50Mm Vs 24Mm Lens: Which One Is Right for Your Photography?

Hey everyone, I’m Alex, a photographer with over a decade of experience. Today, I’m sharing my thoughts on a question many of you face: choosing between a 50mm and a 24mm lens. The 50mm vs 24mm lens debate is common because both are fantastic but serve different purposes. Let’s explore their strengths to help you pick the right one.

First, let’s break down what these numbers mean. Focal length determines how much of a scene you capture. A 50mm lens closely mimics human vision, while a 24mm lens is wider, grabbing more of the frame. This difference shapes your photography style.

50Mm Vs 24Mm Lens Comparison

Understanding Focal Length

Focal length is the distance between the lens and the camera’s sensor when focused at infinity. It controls the angle of view and magnification. A 24mm lens offers a wider angle, capturing more of the scene. A 50mm lens narrows the view, enlarging subjects.

On full-frame cameras, 50mm is considered “normal,” matching human vision. Wide-angle lenses like 24mm are great for landscapes and interiors. Longer lenses are telephoto, but we’re focusing on these two today. Knowing focal length helps you visualize your shots before you even press the shutter.

Key Features of a 50mm Lens

The 50mm lens, often called the “nifty fifty,” is a favorite for good reason. On a full-frame camera, its field of view feels natural, avoiding distortion. This makes it ideal for portraits where accuracy matters.

Its wide aperture, often f/1.8 or f/1.4, excels in low light. It also creates a shallow depth of field, blurring backgrounds for that dreamy bokeh effect. Photographers love this for isolating subjects.

These lenses are lightweight and compact, easy to carry. They’re often affordable, especially prime versions, which prioritize image quality over zoom. It’s a lens you’ll keep in your bag for years.

Key Features of a 24mm Lens

The 24mm lens is a wide-angle gem. It captures about 84 degrees on a full-frame camera, compared to 46 degrees for 50mm. This makes it perfect for landscapes, where you want everything in the frame.

Many 24mm lenses offer wide apertures, like f/2.8 or f/1.4. They perform well in low light, though bokeh is less pronounced due to the wider angle. You still get decent background blur, just not as creamy.

Distortion is a factor with wide-angle lenses. Straight lines may curve, and edges can stretch. This can be creative but needs care in architecture or portraits.

Portrait Photography: Why 50mm Shines

For portraits, I lean toward the 50mm lens. Its natural perspective keeps features undistorted, crucial for flattering shots. I once shot headshots at a corporate event using a 50mm f/1.4, getting gorgeous background blur. The wide aperture also worked wonders in dim lighting.

That said, 24mm lenses can work for portraits. They’re great for environmental shots, where the setting tells part of the story. I photographed a friend in her art studio, capturing her and her work with a 24mm.

Close-up portraits with 24mm are tricky. Too close, and noses look exaggerated. It’s better for full-body or group shots where distortion is less noticeable.

Landscape Photography: Where 24mm Excels

For landscapes, the 24mm lens is my go-to. Its wide angle captures vast scenes, from mountains to forests. I love using it at sunrise to include the entire sky’s colors.

Sometimes, a 50mm lens suits landscapes better. It’s great for isolating elements, like a single tree, compressing the background for depth. It’s less about grand vistas and more about details.

In Yellowstone, I used both. The 24mm captured the canyon’s expanse, while the 50mm focused on a geyser, making it stand out against the backdrop.

Street Photography: Both Have Their Place

Street photography is where both lenses shine, but differently. The 50mm lens feels like seeing through my own eyes, making candids authentic. Its discreet size helps me blend in, capturing genuine moments.

The 24mm lens includes more of the environment, adding context. In Tokyo’s Shibuya Crossing, the 24mm caught the crowd’s energy. It’s perfect for busy, tight spaces.

With 24mm, composition needs care. Too much in the frame can distract. The 50mm’s tighter framing keeps the focus on key elements.

Versatility and Other Uses

The 50mm lens is incredibly versatile. It’s often the first prime lens beginners get, handling portraits, street shots, events, and even landscapes. I reach for my 50mm more than any other lens.

The 24mm lens is less versatile but essential for specific genres. Architecture loves its wide angle for capturing buildings or interiors. Travel photography benefits from fitting landmarks and atmosphere into the frame.

