What is the Difference Between 35 mm and 50 mm Lens?

The main difference between 35mm and 50mm lenses lies in their focal lengths and the types of photography they are best suited for. Here are the key differences:

• Focal Length: A 35mm lens provides a slightly wider field of view, while a 50mm lens offers a narrower perspective. Specifically, a 50mm lens gives you about a 47-degree angle of view, and a 35mm lens gives you about a 63-degree angle of view, assuming a full-frame camera sensor.
• Types of Photography: A 35mm lens is perfect for capturing expansive landscapes or tight interior shots, making it ideal for street photography and landscape photography. On the other hand, a 50mm lens, often referred to as a "nifty fifty," is ideal for portrait photography or detailed close-up shots.
• Depth of Field: A 50mm lens generally gives you more depth of field, offering better subject separation and less distortion compared to a 35mm lens.
• Closeness to Subject: A viewer may not be able to identify exactly which lens was used, but they'll often be able to feel a "closeness" to your subjects, especially with a 35mm lens if you take a step closer to your subject.

In summary, a 35mm lens is better suited for capturing expansive scenes and landscapes, while a 50mm lens is ideal for portrait photography and detailed close-ups. The choice between the two depends on your specific needs and priorities in photography.

Comparative Table: 35 mm vs 50 mm Lens

Here is a table comparing the differences between 35mm and 50mm lenses:

Keep in mind that the effective focal length of these lenses may vary depending on the camera's sensor type, as crop sensors typically have a 1.5x focal length multiplier. For example, a 35mm lens on a crop sensor camera would be approximately equivalent to a 52.5mm lens on a full-frame camera, and a 50mm lens would be equivalent to a 75mm lens.