The 35mm lens has long been a favorite of photographers and filmmakers for its versatility and natural field of view. This classic focal length captures scenes with minimal distortion and gives you the flexibility to create almost any framing you need. In this article, we'll explore three reasons why a 35mm lens should be part of your photography and video toolkit, supported by memorable scenes from iconic films that have utilized this exceptional lens.
Versatility and Natural Field of View
The 35mm lens falls into the category of wide-angle lenses, but its field of view is remarkably close to that of human vision. It is what makes this our personal favourite focal length for photography. The natural perspective makes gives you the ability to shoot street photography and environmental portraits to landscapes and architectural shots. In filmmaking, the 35mm lens is ideal for establishing shots and medium close-ups, allowing for a sense of space and context while maintaining a connection with the subject.
In Wes Anderson's "The Grand Budapest Hotel" (2014), the 35mm lens was used extensively by cinematographer Robert Yeoman to establish the film's unique visual style. The lens allowed for symmetrical compositions and detailed wide shots, while still providing a natural perspective that makes the characters and their surroundings feel connected and immersive.
Low Light Performance and Depth of Field
With a typically fast/wide aperture (f/1.8 or f/1.4), the 35mm lens performs well in low-light situations, making it a popular choice for indoor and nighttime photography and videography. Additionally, the wide aperture allows for a shallower depth of field compared to wider lenses, which can be used to create a subtle separation between the subject and background, adding depth and dimension to the image or scene.
Almost all of the major lens manufacturers offer a 35mm millimetre with f-stops so fast that when you couple it especially with a full frame sensor, your camera will almost be able to see in the dark.
In Alfonso Cuarón's "Children of Men" (2006), cinematographer Emmanuel Lubezki made extensive use of the 35mm lens, particularly during the film's famous long takes. The lens's low-light capabilities and shallow depth of field allowed Lubezki to create a sense of intimacy and tension in the dystopian world, bringing viewers closer to the characters and their struggles.
Compact and Unobtrusive
The 35mm lens is often smaller and lighter than other focal lengths, making it an excellent choice for photographers and filmmakers who need to work discreetly or travel light. Its unobtrusive nature also helps put subjects at ease, enabling more candid and natural captures. In filmmaking, the 35mm lens is perfect for handheld or Steadicam shots, providing a stable and natural perspective without the need for bulky equipment. The Sony 35mm f/1.8 and similar are the perfect size for those that always leave their camera stuck on a gimbal.
In the Coen Brothers' "No Country for Old Men" (2007), cinematographer Roger Deakins employed the 35mm lens in several key scenes to create a sense of unease and impending danger. The lens's compact nature allowed Deakins to move quickly and unobtrusively, capturing the actors' intense performances and the stark, desolate landscapes that define the film's visual language.
2 Types of Shoots That Always Need a 35mm
If you do any of the following work with your camera, you should stop what you are doing and buy a 35mm lens right now:
- Family Photos - Since 35mm requires you to be a bit closer to your subject than if you have a telephoto lens, using this lens for family photos is the perfect solution, because you can probably get much closer to your family, than to random strangers to take a photo. In doing that you will have an excellent subject with some surrounding detail so it is complete with context to however is looking at the image.
- Weddings - You could almost be brave and shoot a whole wedding with just a 35mm lens. The reason being is that you "zoom with your feet" to get those close intimate shots, but then keep your distance to get some nice wide shots of family and friends together.
We could keep going but the fact is 35mm can do everything you need it to, you just have to be a bit creative with walking around and framing the shot. It is the lens that doesn't do one thing amazing and the rest hopeless. It is just the one lens you need that does everything right and makes you do all the hard work to get the most out of it.