They call it nifty for a reason.
After years of being a cheap ass, I finally bought myself a 50mm lens.
I’ve wanted a 50mm lens for years… 50mm was my first lens, but for whatever reason I switched to mostly shooting with a 35mm as I became a professional. I guess the wider angle gave me more options for documentary photography. But lately…I’m getting shy. I don’t enjoy getting as close as I used to. I think after almost twenty years of shooting, I’m feeling a bit fried. My other main lens - an 85mm - was just a bit too tight, the 35mm too wide…For years I just felt like it was an unnecessary expense, but I finally bit the bullet and got a 50mm 2.5 for my Sony AR7III (my main digital body).
I love it. The lens is small and has an aperture ring that I find super fun because it has that film photography feel. Shooting wildlife felt a bit simpler. I could get close, but not so close as to disturb the animal while still compressing enough of the background.
Playing with details and layering is a joy. And for me…the size helps. The lens is tiny and keeps my kit small. Having the one lens while I am out walking makes me focus on light and composition. Its taking me back to being a young photographer again.
All of this to say. What? Well… I almost always recommend to my students that they just shoot with what they have. Buying camera gear is a trap. For the most part, its not going to help you become a better shooter. Especially if your compositions are still no good, and you are missing light opportunities. Despite that truth though - sometimes a new piece of kit helps get you excited. Its one of the more unfortunate realities of being raised in a capitalist society - a new toy still is exciting. I think for me, having not bought a new piece of gear in about six years, finally investing in some new lenses, is opening up some what has otherwise been stagnant creativity.