{"id":48605,"date":"2022-10-07T11:27:22","date_gmt":"2022-10-07T15:27:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/keh.com\/expert-advice\/?p=48605"},"modified":"2023-08-16T06:02:56","modified_gmt":"2023-08-16T06:02:56","slug":"heres-why-every-photographer-needs-a-nifty-fifty-lens","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.keh.com\/expert-advice\/camera-gear\/buying-guides\/heres-why-every-photographer-needs-a-nifty-fifty-lens\/","title":{"rendered":"Here\u2019s Why Every Photographer Needs a Nifty Fifty Lens"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

What is a nifty fifty? To us, they\u2019re an enduring classic \u2014 they\u2019re versatile, they\u2019re lightweight, and they create that beautiful bokeh we know and love. Plus, since 50mm glass comes the closest to what the eye naturally perceives, many photographers find it to be a great way to train the eye. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whether you\u2019ve got a few zooms and are looking to pick up a new prime lens, or you\u2019re making your first purchase after your kit lens, we\u2019ve got a nifty fifty lens for you. Keep reading to see some of our top picks for each popular brand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Canon<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Best Budget \u2014 Canon EF 50mm f\/1.8 II<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Just one shot and you\u2019ll be glad you snagged this 50mm f\/1.8 \u2014 it\u2019s compact, affordable, and effective in low-light situations. Ultimately, this high-performance standard lens shows that expensive, exotic glass is not always required for great results.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Nikon<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Modern Classic \u2014 Nikon AF-S 50mm f\/1.8G<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

While the fixed focal length helps beginner photographers think more concretely about composition and perspective, this affordable nifty fifty makes the sharpness, contrast, and upgraded optics of higher-end lenses more accessible.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Sony<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Unparalleled Prime \u2014 Sony FE 50mm f\/1.8<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This f\/1.8 50mm camera lens is perfect for pulling light and capturing clear, crisp images. Pair that large maximum aperture with the 7-blade circular lens for beautiful defocused bokeh.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Nikon<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Exceptionally Lightweight \u2014 Nikon 50mm f\/1.8 AIS<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This manual focus 50mm f\/1.8 is super sharp \u2014 it has virtually no distortion and truly remarkable optics. It\u2019s also one of the lightest lenses Nikon has ever made \u2014 the perfect for shooting around town.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Minolta<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Walkaround Essential \u2014 Minolta 50mm f\/2 MD<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

With a smaller maximum aperture, this unique nifty fifty camera lens from Minolta allows the photographer to get precise detail on the subject with a subtly smooth out-of-focus background.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Sigma<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Versatile & Bright \u2014 Sigma 30mm f\/1.4 DC Art for Canon EF APS-C<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

While it reads 30mm, this is the 50mm equivalent for crop sensor cameras. At a large maximum aperture of 1.4, this compact prime crushes it in low-light settings. It\u2019s an awesome addition to any kit.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Nikon<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Beginner Winner \u2014 Nikon AF-S DX 35mm f\/1.8G<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Back to a super affordable f\/1.8 with this nifty fifty lens by Nikon. This 35mm, when you take into account the 1.5x crop factor, is the same focal length as a 50mm. Unencumbered by the compromises of zoom lenses, this compact prime is sharp, bright, and perfect for anyone learning photography.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Fujifilm<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

All-metal Mirrorless \u2014 Fujifilm XF 35mm f\/2 R WR<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This Fuji lens is the equivalent of a 53mm and has an angle of view most similar to the human eye. With a Nano-GI coating to reduce ghosting and flares, this outstanding piece of glass creates images that are crisp, clear, and sharp edge to edge.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Canon<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Remarkably Sharp \u2014 Canon RF 50mm f\/1.2L USM<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019ve already got a Canon nifty fifty lens and are ready for an upgrade, this investment piece is the one to beat. At f\/1.2, you\u2019re going to see a significant improvement in image quality\u2026 not to mention the improved build quality, including smudge-resistant coating, a unique customizable control ring, and state-of-the-art optics.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Nikon<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Affordable Excellence \u2014 Nikon AF-S 50mm f\/1.4G<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

At a maximum aperture of 1.4, this little lens packs a big punch. Edge-to-edge sharpness, crisp images (even in low-light environments), and gorgeous natural background blur make this nifty fifty a top choice. Plus, it\u2019s virtually silent when focusing, and features a full-time manual focus override, which means you can still tweak the focus even if the camera is in autofocus.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Fujifilm<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Fast & Flexible \u2014 Fujifilm XF 35mm f\/1.4 R<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In case the sturdy, all-metal build isn\u2019t enough, this Fuji equivalent of a nifty fifty boasts impressive sharpness and minimal distortion. It\u2019s compact, high performing in dim lighting, and has that dreamy bokeh we all love. This is an excellent option for Fuji shooters.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So if you\u2019re asking yourself \u201cWhat is a nifty fifty lens?\u201d, or more importantly, \u201cDo I need a nifty fifty lens?\u201d… If you shoot portraits, street photography, or landscapes, the answer is yes! Really, they make great all-around glass. 

Ultimately, the best 50mm lens is the one you have. So no matter your budget, we\u2019ve got one to meet your needs. Plus, our inventory is always changing, so be sure to browse the site<\/a> for any of your camera lens needs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n


<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

What is a nifty fifty? To us, they\u2019re an enduring classic \u2014 they\u2019re versatile, they\u2019re lightweight, and they create that beautiful bokeh we know and love. Plus, since 50mm glass comes the closest to what the eye naturally perceives, many photographers find it to be a great way to train the eye.  Whether you\u2019ve got […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":67,"featured_media":48608,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","_oasis_is_in_workflow":0,"_oasis_original":0,"_oasis_task_priority":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1152],"tags":[44,867],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t