There’s something special about the 50mm lens. It’s a classic prime lens that has been used for many years by photographers and filmmakers alike. This type of lens is perfect for a variety of different shooting scenarios, and it offers a unique perspective that can’t be found with any other kit lens.
Some of the reasons why the 50mm is so popular in the world of filmmaking. The 50mm is a great lens. It’s perfect for shooting both wide shots and close-ups. This versatility makes it a great option for filmmakers who want to be able to capture a variety of different types of shots.
Another reason the 50mm lens is so popular is because of the shallow depth of field also called bokeh it produces. This depth of field can help to create a more cinematic look, and it’s often used by filmmakers to add a bit of production value to their films.
Do you need a nifty 50?
There are many reasons why a filmmaker might need a 50mm lens. For one, 50mm lenses are great for capturing video footage. This is because they provide a wide field of view, which is perfect for shooting videos. Additionally, 50mm lenses are also known for their low-light performance, making them ideal for filming in dimly lit environments.
Finally, the 50mm lens is what is called a “prime” lens, meaning that it cannot zoom in or out. This can be seen as a benefit or a downside, depending on the needs of the filmmaker. However, overall, 50mm lenses offer a lot of advantages for filmmakers and videographers.
Filmmakers often refer to the 50mm lens as the “nifty” or the “nifty fifty” because they are so versatile. If you’re just starting out in filmmaking, a 50mm lens is an obvious choice for your next film project. Here are some of the benefits:
Natural perspective
50mm prime lenses capture a natural perspective, just like the human eye. This is because 50mm lenses mimic the field of view of the human eye, which is about 50mm wide. This makes them perfect for capturing footage that feels natural and realistic.
Wide field of view
A wide-angle lens such as the 50mm, is a type of prime lens that offers a wider field of view than other types of lenses. This makes them ideal for shooting in tight spaces or when you need to capture a lot of the scene or an epic background in the frame.
Wide maximum aperture
50mm prime lenses offer some of the best performance of any type of lens. This is because they have a large aperture (the opening at the front of the lens), which allows more light to enter the lens and hit the sensor. This results in brighter images and video footage, even in low-light conditions.
Sharp image
One of the benefits of using prime lenses is that they produce a sharper image quality than zoom lenses. This is because prime lenses have a fixed focal length, whereas zoom lenses have multiple focal lengths that can be adjusted. This makes prime lenses a better choice for video shooters who want the highest quality image possible.
Shallow depth of field
Another great thing about prime lenses is that they have a wide aperture, allowing you to achieve a shallow depth of field. This means that you can make your subject stand out from the background by blurring it out. This is a great technique for making your videos look more professional and cinematic.
Lightweight and Compact
Prime lenses don’t have zoom capabilities. This makes them lighter and smaller, which is ideal for filmmakers who are always on the go. The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens weighs in at only 159 grams.
Affordable
Good camera lenses can easily be more expensive than the camera itself, however, this is not the case with most 50mm prime lenses. for example, the current price for the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens is only $125.00, making it one of the most affordable lenses you can buy.
Conclusion
If I were working on a film production or video project but had to do the job using only one lens, I would be hard-pressed to choose anything other than the nifty 50!
A 50mm prime lens is an essential piece of equipment for any filmmaker or videographer. This type of lens offers a wide range of benefits, including a natural perspective, a wide field of view, low-light performance, and the ability to achieve a shallow depth of field.
Additionally, 50mm lenses are affordable and lightweight, making them easy to transport and use. If you’re just starting out in filmmaking, make sure to add a 50mm prime lens to your kit! You might just find that it’s your new favorite lens.
Braidon Thorn is an independent filmmaker, actor and Grand Poobah of braidonthorn.com
