by Chris Gampat on October 13, 2011
The Secret Identity
It’s a debate that has been going on for ages: which is the best lens focal length for street photography? While one can easily say, “To each their own,” there are significant pros and cons to each focal length that should be considered. Also, one must keep in mind that the most important thing is still the photographer who takes the photos. But with that said, without the right tools, you may not be able to get the job done. You wouldn’t use a screwdriver to flip a pancake, now would you?
So let’s explore the 24mm, 35mm, 50mm and 85mm focal lengths for street photography.
Disclaimer: this posting is based on my experience with the various focal lengths and with different gear brands.
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by Mike Pouliot on September 7, 2011
My first lens review with The Phoblographer was on the Sigma 85mm f/1.4. I truly enjoyed shooting with that lens and if I was in the market for an 85mm prime, Sigma would get my money. An 85mm lens is great for portraits but I, like many other people, find 50mm to be a more useful focal length for everyday shooting. Luckily for me, Sigma offered to lend me the 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM to test out. If this performs as good as its 85mm sibling, my wallet may be lighter by the end of this review. [click to continue…]
by Chris Gampat on April 21, 2011
According to Nikon Rumors, a new 50mm F/1.8 may be coming soon. That’s cool: but what about something for more of the higher end and professional crowds? Where is their update to the 50mm F/1.2?
When I was in a meeting with some Nikon reps previously, they were very proud that their finally completed their trio of F/1.4 lenses with the 50mm, 35mm and 85mm. But in the back of my head I couldn’t help but think, “Hmmmm, so where are you F/1.2 lenses, huh? Canon has theirs.”
If you head over to Flickr and check out this user’s profile, you’ll see that a lot of the photos were shot with the Nikon 50mm F/1.2 lens. There is even a really large Flickr group dedicated to this lens. But it still begs the question: where is the new one? Will it take longer with the earthquake that happened?
Let us know your thoughts: would you buy a new 50mm F/1.2? If not, what lens would you buy?
by Julius Motal on February 11, 2011
Glee
And so, barely a month after I purchased the a580, I was due to visit Thailand for two weeks. With my clothing stowed away, I carefully packed my Minolta glass, and secured the 50mm f/1.7 to my a580. With the a580
affixed the to the Black Rapid RS-7
slung over my shoulder, I sat in JFK for a short while, waiting for my flight. Once the illustrious economy class began boarding, I began a photographic and deeply personal journey through the cities, mountains, markets, eateries, and temples of Thailand. [click to continue…]
by Chris Gampat on November 3, 2010
I’ve already explained how a 50mm F/1.8 lens has changed my shooting after years of using zoom lenses, but after New York Comic-Con a little while back, I feel the need to expand upon it. On my first day at the con, I shot cosplayers with a Canon EF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM
lens because I felt I needed the wide angle to get the best shots on the crowded floor. The second day, I used my 50mm F/1.8. The difference was night and day, both in how I shot and how the pictures turned out.
This posting was originally written by Will Greenwald
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by Chris Gampat on October 30, 2010
After trying the D-LUX 5 at Photo Plus Expo 2010, I had the opportunity to shoot with two very legendary lenses in the Leica lineup. The 50mm F/0.95 Noctilux is the fastest lens available in the lineup and the 90mm F/2 has been touted as one of the sharpest lenses the manufacturer makes. See the samples below, all of which were shot wide open.
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