Choosing between a 35mm and a 50mm lens can feel confusing, especially if you’re just getting into photography or looking to invest in your first prime lens. In this post, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know in simple terms. You’ll learn when to use each focal length, how they compare visually, and which one is the better choice depending on your goals. I’m also including real-world photo examples and tips to avoid common lens mistakes.

🛠️ Gear used in this blog post: Canon R5 with the 35mm RF from KEH Camera and my 50mm f/1.2 EF with an EF to RF adapter. KEH Camera is the best place to buy used camera gear in great condition. They quality inspect, test, and rate all the gear that comes into their store so that you know exactly what you’re buying.

I’ve also created a YouTube video on this topic if you prefer to watch video format.

What’s the Difference Between a 35mm and a 50mm Lens?

The 35mm lens is a wide-angle lens that allows you to capture more of the scene in a single frame. It’s excellent for environmental portraits, travel, and lifestyle shots because it shows the subject within a larger context. However, because it’s wide, it can also distort your subject slightly if you’re not careful.

The 50mm lens gives a more natural perspective that closely mimics what the human eye sees. It’s often referred to as a portrait lens because it compresses the background slightly and isolates the subject beautifully. It is flattering for close-ups and doesn’t introduce distortion the way a wider lens might.

Both lenses are great, but they serve different purposes and create very different feelings in your photos.

When I Use a 35mm Lens

Back in 2016 and 2017, the Sigma 35mm f/1.4 ART was my go-to lens. I loved it because it let me capture a wide variety of shots, from architecture and detail shots to portraits with environmental context. It was also my favorite travel lens. I could get a full-body portrait of myself with background blur thanks to the f/1.4 aperture, or zoom out a little and capture the whole story of a scene.

For a while, I stopped using it after mine broke. KEH Camera kindly let me borrow one for this video, and it reminded me how magical the 35mm can feel. If you’re shooting in nature, up on a mountaintop, or in front of a large blooming tree, this lens brings the whole environment into the frame.

One of my favorite examples is a photoshoot with Jayde at the Olson Mansion. Surrounded by camellias, her bonnet, the flower arches, and the soft light all came together beautifully with the 35mm. The wide angle made it feel dreamy and whimsical. A few days later, we shot in an open field during sunset and again, the 35mm told the whole story with movement and emotion. You feel like you’re in the moment with her.

When I Use a 50mm Lens

The 50mm is a proper portrait focal length lens. It’s not so tight that you lose the background, but it still offers nice compression to isolate your subject. I use the 50mm for close-up portraits, overhead detail shots at weddings, and group shots like groomsmen lineups. Before I started using the 85mm, this was my favorite lens for portraits.

One of the best things about the 50mm is the range of price points. Most camera brands offer a budget-friendly f/1.8 version, often called the “nifty fifty,” as well as mid-range f/1.4 lenses and high-end options like the one I use, the Canon 50mm f/1.2. Regardless of your budget, there’s a version of this lens that will work for you.

Because it creates less distortion, the 50mm is ideal for headshots and full-body portraits where you want your subject to look natural. The background blur you get, especially at wider apertures like f/1.8 or f/1.4, gives your photos a beautiful, professional look. I will also reach for the 50mm instead of the 35mm when I want to make an aesthetic choice with a wide shot.

I’ll also reach for the 50mm over the 35mm when I want to make an intentional stylistic choice in a wide shot. While the 35mm is traditionally used for wider scenes, sometimes I prefer the aesthetic of the 50mm when I want more background separation. It adds a touch of visual drama by keeping the focus on the subject while still showing the surrounding environment. It’s all about what story I’m trying to tell.

Visual Lens Comparison

Let’s talk about how these lenses compare side-by-side in a real shoot.

The 50mm lens offers more background compression and subject separation. It brings focus directly to your subject, minimizing the surroundings and giving you a dreamy bokeh effect.

The 35mm lens captures more of the environment. It’s a storytelling tool that shows not just your subject but the world around them. You still get background blur, but it’s not as strong or compressed as with the 50mm.

If you want a clean portrait with strong subject focus, the 50mm is the better choice. If you want to show the environment and mood, go for the 35mm. Scroll to the bottom of this blog post to see all the side-by-side sample images that compare the two focal lengths.

Tips for Using a 35mm Without Distortion

The 35mm lens can be tricky to use for portraits if you’re not careful. Here are a few tips to keep distortion in check:

For full-body portraits, make sure your camera is at a neutral angle. Avoid tilting it too far up or down, which can shorten or widen your subject. This can make someone look like a Q-tip or create other unflattering shapes.

For close-up portraits, keep the lens parallel to the ground and avoid placing the subject too close to the edges of the frame. Most warping happens in the corners, so center your subject and give a bit of space around their face to keep everything proportional.

These small adjustments will help you get the magical, immersive feel of the 35mm without the downsides.

Should You Buy the 35mm or 50mm First?

If you’re a portrait photographer and can only buy one lens, I recommend starting with the 50mm. It’s versatile, flattering, and easier to use without worrying about distortion. It works for headshots, product photos, flat lays, and even some group shots.

The 35mm is an amazing second lens. It’s perfect for storytelling, capturing movement, and showing off scenery. If you run a small business, shoot lifestyle content, or want to photograph your kids in candid moments, the 35mm is a great tool to have. It’s also helpful when you’re in tighter spaces where you can’t physically back up to get the shot.

Both lenses can work in similar scenarios, but the 35mm makes it more convenient to include more of the backdrop without needing extra space. The 50mm might need you to step back, but it gives a more classic and flattering look.

Final Thoughts

There’s no wrong choice between the 35mm and the 50mm. They are both incredible lenses that serve different purposes.

The 50mm is best for portraits and gives a natural, standard perspective. The 35mm is better when you want to tell a visual story with more context and background.

I hope this comparison helped you feel more confident about which focal length is right for your style. Let me know in the comments if you use either of these lenses and what you love most about them. You can also view the side-by-side comparisons from this video in more detail by checking out the photo examples linked below.

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