The Nifty Fifty is a term used to describe a 50mm prime lens, which is considered a versatile and affordable option for many photographers. A recent survey we did at Photofocus revealed nearly 30% of our readers consider it their favorite lens.
However, it’s important to remember that there are many other lenses available that can provide different benefits and advantages, depending on your specific needs and preferences.
One of the most significant advantages of the Nifty Fifty is its price point. With a smaller price tag than many other lenses, it’s a more affordable option for those on a budget. Additionally, the 50mm focal length is a popular choice because it closely mimics the human eye’s natural field of view, making it an excellent all-purpose lens.
However, the Nifty Fifty isn’t the only option out there. There are a variety of other prime lenses available that can provide different benefits depending on your needs. Let’s take a look at some of the other popular prime lenses:
Wide-angle lenses
Wide-angle lenses have a shorter focal length than the Nifty Fifty and are ideal for landscape and architectural photography. They allow you to capture more of the scene in a single shot and can help create a sense of depth and scale. Just like my Sony 16-35mm wide.
Telephoto lenses
Telephoto lenses have a longer focal length than the Nifty Fifty and are ideal for sports, wildlife, and portrait photography. They allow you to get up close and personal with your subject, while also creating a shallow depth of field that can blur the background and make your subject stand out. I have two main telephoto lenses my Tamron 28-75mm workhorse and my Tamron 70-300mm telephoto. Both are amazing.
Macro lenses
Macro lenses are designed for close-up photography and are ideal for capturing the intricate details of flowers, insects, and other small subjects. They have a high magnification ratio and can produce incredibly sharp and detailed images. Like my Sony 90mm macro.
Portrait lenses
Portrait lenses are designed specifically for capturing flattering portraits. They have a wide aperture that can create a shallow depth of field, blurring the background and making the subject stand out. They also have a focal length that is flattering to human features. I adore my Sony 85mmGM portrait lens.
The list of available lenses doesn’t stop here either. There are also loads of creative lenses, as well as vintage lenses which are proving to be very popular these days.
While the Nifty Fifty is a great all-purpose lens, it’s important to remember that there are many other options out there that can provide different benefits and advantages. Before purchasing a lens, consider your specific needs and preferences. Research different options to find the one that’s right for you. Additionally, renting lenses is an excellent way to try out different options before making a purchase.
In conclusion, while the Nifty Fifty is a popular and affordable option, it’s important to remember that it’s not the only lens out there. There are also a variety of prime lenses available that can provide different benefits depending on your needs and preferences. Before making a purchase, consider your specific needs and research different options to find the lens that’s right for you.
I believe the 50mm is a must for every photographer because usually a 50/1.8 is cheap and good. Second lens I would reccomend is something more wide, 24, 28 or 35. I think prime lenses force you to be more creative than zooms.
Not necessarily. I don’t even own a 50mm anymore. Honestly, it really does boil down to what you are photographing. a 24, 28 or 25 is fine for landscape or street. But for still life or product photography a 90mm is better or even 70mm. For portraits its hard to beat a 85mm.