If you could only have one focal length?

**ScriptMan** · Share | #1 (**permalink**) 03-20-2012, 04:47 PM

This thread was inspired by a post I read somewhere else. I choose to make it a bit more restrictive. Note that fixed focal length excludes all zooms like 18-55.

Of all the lenses you own for your camera, if you had to choose one fixed focal length lens, what would you choose?

We will make it a two part question and let you pick one zoom as a second choice.

Please tell us why you would choose as you do. I will share my thoughts in a few posts. Right now I am torn between two fixed length lenses.

simplyamazing12 · #2 (**permalink**) 03-21-2012, 05:13 PM

I like the 50mm length. It is pretty standard and in the middle between 35 and 85 for me.

**ScriptMan** · #3 (**permalink**) 03-22-2012, 04:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by simplyamazing12

I like the 50mm length. It is pretty standard and in the middle between 35 and 85 for me.

For film or DSLR? For film or a full frame DSLR I would agree though many would argue that a 35-40 is better.

I think if I had to choose only one for an APSC DSLR I would opt for the 21MM which would yield the field of view of a 35 for film.

Imagen-Estilo · #4 (**permalink**) 01-24-2013, 04:05 AM

For me I would choose the 85mm focal length for a prime as it is most flattering for portraits.

For zoom, I would choose the 70-200 range as it gives wonderful compression at the end of the focal range.

Both above tie into the lenses I have, an 85mm f/1.4 and a 70-200 f/2.8 VRII.

Altering the subject ever so slightly, if I was to have 1 focal length lens then it would have to be the 105 f/2.8 Micro VR.

Fantastic for macro work, a solid portrait lens (albeit having average http://www.imagen-estilo.com/Articles/Photography-basics/bokeh.html bokeh) and it gives reasonably good reach.

Dave