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As a photographer who started with a Canon 7D in college, I've experimented with countless lenses over the years. But there's one lens that I always recommend to both beginners and seasoned photographers alike: the 50mm prime lens, often lovingly called the "nifty fifty" in photography circles.
Why Choose a 50mm Prime Lens?
Did you know what we see with our eyes is technically the view of a 50mm lens? The magic of a 50mm prime lens lies in its simplicity and versatility. Unlike zoom lenses that offer variable focal lengths, a prime lens is fixed at 50mm – and this limitation is actually its greatest strength. Here's why:
1. Unbeatable Value for Image Quality
For photographers looking to upgrade from their kit lens, the 50mm f/1.8 offers exceptional image quality at a remarkably affordable price point. The images you can create with this lens often rival those taken with equipment costing many times more.
2. Perfect for Portrait Photography
The 50mm focal length creates a natural perspective that's particularly flattering for portraits. When paired with the wide f/1.8 aperture, you can achieve that coveted background blur (bokeh) that makes your subjects pop.
3. Excellent in Low Light
With a maximum aperture of f/1.8, these lenses excel in low-light conditions. This means you can shoot in dimmer environments without having to raise your ISO or slow your shutter speed significantly.
Top 50mm Prime Lenses for Every Brand
Let's dive deep into the most popular 50mm options available today, including both their strengths and limitations:
For Canon Users
The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM is Canon's best-selling lens of all time – and for good reason. This lightweight powerhouse offers:
- Silent STM (Stepping Motor) technology for smooth autofocus
- Excellent performance for both photos and videos
- Classic 50mm view on full-frame (80mm equivalent on crop sensors)
- Exceptional value for money
What to Consider:
- Slight softness when shooting wide open at f/1.8
- Corner sharpness isn't perfect on full-frame cameras
- No included lens hood
- Lacks image stabilization
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens
A unique and indispensable addition to Canon's series of EF lenses, the 50 millimeter focal length and maximum aperture of f/1.8. It is a standard lens type.
For Nikon Photographers
The Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G stands out with:
- Superior low-light performance
- Silent Wave Motor for quick focusing
- Natural perspective for portraits
- Robust build quality
What to Consider:
- Autofocus can be slower than other Nikon lenses
- Some users report minor focus motor noise
- Lighter build might feel less premium
Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G Lens
The Nikon 50mm f/1.8 is a fast, compact FX format prime lens featuring a newly developed optical system with an aspherical lens element and Nikon's Silent Wave Motor (SWM) for smooth autofocus.
For Sony Shooters
The Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 offers:
- Compact, lightweight design
- Excellent for both full-frame and crop sensor cameras
- Beautiful background blur capabilities
- Modern optical design
What to Consider:
- Autofocus speed could be faster
- Some chromatic aberration in out-of-focus areas
- Higher price point compared to DSLR alternatives
Sony - FE 50mm F1.8 Standard Lens
A large-aperture 50 mm prime lens is a must-have for serious full-frame camera users, and this is an excellent, affordable choice. The optical design is state-of-the-art for high image quality, and the large F1.8 maximum aperture can produce gorgeous background bokeh. On APS-C format E-mount bodies it provides equally high quality with an equivalent focal length of about 75 mm.
Budget Alternative: Yongnuo
While not as well-known as the major brands, Yongnuo offers budget-friendly 50mm f/1.8 lenses that can be an excellent starting point for beginners. They offer:
- Very affordable pricing
- Multi-coated lenses for better light transmission
- Both auto and manual focus capabilities
What to Consider:
- Slower autofocus performance
- Predominantly plastic construction
- Less consistent low-light performance
- May not be as durable as major brand options
YONGNUO YN50mm F1.8 Lens Large Aperture Auto Focus Lens Compatible with Canon EF Mount EOS Camera
YN50mm F1.8 C Multiple View-angle Standard Fixed Focal Prime Lens for Camera displayed, this prime lens supports 3 types of view-angle coverage, that is 46-degree diagonal, 27-degree vertical and 40-degree horizontal one.
YONGNUO YN EF 50mm f/1.8 AF Lens YN50 Aperture Auto Focus for Nikon Camera
The 50mm lens is a classic focal length for capturing subject. With its bright aperture of F1.8, it allows for easy background blur, highlighting the main subject.
Making Your Choice
When choosing between these options, consider:
- Budget vs. Long-term Investment While budget options like Yongnuo can get you started, investing in lenses from established brands typically offers better longevity and reliability. The good news is that even premium brand 50mm f/1.8 lenses are relatively affordable compared to other professional lenses.
- Usage Scenario
- For portraits and controlled shooting: Any of these lenses will serve you well
- For fast-moving subjects: Stick with Canon, Nikon, or Sony for better autofocus
- For video: Canon's STM version is particularly good
- For beginners: The Canon offers the best balance of quality and price
If you are looking to get started in photography, here is a Canon Camera I recommend for first time photographers:
Canon EOS Rebel T7 DSLR Camera Bundle w/ Canon EF-S 18-55mm
The Canon EOS Rebel T6 is a compact DSLR with an 18MP APS-C sensor, DIGIC 4+ processor, and a 9-point AF system, offering high-quality images, Full HD 1080p video, 3 fps continuous shooting, and built-in Wi-Fi, while the included 18-55mm lens and various accessories provide a complete imaging kit for versatile photography and connectivity.
Maximizing Your 50mm Prime with Modern Tools
While these lenses naturally create beautiful background blur, modern editing tools can enhance their capabilities even further. Adobe Lightroom's new Lens Blur tool (introduced in October 2023) can help you perfect that shallow depth of field look, even when shooting at higher f-stops.
This combination of a quality 50mm prime lens and Lightroom's Lens Blur tool gives you incredible creative control. You can:
- Shoot group photos at f/5.6 for overall sharpness
- Add selective blur in post-processing
- Fine-tune the bokeh effect to your exact preferences
- Maintain sharpness where you want it while creating dreamy backgrounds
Pro Tips for Using Your 50mm Prime
- Start with Portrait Distance: Position yourself about 4-8 feet from your subject for flattering portraits.
- Mind Your Background: Look for clean, uncluttered backgrounds that will blur nicely.
- Practice with Different Apertures: Don't always shoot wide open at f/1.8 – sometimes f/2.8 or f/4 will give you better results. Family photos when subjects are in the back row can make them blurry if you shoot a wide f/1.8 aperture.
- Use Natural Light: These lenses excel in natural light conditions, especially during golden hour.
Conclusion
A 50mm prime lens is more than just a piece of gear – it's an investment in your photography journey. Its combination of affordability, image quality, and creative potential makes it the perfect addition to any photographer's kit. Whether you're just starting out or looking to add another lens to your collection, a "nifty fifty" will help you create stunning images that stand out.
For the best deals on these lenses, check out the affiliate links above. Each one has been personally tested and verified to ensure you're getting a quality product that will serve you well in your photography journey.
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