For a trip, I’d pick the 50mm for its all-around use. But for landscapes or cityscapes, the 24mm is my choice.

Composition Tips for Each Lens

Composition matters with both lenses, but approaches differ. With a 24mm lens, I look for leading lines to guide the viewer. In landscapes, a path draws the eye through the image. In street shots, architectural lines frame subjects dynamically.

Foreground elements add interest with 24mm. Getting close to an object while keeping the background creates scale and immersion.

For 50mm, I focus on isolation. Its narrower view suits simple compositions, often using the rule of thirds. I ensure backgrounds aren’t distracting, leveraging the shallow depth of field.

Technical Differences: Depth of Field and Distortion

Understanding the technical differences between a 50mm and a 24mm lens is key to choosing the right one. Depth of field, the range of sharpness in a photo, varies significantly. It’s influenced by aperture, focal length, and subject distance.

A 50mm lens at wide apertures like f/1.8 or f/1.4 produces a shallow depth of field. Only a small part of the image is sharp, with the rest beautifully blurred. This is ideal for portraits, where you want the subject’s eyes in focus and the background soft.

A 24mm lens, even at wide apertures, has a deeper depth of field. Wider-angle lenses naturally keep more in focus. At f/2.8, a 24mm lens keeps both foreground and background sharp, perfect for landscapes.

Distortion is another factor. The 24mm lens can show barrel distortion, where straight lines bow outward. This is noticeable in architecture and needs careful composition. Modern lenses often correct this optically or in post-processing.

The 50mm lens, closer to human vision, has minimal distortion. Straight lines stay straight, making it great for product photography or flat lays. Knowing these traits helps you plan your shots.

Performance on Crop Sensor Cameras

Your camera’s sensor size affects how these lenses perform. Most DSLRs and some mirrorless cameras use APS-C sensors, smaller than full-frame. This changes the effective focal length.

On a 1.5x crop sensor, like those in some Nikon or Sony cameras, a 50mm lens acts like 75mm, and a 24mm lens like 36mm. On Canon’s 1.6x crop, a 50mm becomes 80mm, and a 24mm about 38.4mm.

For APS-C users, a 50mm lens becomes a short telephoto, great for portraits with enhanced background blur. A 24mm lens, while still wide, loses some of its ultra-wide appeal, acting more like a standard lens.

This shift matters. If you’re on APS-C, a 24mm won’t give you the expansive view of a full-frame camera. A 50mm, however, gains reach, which can be a bonus for certain shots.

Specific Use Cases

Let’s explore specific scenarios where one lens might outshine the other.

Wedding Photography
Weddings demand versatility. For candid moments and portraits, a 50mm lens is my pick. It keeps faces flattering and isolates subjects in busy scenes. During ceremonies, a 24mm lens captures the venue and guests, adding context.

Be cautious with 24mm for close-ups. Distortion can exaggerate features. It’s better for wide shots or environmental portraits.

Event Photography
Events, like weddings, need both wide and tight shots. A 24mm lens captures the stage or crowd’s energy. For speakers or performers, a 50mm lens offers better isolation and a natural look.

I once shot a concert with both. The 24mm got the vibrant crowd, while the 50mm focused on the singer’s expressions.

Travel Photography
Traveling light makes lens choice tough. A 50mm lens handles street shots, portraits, and details, making it my default. A 24mm lens, though, captures landmarks or bustling markets with ease.

For a recent trip to Rome, my 50mm nailed café candids, but the 24mm was perfect for the Colosseum’s grandeur.

Astrophotography
For night sky shots, a 24mm lens is often better. Its wide angle captures more stars and constellations. Fast apertures like f/1.4 help in low light. A 50mm can work for specific celestial objects, but it’s less common.

Product Photography
For product shots, a 50mm lens is ideal. Its lack of distortion ensures accurate shapes, crucial for e-commerce. A 24mm lens can work for lifestyle product shots but risks edge distortion.

Lens Choices by Brand

Different brands offer great 50mm and 24mm lenses. Here are some standouts, based on my experience and reviews from sites like DPReview.

