
Relating to panorama images, we regularly consider wide-angle lenses that seize the grandeur of sweeping vistas. However what if I informed you {that a} 50mm lens might provide an entire new perspective? Certainly, because of a handful of distinctive options, this compact and unassuming lens has the facility to seize panorama pictures that stand out from the group.
On this article, we’ll discover the facility of the 50mm focal size. First, you’ll uncover why it’s such a good suggestion to make use of 50mm glass when taking pictures landscapes, then I’ll share suggestions and strategies that’ll allow you to elevate your outcomes. And in case you’re struggling to decide on the best 50mm lens, I’ll provide a couple of shopping for suggestions that can assist you out.
So put together to journey into the fascinating realm of 50mm panorama images. Let’s dive proper in!
Causes to make use of a 50mm lens for panorama images

The 50mm lens (often known as the nifty fifty) is a tremendous choice for newbie panorama photographers, and it’s nice for extra skilled shooters, too. On this part, I’ll clarify why – and I hope to persuade you that utilizing 50mm lenses for panorama images generally is a stellar concept!
1. 50mm lenses allow you to deal with what’s essential
A 50mm focal size is on the tighter facet – it’s definitely no broad angle! – and we have a tendency to consider landscapes as sprawling scenes that embrace many parts in a single body.
However do all landscapes require a wide-angle perspective? Can’t we seize the fantastic thing about the realm round us in a tighter package deal? I believe so. For example, an out of doors scene that includes rolling hills and an fascinating tree is extra than sufficient to create a thought-provoking picture with out resorting to a sweeping panorama composition.
Capturing the panorama at 50mm forces you to deal with a very powerful elements of the scene. It’s possible you’ll be tempted to seize all the pieces – the timber, the rocks, the foreground, the background – in a single shot, however at 50mm, it simply can’t be carried out, and that’s a great factor.
Over time, a 50mm lens will prepare you to determine what issues. And also you’ll begin to instinctively exclude unimportant parts out of your scenes.

2. 50mm primes provide excellent picture high quality
One of the best panorama images lenses are sharp from nook to nook. In any case, panorama images highlights even the smallest particulars – the feel of autumn leaves, the swirl of sand on the seashore – so it pays to maximise decision.
Luckily, 50mm primes are extremely sharp, particularly for the fee. To my thoughts, they provide one of the best bang-for-your-buck sharpness of any lens in the marketplace as we speak.
Positive, they’re not good broad open, however stopped all the way down to f/5.6 or so, picture high quality is gorgeous. And narrower apertures, which is the place you’ll possible be taking pictures most of your panorama pictures anyway, will nonetheless yield glorious outcomes.
Many newbie panorama shooters use equipment lenses. And whereas these lenses work okay and might definitely get you some lovely pictures, the sharpness simply isn’t on the identical stage as a 50mm lens.

3. 50mm primes pressure you to take your time
For the reason that 50mm is a chief lens, you’ll get an additional benefit: The one focal size means you may’t simply shoot from anyplace. As an alternative, you’ll want to maneuver round to search out one of the best angle and distance. This routinely forces you to consider your shot, which is at all times a great factor.
With a zoom, you’d possible modify the focal size with out even pondering till the scene is framed in a method that appears good. However whilst you would possibly find yourself with a good shot, the nifty fifty gives you the inducement to take an opportunity and take a look at one thing completely different, whether or not it’s a special approach, a distinct distance, or an uncommon perspective.
In reality, I’d suggest turning this thought course of right into a cautious routine, in case you’re up for it. As quickly as you spy an fascinating topic, take out your digital camera with its trusty 50mm prime. Then put the viewfinder as much as your eye and stroll. Merely head backwards and forwards across the scene till you’ve examined it from a number of instructions. When you’re at it, get down low and even attempt to discover a excessive vantage level.
You’ll come residence with a greater picture (or two, or three). And also you’ll develop into a greater photographer within the course of, as you’re compelled to assume deeply about perspective, composition, and focal size.

