If I have a 18-200mm digital camera lens is there any need to get a 50mm lens?

February 16th, 2010 | by admin |

If I have a 18-200mm 4-5.6 digital camera lens is there any need to get a 50mm lens? 50mm 2.8?

Would I just be wasting money or is the 50mm totally different and gives extremely better quality of peoples faces?
Im using a nikon d80

there are several reasons you might want a 50 mm prime.

1. It’s a great portrait range for a digital SLR with a 1.5 or 1.6 magnification factor.
2. Prime lenses are usually sharper, simply because there are fewer moving parts.
3. (and this one might be the most important!) By using one lens such as the 50 mm, you will begin to appreciate the finer points about field of view, perspective, depth of focus, and composition in ways that are nearly impossible if the only lens you’ve ever used is a zoom.

Why? Because when you have to walk to get closer or farther away, you tend to think more about those critical factors. And, as a result, you just mght become a better photographer.

Remember, zoom lenses are a relatively new phenomenon.And until very recently, many professionals wouldn’t be caught dead using one.

I was a photographer for 25 years before I got my first zoom.

So, if you’re serious about developing your skills as a photographer, sure, getting and learning to use a 50 mm prime might be very useful.

Caveat: there does, however, seem to be a cult developing over this question – People who have become 50 mm fanatics, if you will. That’s not good either.

Truth is, it can simply be fun and educational to try something different, and expand your arsenal of tools.

  1. 5 Responses to “If I have a 18-200mm digital camera lens is there any need to get a 50mm lens?”

  2. By Pooky on Feb 16, 2010 | Reply

    What camera are you using?

    You can get a 50 mm lens–a fast one, like f 1.4. I assume you’re using a dSLR that is a cropped sensor. A 50 mm would work like a short telephoto (75 or 80 mm), which is pretty good for portrait. Open wide, you’ll get nice blurry background.

    You can also use it indoor, without having to use flash.

    And a prime lens (non-zoom lens) is usually.. sharper than a zoom. Not always though.
    References :
    Hmm. I thought I said the same thing..

  3. By hipp5 on Feb 16, 2010 | Reply

    If it’s a 50mm prime I would suggest getting it. What zoom lenses gain in versatility they lose in quality. You’ll find that a 50mm prime takes much better pictures than the 50mm on your zoom lens. Also, it’s nice to have the 2.8 aperture for taking low-light photos or if you want good background blur. If you can afford it I say go for it.
    References :

  4. By Jim M on Feb 16, 2010 | Reply

    there are several reasons you might want a 50 mm prime.

    1. It’s a great portrait range for a digital SLR with a 1.5 or 1.6 magnification factor.
    2. Prime lenses are usually sharper, simply because there are fewer moving parts.
    3. (and this one might be the most important!) By using one lens such as the 50 mm, you will begin to appreciate the finer points about field of view, perspective, depth of focus, and composition in ways that are nearly impossible if the only lens you’ve ever used is a zoom.

    Why? Because when you have to walk to get closer or farther away, you tend to think more about those critical factors. And, as a result, you just mght become a better photographer.

    Remember, zoom lenses are a relatively new phenomenon.And until very recently, many professionals wouldn’t be caught dead using one.

    I was a photographer for 25 years before I got my first zoom.

    So, if you’re serious about developing your skills as a photographer, sure, getting and learning to use a 50 mm prime might be very useful.

    Caveat: there does, however, seem to be a cult developing over this question – People who have become 50 mm fanatics, if you will. That’s not good either.

    Truth is, it can simply be fun and educational to try something different, and expand your arsenal of tools.
    References :
    http://www.jimsdigitaldiary.com

  5. By lensmen2 on Feb 16, 2010 | Reply

    Jim M just about said it all… I gave him a Thumbs Up point too..

    Bob – Tucson – equally as dedicated of a photographer of many years..
    References :

  6. By Dr. Sam on Feb 16, 2010 | Reply

    I have the 18-200 VR lens also and it’s a versatile lens, as you already know. I also have a 60mm macro that I use for things other than macro, but it reminded me of the sharpness that only a fine prime lens can deliver. Since I am shooting a cropped camera (as are you), though, a 50mm would NOT be the "normal" lens that I grew up using. I got a 35mm lens, because the 1.5X crop factor "converts" this to 52.5mm, which is the "point of view" that I think you are really looking for.

    I chose the Nikkor 35mm f/2.0 lens and I have been very happy with this decision. I don’t have many samples on-line, but check these out and see what you think.

    http://www.flickr.com/photos/samfeinstein/tags/35

    Click on the thumbnails of interest for a larger view. Click on "All sizes" for a much larger view. I think you will be impressed with this lens and it’s not prohibitively expensive.
    References :

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