50mm | Setting The Standard

On my way to The Hospital, I decided to create some images with my Full Frame D700 and the classic 50mm 1.4.

I chose this Frame of 50mm just to consolidate my database of knowledge.

The 50mm Lens is called a Standard Lens, this means it matches the natural field of view of how we see.

This doesn’t work for me due to my detached retina and seeing out of my right eye only. Being right eye dominant means my natural vision is NOT like other peoples.

As you all know, my natural Frame is 28mm, my sweet spot is The Classic Frame 35mm. The 50mm is the final part of this classic trilogy of Standard Focal Lengths.

The great photographers like Henri Cartier Bresson and Elliot Erwitt used one Lens through their entire career and lives, the 50mm.

One thing I noticed is I personally have to work the scene a little bit more to create the Frame I want.

The 50mm is a tighter Frame than the 28mm and 35mm. This means there is nothing in my Frame that I don’t need or want or doesn’t contribute. I am still thinking about where and how I would best use this tighter Frame.

The image above is an example of how I zoomed in by walking closer to seal off my edges and deliver clean Frame.

The 50mm requires a lot of room - it is best used out doors. I noticed how I was looking farther in front me, observing life approaching me.

My normal telephoto vision is 70mm.

I know this because the 50mm on my DX body with that 1.5 crop factor gives me a perfect and normal Frame of any given subject.

The 50mm on my D700 gives me a little more breathing space.

My eyes are funny, I don’t see with perfect 20/20 vision. This means I experience a little visual confusion when using this Lens on a Full Frame D700. I can make it work and create an image, so its all good.

This is why my favourite Lens on my D700 is the Nikkor 28-70mm F3.5-4.5; my two perfect focal length 28mm & 70mm; with 35mm & 50mm in between. This means I have the perfect Lens for Street Photography.

On my Fuji X-System, the stunning XF18-55 is my perfect Street Lens equivalent.

Today gave me a lovely surprise.

I saw some Monks outside The Hospital. One of them was photographing. I said hello, I asked where they were from. Thailand they said and living in Wimbledon.

I couldn’t let this opportunity pass - it’s not everyday I met Ajahn Monks from Thailand. I asked them if could make a photograph of them.

They were very kind and generous.

The 50mm Lens as a Portrait Lens can work providing I step back and capture a full length or three quarter shot. Not head and shoulders - this will cause facial distortion - not very flattering.

So today has been a good exercise. I am convinced about my natural visual Frame: 28mm & 70mm.

I will take into account the right focal length for a given subject.

Thanks for reading.