4. You possibly can shoot wide-angle scenes in case you actually wish to
Within the earlier sections, I emphasised the worth of isolating a single topic and going tighter. And I stand by what I stated, as a result of 50mm is a great focal size for extra intimate panorama pictures.
Nonetheless, in case you stumble upon a scene that’s simply crying out for a wide-angle area of view, all will not be misplaced. As a result of you may really create wide-angle pictures utilizing a 50mm lens with a little bit inventive panorama stitching.
You see, whereas 50mm isn’t a wide-angle focal size, by taking a number of 50mm pictures and slowly rotating your digital camera, you may create a panorama – which may then be stitched right into a wide-angle picture in Photoshop.
In reality, a nifty fifty panorama panorama might look even extra dramatic than a single wide-angle shot!

5. 50mm lenses are splendidly light-weight and compact
For those who’re critical about panorama images, you’re most likely already lugging round a substantial quantity of substances. Digicam our bodies, different lenses (you don’t exit with only one lens, do you?), tripods; the listing goes on.
The very last thing you want is extra heavy lenses if you’re out and about, proper? However do you know that the Canon 50mm f/1.8 weighs simply 4.6 oz (i.e., 130 g)? It’s additionally impressively small, so it barely takes up any house in your digital camera bag (and you’ll carry it round in a pocket in case you so need).

For a lot of photographers, light-weight lenses deliver freedom. Now not is it a chore to select up your digital camera backpack and head out the door. And you’ll handhold a light-weight setup with out getting drained, which is at all times a bonus.
50mm panorama photograph suggestions
Dedicated to utilizing a 50mm lens to your panorama images however undecided methods to enhance your pictures? On this part, I provide my finest suggestions and strategies for fascinating outcomes!
1. Use a large aperture
Panorama photographers typically shoot virtually solely at slim apertures in a bid to seize the whole scene in sharp focus. However 50mm lenses provide terribly broad most apertures, equivalent to f/1.8 and f/1.4, and you need to use these to rework your panorama pictures.
Embracing the broad aperture capabilities of your 50mm lens opens up a world of prospects. By using a wider aperture, you may unleash the fantastic thing about background blur. This fascinating impact will assist draw consideration to your topic, separating it from the background and infusing a way of depth and artistry into your pictures.

To profit from a wide-aperture strategy, I like to recommend figuring out a transparent level of focus inside your panorama – that’s, a topic that engages the viewer. It may very well be a solitary tree, a crashing wave, or a fragile flower. Then, by positioning your self comparatively near the topic and dialing in a large aperture, you may create a dreamy, painterly background that units your picture aside from conventional panorama images.
Observe, nonetheless, that wielding the facility of a large aperture requires precision and finesse. With a shallow depth of area, the window for attaining sharp focus turns into smaller. It’s essential to take the time to rigorously focus in your chosen topic. Don’t be afraid to experiment and take a look at completely different focus factors as wanted.
2. Watch your depth of area
Within the earlier tip, I talked about utilizing a large aperture to create shallow depth-of-field results. Nonetheless, even in case you’re planning to seize pictures which are sharp all through, you’ll have to pay very cautious consideration to your depth of area.
Why? The longer the focal size, the narrower the depth of area will develop into. And since 50mm lenses are far longer than typical panorama glass, the depth of area can be considerably narrower (all else being equal).
It’s nonetheless very potential to maintain the whole shot sharp from entrance to again, however you’ll want a narrower aperture than you’d in any other case use, and you may additionally have to focus rigorously on the hyperfocal distance. (It could possibly assist to make use of a hyperfocal distance calculator, which you’ll find in images apps like PhotoPills.)
By the way in which, in case you’re struggling to get all the pieces in focus, don’t be afraid to seize a number of pictures with barely completely different focus factors simply to be protected. You can too use a focus-stacking approach, the place you bracket your focus after which mix the ensuing pictures collectively in post-processing.
3. Search out patterns and geometry
Whereas wide-angle lenses are incredible for capturing huge scenes and sweeping vistas, your trusty 50mm enables you to hone in on particular parts throughout the panorama. Utilizing the 50mm focal size, you may zero in on fascinating topics and take a extra summary strategy to your compositions.
So as an alternative of simply seeing landscapes as a set of objects, I encourage you to shift your perspective and begin pondering by way of shapes, strains, and repetition. Search for fascinating areas of symmetry, concord, and rhythm among the many parts within the panorama.