Canon

• 50mm f/1.8 STM: Affordable, sharp, and great for beginners.
• 50mm f/1.4: Better low-light performance and bokeh.
• 24mm f/2.8 STM: Compact for travel and everyday use.
• 24mm f/1.4L II: Professional-grade with superb optics.

Nikon

• 50mm f/1.8G: Sharp and budget-friendly.
• 50mm f/1.4G: Wider aperture for creamy backgrounds.
• 24mm f/2.8G: Lightweight and portable.
• 24mm f/1.4G: High-end for low-light and landscapes.

Sony

• 50mm f/1.8: Versatile for full-frame mirrorless.
• 24mm f/1.4 G Master: Stunning for low-light and wide shots.
• Sony FE 50mm f/1.2 GM: Premium for portrait photographers (Amateur Photographer).

Fujifilm

• 50mm f/2: Equivalent to 75mm on APS-C, great for portraits.
• 23mm f/2: Close to 24mm, a walk-around favorite.

Each lens suits different needs. Your budget and camera system will guide your choice.

Accessories and Complementary Gear

Accessories can elevate your lens performance.

Filters

• UV Filter: Protects the lens from scratches.
• Polarizing Filter: Enhances colors for 24mm landscape shots.
• Neutral Density (ND) Filter: Enables slow shutter speeds for motion blur.

Tripods and Stabilizers

• A tripod ensures sharp 24mm landscape shots at small apertures.
• For 50mm, a stabilizer helps with video or low-light handheld shooting.

Lens Hoods

• Hoods reduce flare and protect both lenses from bumps.

Good accessories make your lenses more versatile and durable.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even pros make mistakes. Here’s how to avoid them.

With 50mm Lens

• Overusing Bokeh: Shooting wide open is tempting, but stop down to f/4 for more depth when needed.
• Ignoring Backgrounds: The 50mm isolates subjects, but a cluttered background can ruin the shot. Check before shooting.

With 24mm Lens

• Distortion Woes: Keep straight lines parallel to the sensor to minimize barrel distortion.
• Overcrowded Frames: Wide angles capture everything. Use leading lines or rule of thirds for clean compositions.

Awareness of these pitfalls will improve your results.

Comparison Table: 50mm vs 24mm Lens

To make the choice between 50mm vs 24mm lens clearer, here’s a comparison:

Aspect	50mm Lens	24mm Lens
Focal Length	50mm	24mm
Field of View	~46° (full-frame)	~84° (full-frame)
Aperture	Often f/1.8, f/1.4	Often f/2.8, f/1.4
Best For	Portraits, street, general use	Landscapes, architecture, travel
Perspective	Natural, minimal distortion	Wider, more distortion at close range
Bokeh	Excellent	Good, but less pronounced
Low Light	Excellent with wide apertures	Good, better for handholding
Size/Weight	Compact, lightweight	Slightly larger, still portable

Decision-Making: Which Lens Should You Choose?

Choosing between a 50mm and a 24mm lens depends on your needs. Here’s how to decide:

• Subject Matter: Portraits? Go 50mm for its flattering perspective. Landscapes or architecture? Pick 24mm for its wide view.
• Camera Type: On full-frame, both shine as described. On APS-C, a 50mm acts like 75-80mm (great for portraits), and a 24mm like 36-38mm (less wide).
• Shooting Style: Love isolating subjects? 50mm is your friend. Want context? 24mm delivers.
• Low-Light Needs: Both handle low light well, but 50mm’s bokeh is superior.
• Portability: Both are compact, but some 24mm lenses, like Canon’s f/2.8, are tiny.
• Budget: Affordable options exist for both, but high-end models vary in cost.

Many photographers own both, as they complement each other. If you’re starting out, a 50mm is versatile and forgiving. Add a 24mm when you need wider shots.

Experimentation is key. Rent or borrow both to test them in your style. The best lens matches your creative vision.

Conclusion

Both 50mm and 24mm lenses are powerful tools. The 50mm excels in portraits and street photography, offering a natural look and stunning bokeh. The 24mm is unmatched for landscapes and architecture, capturing expansive scenes with ease.

With the technical insights, use cases, and tips we’ve covered, you’re equipped to choose wisely. Whether you pick the intimate 50mm or the broad 24mm, both will spark creativity. Start with a 50mm for flexibility, and grab a 24mm when your vision widens.

