TD]

Great video!
Ex-combat photojournalist here.
While your 50mm shots were masterfully artful, your 35mm told better stories.
Beautiful family!

[seantuck]

Great video mate and some beautiful images in there. Thanks for sharing!

[russpartee]

Matt, the shot of Molly through the window with your reflection is something else.
Her eye is almost perfectly placed where yours would be!

[DevonLad]

I hadn't even thought on consistency before this. In the age of social media and scrolling through your Instagram images or portfolio, having that consistence is a benefit indeed.

[hoorayforpentax]

The general (though not universal) thrust I got from the pictures is that 35mm puts the subject in a broader context more easily; 50mm is there for when the context/background isn't so important and the subject comes to the fore.

[singletrack]

It's all preference, but I feel like the 35 is a better story teller.

[mtcrun]

I love how your photos always capture the exceptional beauty of everyday life Matt.

[thewzrdharry]

Your photos have got a certain magic about them

[jamesmolleur]

Great video, I always find it interesting that people struggle to figure out what mm lens to use. When I started out I was told by a pretty seasoned professional to buy a lens anywhere between 30mm and 50mm and then just move myself accordingly, it will make me a better photographer. Example: If I shoot with my 50mm and want to fill the frame more I move closer and vice versa. Obviously you can't always do that as fixed objects tend not to move out of your way easily but I have never really had an issue. Actually, some of my best shots have been because and object was in my way and I had to take the shot from a different angle that I didn't initially consider.

[nickbedford]

35mm has been my staple lens every since I discovered the X100s 3 years ago. It has ultimately changed my approach to photography and I no longer use zoom lenses. For myself, I'm also happy with only the 35mm (environmental portraits and documentary) and a 50mm (more intimate moments and portraits).

I only use an 85mm for professional portraits where the compression is needed. If you were to give me one lens for the rest of my life, I wouldn't hesitate in saying 35mm!

[joeszeto]

Stumbled onto your video and found it very informative. However, what I appreciated most is the high quality images you included. Wow! Those are some of the most gorgeous, yet simple and natural, b+w images I've seen in a long time!! Excellent work!!

[tallaganda]

I travelled through Japan with only the Fuji 23mm f2, it nearly did everything I needed, there may have been one two times I could have used a 24mm equivalent but for the most part it is the jack of all trades.

[TomKaszuba]

All your videos are brilliant. Your style and presentation and personality make these THE most watchable and enjoyable I have seen in years. I can’t thank you enough for producing and sharing such great content. You have a gift.

[AlejandroRamos-imto]

The best video I have ever watched showing the difference between both lenses!! Your photographs are awesome!! Fell in love with the music too!! Greetings from a Mexican residing in Canada!!

[Davey_Boyle]

Really like the direction your channel is taking, gear reviews are fun but I find vids about creative choices when making pictures are where its at for me

[TheBepacific]

Whenever I want to see some good photographs and really enjoy watching them with good music I play this video. Is it just me?

Really love your work @matt

[Frantixj]

I always felt like 50mm on a FF is just what I see with my eyes. That's why I rather prefer 35mm because I always want a wider angle and show more. However, 50mm is also great because, as you said, it compresses things and makes the photo more focused on one object. I used a 50 to shoot Xmas last year and it turned out great, didn't feel like I missed anything in the frames and since I've been using the Nifty Fifty, they came out beautiful :)

[PascalB]

The photos really showed exactly how both lenses have their place. The photos, for me, were superb. It was a pleasure to see them & feel inspired. You have a new subscriber.