fbpx
Features

How To Choose The Best 35mm Lens For You

Anthony Thurston
No Comments
08/21/2017
3 Mins read
Chris Gampat the Phoblographer Rokinon 35mm f2.8 FE product images review4001-160s1.4XF23mmF1.4 R 4

Last Updated on 08/21/2017 by Chris Gampat

The 35mm focal length is popular for all sorts of photography niches, from weddings to boudoir to wildlife to landscapes. This makes your choice of 35mm lens extra important because you are likely intending to use it in multiple scenarios. You don’t want to spend more money than you need to, and certainly, don’t want to waste money by having to buy another lens should you skimp out too much. So in this post, we are going to talk about things to consider and how to choose the best 35mm lens for you.

What will the light be like when you are shooting?

Are you going to be shooting with strobes, controlling everything to do with your images? How about shooting in natural light or in a dimly lit church? Shooting the night sky?

The biggest determining factor with a prime lens like a 35mm will be how much light you need it to gather and focus onto your sensor. If you will have powerful strobes and intend on meticulously controlling your light, then you can probably stand to get a 35mm lens that may not gather as much like – maybe and F2.8 or something. But if you intend on shooting outdoors in varying light, or in dimly lit rooms, then you will want to pick up the fastest 35mm lens you can afford, something in the F2 or F1.4 range.

Bokeh, Do you want it?

35mm lenses aren’t exactly known for their bokeh, but they are certainly capable of producing a creamy out of focus background many are most likely looking for. If this is the case, and you are a bokeh whore, then you will also want to get the fastest lens you can – regardless of light gathering potential.

As we all know, or should, the lower the f-stop the more bokeh potential. So if bokeh is your thing, then definitely make sure to pick up the fastest lens you can.

Weather Sealing, deal breaker?

 

Are you planning to be indoors mostly or out in the elements? Chances are a little of both, so we recommend getting your hands on a weather sealed 35mm lens if you can afford it. This way you can take your lens out with the peace of mind knowing that a little rain or some dust won’t end up causing you and your wallet a headache later.

While we recommend going with a weather sealed lens if you have the choice, it is hardly a necessity. Very popular lenses like the Sigma 35mm F1.4 ART have no weather sealing and they have been used by professionals in a ton of situations. If you don’t or can’t get one with weather sealing, just be smart about how you use it. Make your best effort to keep it protected when in the elements and you will likely be fine (just make sure you have insurance on it).

Manual Focus is a thing, but is it for you?

What are your photography interests? Do you plan on shooting portraits or weddings? What you plan to be doing with the lens will be key in determining some good options for you. If you are shooting people or situations where there isn’t a ton of movement, maybe consider getting a manual focus lens to save some money.

However, if you plan on shooting anything with much movement then definitely grab a lens that has AF and can match the speed of your subjects (though we don’t expect many of you to be shooting fast action sports at 35mm).

Some Recommendations

So are you ready for our recommendations? Perfect, because now it’s time for us to share them. You should definitely still do your own research, but these are some lenses that we can offer you to begin your research with.

Good luck with your search, and may the odds be ever in your favor!

You might also like
Screen Shot 2017-08-28 at 12.07.13 PM
Features

Opinion: Please Stop Wearing a Photo Vest if You Don’t Need to Be Wearing a Photo Vest

4 Mins read
07/09/2018

When I got into this industry years ago, one thing really confused me almost as much as how much certain older photographers tend to treat the younger generation of us: photo vests. I’m completely positive that you’ve all seen them: a photographer of a certain distinguishment (or trying to show off without having said distinguishment) wearing their vests that look a lot like safari vests. You know, almost as if they’re going to go out on an African safari at all times without being anywhere near something like a safari. Walking down the streets doing street photography? You’ll see a photo vest. In the studio? Photo vest! Hiking? Yup, A Photo vest!

Chris Gampat The Phoblographer Canon RF 24-105mm f4 L IS USM review product images Canon EOS R
Features

Did Canon Miss the Memo That Says Mirrorless Lenses Are Meant to Be Smaller?

3 Mins read
12/26/2018

When Canon introduced their new Mirrorless cameras earlier on this year (The EOS R) one of the stand out features was that the lens mount was so huge. While other manufacturers like Sony have made all things Mirrorless smaller, the late comer to the Mirrorless party seems to have decided that bigger is better. In a recently released interview, Canon engineers seem to be having a sly dig at Sony by saying that lenses with smaller mounts are far less capable than those with larger mounts. Read on after the break to find out more about what the Canon engineers are wafting on about.