Photography is about practice, not just gear. Get out, shoot, and find what inspires you!

This article blends my experience with insights from photography resources like DPReview and B&H Photo.

FAQ Section

Hey everyone, I know choosing between a 50mm and a 24mm lens can feel overwhelming—there are so many factors to consider! To help you out, I’ve put together this FAQ section based on some of the most common questions I’ve heard from fellow photographers. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to upgrade your gear, these answers should give you a clearer picture of how these lenses stack up.

1. Which lens is better for portrait photography, 24mm or 50mm?

For portrait photography, the 50mm lens is generally preferred because it offers a natural perspective that closely mimics human vision, resulting in flattering and undistorted images of people. The 24mm lens, while usable for environmental portraits where you want to include more of the surroundings, can cause distortion, especially when used close to the subject, making features like noses appear larger.

2. Which lens is better for landscape photography, 24mm or 50mm?

The 24mm lens is better suited for landscape photography due to its wide field of view, which allows you to capture vast scenes, such as mountains, forests, or cityscapes, in a single frame. The 50mm lens, while capable of landscape shots, is better for more focused compositions or when you want to isolate specific elements within the landscape.

3. What’s the difference in field of view between a 24mm and a 50mm lens?

On a full-frame camera, a 24mm lens provides a field of view of approximately 84 degrees, while a 50mm lens offers about 46 degrees. This means the 24mm lens captures a much wider scene, making it ideal for landscapes and architecture, whereas the 50mm lens provides a narrower view, more similar to what the human eye sees, which is great for portraits and street photography.

4. How do 24mm and 50mm lenses perform in low light conditions?

Both lenses can perform well in low light, especially if they have wide maximum apertures. For example, a 50mm f/1.8 or f/1.4 lens allows more light in, making it excellent for low-light portraiture with beautiful background blur. A 24mm lens with a wide aperture, like f/2.8 or f/1.4, is also good for low light but may not produce as pronounced a bokeh effect due to its wider angle.

5. Can I use both a 24mm and a 50mm lens, and when would I choose one over the other?

Yes, many photographers use both lenses because they serve different purposes. Use the 50mm lens for portraits, street photography, and situations where you want a natural perspective and the ability to isolate your subject. Use the 24mm lens for landscapes, architecture, and when you need to capture a broader scene or include more context in your photographs.

6. Does the type of camera sensor affect how these lenses perform?

Yes, the sensor size affects the effective focal length. On a crop sensor camera (e.g., APS-C with a 1.5x crop factor), a 24mm lens acts like a 36mm lens, and a 50mm lens acts like a 75mm lens. This means the 24mm isn’t as wide on a crop sensor, and the 50mm becomes more of a portrait lens with a slightly telephoto effect.

7. Are there any specific brands that make better 24mm or 50mm lenses?

All major camera manufacturers offer high-quality 24mm and 50mm lenses. The best choice depends on your camera system and specific needs. For instance, Canon’s 50mm f/1.8 STM is popular for its affordability and performance, while Sony’s 24mm f/1.4 G Master is renowned for its sharpness and low-light capabilities. Research lenses compatible with your camera for the best results.

8. How do I choose between a 24mm and a 50mm lens if I can only buy one?

If you primarily shoot portraits or street photography, the 50mm lens is a versatile choice due to its natural perspective and wide aperture options. For landscapes or architecture, the 24mm lens is preferable for its wide field of view. If you’re unsure, starting with a 50mm lens is often recommended as it can handle a variety of situations effectively.

9. What kind of distortion can I expect from each lens?

The 24mm lens, being a wide-angle, may exhibit barrel distortion, where straight lines appear to curve outward, particularly towards the edges. This can be corrected in post-processing. The 50mm lens, considered a normal lens, has minimal distortion and provides a more accurate representation of the scene, making it ideal for applications where distortion needs to be minimized.

10. Can I use a 24mm lens for street photography?

Yes, a 24mm lens can be excellent for street photography, especially if you want to capture the environment and context along with your subjects. However, be cautious with composition to avoid distortion, especially when subjects are close to the lens. The 50mm lens is also great for street photography, offering a more focused view that can make your subjects stand out more prominently.