When you’re picking out a lens, choosing between so many focal lengths, brands, and features can be overwhelming. But if one lens consistently earns a place in the bags of amateurs and pros alike, it’s the 35mm lens. This versatile piece of glass has been a go-to for decades, and for good reason.
Whether you’re shooting street photography, portraits, travel, or even weddings, a 35mm lens offers a perfect blend of image quality, usability, and creative freedom. In this article, we’ll explore five compelling reasons why every photographer—no matter their skill level—should have a 35mm lens in their kit.
Table of Contents
- A 35mm Lens is the Perfect Balance Between Wide and Tight
- A 35mm Lens Forces Creative Framing and Composition
- Low-Light Performance and Shallow Depth of Field are Excellent in a 35mm Lens
- You Can Find Used 35mm Lenses for Cheap
- This is a True Everyday Lens
- Gear Up and Get Out There!
A 35mm Lens is the Perfect Balance Between Wide and Tight
Photo by Deon van Zyl on Unsplash (license)
One of the most attractive features of a 35mm lens is how naturally it renders scenes. On a full-frame camera, the 35mm focal length closely mimics the human field of view. It’s wider than a 50mm, giving you more context in the frame, but not so wide that you get unwanted distortion or exaggerated perspective.
This balance makes the 35mm lens incredibly versatile. It’s ideal for street photography, where you want to capture candid moments in context. It’s also fantastic for environmental portraits—images that showcase a subject along with the background elements that help tell their story. Travel photographers love it, too, because it allows them to capture landscapes, architecture, and people without changing lenses every few minutes.
Another advantage is that you don’t have to stand too far back or get uncomfortably close to your subject. The 35mm lens allows for intimate, personal shots while still including enough of the surroundings to maintain narrative depth. Get more details about shooting with a 35mm lens in the video above by The Bergreens.
So whether you’re shooting a bustling street market or a quiet moment at home, the 35mm lens hits that sweet spot between wide and tight, giving you storytelling flexibility that few other focal lengths can offer.
A 35mm Lens Forces Creative Framing and Composition
Photo by Andrew Petrischev on Unsplash (license)
One of the best ways to grow as a photographer is to use a prime lens, and a 35mm lens is a perfect choice for this. Unlike zoom lenses that allow you to change focal lengths with a twist of the wrist, a 35mm prime lens requires you to physically move to recompose your shot. This limitation is actually a creative advantage.
When you’re using a 35mm lens, you start to see the world differently. You become more deliberate about your angles, your distances, and your backgrounds. This conscious approach helps sharpen your compositional skills in a way that zoom lenses rarely do.
Many photographers report that they take better photos with a 35mm lens simply because it slows them down—in a good way. You begin to pre-visualize your shots more accurately and make smarter decisions about what’s worth including in the frame.
Over time, this kind of intentional shooting will train your eye, improve your photographic intuition, and ultimately make you a better photographer. The 35mm lens encourages you to work the scene, explore different perspectives, and be more thoughtful about every frame you capture.
Low-Light Performance and Shallow Depth of Field are Excellent in a 35mm Lens
Photo by FRANCESCO TOMMASINI on Unsplash (license)
Another significant advantage of many 35mm lenses is their wide maximum apertures. Whether it’s f/1.8, f/1.4, or even f/1.2, these lenses are built to perform in low-light situations. That makes them an excellent choice for indoor photography, golden hour portraits, and nighttime street scenes.
The large aperture also gives you the ability to create a beautiful shallow depth of field. You can isolate your subject with creamy, aesthetically pleasing background blur—often referred to as “bokeh”—which adds a professional polish to your images.
Photo by FRANCESCO TOMMASINI on Unsplash (license)
A 35mm lens offers this shallow depth of field while still keeping some of the background in view, which is perfect for storytelling. You can highlight your subject without completely erasing the environment, making your images feel more grounded and authentic.
If you’re shooting with a crop sensor camera, a 35mm lens offers an effective focal length of around 50mm, which still gives you excellent low-light capabilities and attractive background blur. Whether you’re capturing a romantic wedding scene or a moody café moment, the 35mm lens delivers beautiful, sharp, and vibrant results.
You Can Find Used 35mm Lenses for Cheap
One of the most underrated benefits of the 35mm lens is its affordability—especially when you buy used. There are tons of high-quality 35mm lenses available in the second-hand market, making it easy to find one that suits your camera system and budget.
A fantastic place to shop for used 35mm lenses is MPB. MPB is a trusted online platform that specializes in buying and selling used camera gear. Their inventory is constantly changing, so you’re likely to find the exact lens you’re looking for, whether it’s for Canon, Nikon, Sony, Fujifilm, or another brand.
Photo by Radek Skrzypczak on Unsplash (license)
MPB offers a six-month warranty on most of their items, giving you peace of mind with your purchase. They also have a seven-day return window, which is a nice amenity if you want to test the lens out and make sure it’s a good fit for your needs. Add in excellent customer service and fast shipping times, and it’s easy to see why so many photographers choose MPB to outfit their kits.
So, if you’re a beginner looking for your first prime lens, a seasoned shooter adding a backup to your gear bag, or something in between, finding a used 35mm lens through MPB is a smart and economical choice.
This is a True Everyday Lens
Photo by Savelie Antipov on Unsplash (license)
Ask any seasoned photographer to name their favorite walk-around lens, and chances are good they’ll say a 35mm lens. That’s because it’s lightweight, compact, and can handle just about any shooting situation. From spontaneous street shots to planned portraits to wide food photos, the 35mm lens really can do it all.
Its compact size makes it easy to take anywhere. You’re more likely to carry your camera when it’s paired with a 35mm lens, simply because it doesn’t weigh you down. This means more opportunities to shoot, more chances to experiment, and more memories captured.
The 35mm lens also reduces decision fatigue. You don’t have to worry about which lens to use in a given situation—it just works. Whether you’re at a family barbecue, on a weekend hike, or exploring a new city, the 35mm is a no-fuss, reliable option that rarely lets you down.
For many photographers, the 35mm lens becomes the default choice—the one they keep on their camera more than any other. It’s a true everyday lens that’s ready for anything life throws your way.
Gear Up and Get Out There!
Photo by William Thomas on Unsplash (license)
There are plenty of lenses out there, but few offer the mix of versatility, quality, and creative freedom that a 35mm lens provides. From its natural perspective to its low-light capabilities, budget-friendly used options, and everyday practicality, the 35mm lens is a must-have tool for any photographer.
So if you’ve been on the fence about adding one to your gear bag, now’s the time. Whether you go brand new or opt for a used model from a trusted platform like MPB, you’re making an investment in better photography. With a 35mm lens in your hands, the possibilities are endless!
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