Shooting events w/ primes: Anyone use BOTH 35mm and 50mm?

So mostly for events when people use primes, it seems like there's some spread there - something like a 24,50, 85 or 35 85 135 seems popular.

But once in a while I encounter posts where photographers state they like to use BOTH a 35mm and 50mm.

For those of you who may do this, I'm curious what kind of shots you like to use the 35mm for, and what kind of shots you prefer a 50mm.

The Dark Knight wrote in post #17197437
So mostly for events when people use primes, it seems like there's some spread there - something like a 24,50, 85 or 35 85 135 seems popular.

But once in a while I encounter posts where photographers state they like to use BOTH a 35mm and 50mm.

For those of you who may do this, I'm curious what kind of shots you like to use the 35mm for, and what kind of shots you prefer a 50mm.

I don't have 35 and 50 primes, but I do use a 50 and a 20-35L. I use the 50 as a go-to default for general purpose and for 2 people group or general candids.

When I have the 20-35 on and use the 35 end, I use it for standard group shots and group candids, or candids where I want some more of the setting. Sometimes in tight spaces, I can't use a 50 for these.

I think a 35 AND 50 prime is a bit too similar to carry around though. That's why I use the 20-35 zoom. It does the job of a 35 AND a 20, 24, 28. When I'm going wide, I don't need the speed of a prime anyway. This is especially true if you have a 35 2.8. It's more compact but the 20-35L would do the same, or any wide angle 2.8 zoom. If you're on crop body, a Sigma 18-35 would fill both roles nicely.

Yes that 20-35 out of production lens seems good value, doubted in past to order one from Ebay but on the wide side every extra mm is a big difference.

I have both, 35 is for environmental stuff, 50 for halfbody shots.
I'm also a prime shooter, for party's (nightclub) I used a Sigma 15 2.8 fisheye.

The 35 1.4 Art is great allround, Tamron 24-70 2.8 VC was also great!

If my 35 IS and 50 1.4 ever leave the house at the same time, it will be 35 on FF and 50 on crop. Both on either format by itself doesn't make much sense.

I hate 50's on full frame, they're boring IMO. With a 35mm you can use it for a group shot, environmental portrait or half to full body portrait. It's my favorite focal length.

Rather have a 35/85 combo than 35/50.

GeoKras1989 wrote in post #17197867
If my 35 IS and 50 1.4 ever leave the house at the same time, it will be 35 on FF and 50 on crop. Both on either format by itself doesn't make much sense.

That !

24/50/85 make sens
35/85/135 make sens

35/50 IMO the difference is too tiny ... But, hey, every one is free

For me the 35 and 50 are too close - but some like it. I too prefer the 35/85/135.

Though I could also see myself with a 24/50/100.

jimewall wrote in post #17197969
For me the 35 and 50 are too close - but some like it. I too prefer the 35/85/135.

Though I could also see myself with a 24/50/100.

Yes me too (even if i'm a 85 FL lover)
IMO the difference between the 85 and the 100 is tiny as the 35 and the 50

Put me in the 35, 85, 135 camp on full frame. I can do without a 50.

The Dark Knight wrote in post #17197437
So mostly for events when people use primes, it seems like there's some spread there - something like a 24,50, 85 or 35 85 135 seems popular.

But once in a while I encounter posts where photographers state they like to use BOTH a 35mm and 50mm.

For those of you who may do this, I'm curious what kind of shots you like to use the 35mm for, and what kind of shots you prefer a 50mm.

Heya,

I shoot parties often, and I really go for 35mm over 50mm. I like having more context and being able to get closer. I also like the slight distortion, it gives it a look. That's the benefit of 35mm, more context, more story, more content.

And I shoot 85mm on the other camera for the more candid/portrait stuff.

Very best,

With FF,

• 28mm for moderate size group shots in somewhat confined spaces, like shooting 6x9' area from 7' away
  
• 50mm for couples 3x5' area from 7' away
  

35 85 135

I have the 35 Art - 50 Art - 85L I (the 50 1.4 Art is my latest lens).
This weekend i'm going to check if I will keep all 35 or 50 Art (the 50 is only a few steps back to have 35, I recently bought the 16-35 also).

Then my 50 & 85 are still close, but 50 Art has nicer bokeh than 35 Art.
50 is for half body and 85 for closeup portraits.

What would you do? Difficult decisions!

I have a question....

Does your event have ample light for an f/2.8 zoom? or is fast glass a requirement due to lack of light?

If lighting is good I prefer using zooms simply because of versatility and huge variance in perspective as you adjust focal length and foot zoom with your feet. If your shooting very low light to the point of requiring flash the zoom is very handy vs using a flash/prime lens combo. Or at least one prime to increase subject/background separation.

If primes is a must I'd rather use my 24Lmk2 and 85L. Cropping abilities can help you with the 24mm if you must crop. At least the 24mm can give you a wider shot for story telling and you can always crop in post. With a 50mm prime sometimes I feel "i wish I had a wider lens" since you may cut off facial expressions of guest/colleague/family members while events occur during your documentation. This is why I'll have another camera with a longer lens to isolate emotions of mom/dads/grandparents/​friends facial expressions.

Even though I own a canon 50mm it has a nice layer of dust on it because I hate the FL on a full frame. My personal opinion for my style/application. For portraits I'd rather use an 85mm and for story telling I'll use a wider lens for more environmental background information behind the subject.

Look at the photos taken with a 50mm and you'll see more attention to subject matter. Use a 16-35 zoom, 24mm, 35mm you'll see more information about the "events occuring" as you document the subjects.

If I "own the floor" and using flash or available light I'd rather use a 16-35mm on one camera and a 70-200/ or 85mm on the other (or a 135L if I owned one). This way you can document on the UWA, WA and close up shot for more details of candid/emotional reactions at events.

If flash is not allowed this is where I'll obviously use primes only.

Dig in your toolbox and use the tools for covering full ground to the best of your (and lens) abilities.

I can make the 24mm/85mm combo work with a full frames. However in some cases I'd rather have a quick UWA shot then immediately shoot 24mm or 35mm with a 16-35L mk2 f/2.8.