Sometimes you will hear photographers mention something called a “faster” lens. I own one of these "faster" lenses.
A faster lens will change your life. OK, it might not change your life, but it will sure change your photos.
The lens I have is the Canon 50mm f/1.8. They also make a 50mm f/1.4, but I am cheap frugal. For my purposes, the f/1.8 suits me just fine.
If you have no idea what I am talking about, or what those numbers mean, stay with me.
I will explain myself! With photos!
Do you remember my post explaining aperture? No? Me neither. Why don’t I copy the part that is relevant to today’s post?
Smaller f-stop numbers mean that the lens has a larger opening and that more light hits the sensor. Because THAT MAKES NO SENSE WHATSOEVER.
Larger f-stop numbers means that the lens has a smaller opening and that less light hits the sensor. Because THAT ALSO MAKES NO SENSE WHATSOEVER.
Basically…the lower the f-stop number you use, the larger the opening and the more light that hits your sensor.
More light = FASTER LENS.
The standard 18-55mm lens that came with my camera had f/3.5 as the lowest f-stop number.
The difference between f/3.5 and f/1.8 is pretty phenomenal.
As I also mentioned in my aperture post, the smaller f-stop number allows for a smaller portion of your photos to be in focus while the rest is blurry.
Here is a photo of my baby girl playing peek-a-boo. It's a year old but it is still one of my favorites.
Those were taken with my camera’s f-stop set to f/1.8.
I had a friend ask me if the small point of focus/large amount of blur is all that the lens is good for. The answer is NO!
The reason being that the further you are from the subject of your photo, the more that your subject will be in focus. Let me show you what I mean.
Here is a photo of my three kids dressed in their Sunday best.
My f/stop was set to f/1.8 in this photo as well. We were inside on a cloudy day, and I was able to get a crisp photo of the three of them thanks to my 50mm lens.
I use my 50mm lens more in the winter so that I can take photos inside even though there is little light to work with.
In addition to just being a rock star lens, the 50mm lens gets even better.
I got this extension tube last Christmas to attach to the 50mm lens. It turns your lens into a macro lens. You can be THISCLOSE to things and take neat shots of them.
The above are but a few of the reasons I love my "fast" lens. Give one a try – you'll love it, too.
Angella is a servant of God. She is also a Wife of One and Mom of Three. Apart from this she is a Photographer, a Writer, and a Chartered Accountant. She tries to balance it all and fails miserably. Her daily trials and tribulations are documented at www.dutchblitz.net. Brace yourselves.
Loading ...
Angella, I've been looking at these lenses myself! Now I really want one! Love your pictures.
oooh, I love my 50mm lens, too!! Now I wanna take some pictures!!
My very good friend just convinced me to start shooting with my 50mm.. I am in awe and in love with it.. It is more challenging but the results are worth it.. Now I must stumble this..
I have the 50mm 1.4 and it's incredible. Never comes off my camera, EVER!
Absolutely! I have the f/1.4 and Oh Em Gee is it an awesome lens. I don't shoot with my kit lens at all anymore. Just the 50mm!!
Thanks for this, Angella. I've been looking for a lens that does just that AND I own a Canon, so it's double my luck today!
I love mine too. Nikor, but 50mm nonetheless.
Very cool! I love my 50mm too. Love the look of that extention tube!
love my 50 to death!
I finally put this lens on my Christmas list; the 1.8 so as to not make Santa go broke. Really looking forward to trying it out.
I finally ordered one fo rmy birthday today! I can't wait to get it! I am thinking that this will tide me over until I can afford to get a newer lens for my camera that has IS built in. Thank you so much for posting about this!!!
Beautiful!
What camera do you use this lens with?
I would love to upgrade my camera..and im fairly new to all of this.