I do know this would possibly sound a bit difficult, however belief me: Fairly quickly, it’ll develop into second nature. Additionally, don’t get discouraged in case your first makes an attempt don’t instantly yield mind-blowing outcomes. Like several talent, it takes observe and a eager eye to develop. Hold at it, and also you’ll witness speedy enchancment.
The wonderful thing about patterns and geometry is that they exist all over the place round us. From the intricate strains of a tree’s branches to the rhythmic waves crashing in opposition to the shore, there’s an limitless provide of visible magic ready to be captured. So the following time you’re out in nature, preserve an eye fixed out for these hidden compositions!
4. Seize intimate panorama pictures
You is perhaps pondering, “Wait a minute, isn’t panorama images all about huge, sweeping vistas?” However whereas these expansive scenes are undeniably fascinating, there’s an entire world of magnificence ready to be captured – if you understand what to do.
You see, 50mm lenses have a tendency to supply very spectacular close-up capabilities. They don’t boast true macro magnifications, however you will get shut sufficient to file all types of breathtaking little particulars, and you need to use that functionality to create splendidly intimate pictures.
For example, you may seize little scenes on the forest ground that characteristic autumn leaves, or miniature still-life pictures of flowers and grasses in a prairie. These pictures typically really feel very significant and might do an incredible job of actually speaking the essence of a panorama.

What makes the 50mm focal size notably well-suited for intimate panorama pictures is its potential to duplicate what your eyes see. It captures the scene in a method that feels pure, showcasing the intricate particulars simply as a real-life viewer would understand them.
So how are you going to begin exploring this fascinating side of 50mm panorama images? It’s easy: Stand up shut and private with the world round you. Begin wanting down on the forest ground and pausing to take a look at your environment. Search these small parts that always go unnoticed however possess immense magnificence and significance.
For those who haven’t examined your 50mm lens’s close-up capabilities, now’s the proper time! Spend a while exploring the world at most magnification and see what you may create!
5. Watch the background
Completely different lenses trigger photographers to assume in numerous methods. Large-angle lenses, with their expansive area of view, are inclined to get you fascinated with the whole scene and all the pieces in it. However 50mm lenses are inclined to encourage you to assume by way of particular topics: timber, mountains, lakes, grasses, and so forth.
This isn’t a nasty factor – the truth is, it may be an effective way to seize distinctive pictures. Nonetheless, it does typically include a major consequence: It could possibly pressure you to deal with the topic and ignore the background behind it.
Nonetheless, the background is a vital a part of each panorama shot, and it’s crucial that you just rigorously compose with the background in thoughts. You need it to enhance the foreground and midground, not distract.
As you shoot, ask your self: Does the background complement and improve the temper and narrative of my shot? Or does it distract from the primary focus? For those who discover any distractions or parts that don’t fairly work, merely make some changes. Transfer round, change your perspective, or discover a completely different vantage level to make sure a extra pleasing background. Generally, taking a couple of steps to the facet or getting nearer to your topic could make a world of distinction.
Don’t be afraid to experiment and take your time to search out the proper background. Bear in mind, endurance is essential in panorama images. By investing a little bit additional effort in composing with a considerate background, you may elevate your pictures from good to breathtaking.
6. Create on-the-go panorama pictures
As a panorama photographer, you understand that capturing these magical moments in nature typically requires being in the best place on the proper time. And typically these alternatives current themselves if you least anticipate them. That’s the place the compact dimension of a 50mm lens makes such a distinction – it gives you the flexibleness to be prepared for these fleeting moments, regardless of the place you might be.
Particularly, I encourage you to discover a light-weight digital camera, mount your 50mm lens on it, and carry it with you wherever you go. That method, in case you’re driving to work and the world outdoors your windshield transforms into a wide ranging scene, you may pull over and seize it – because of your moveable 50mm panorama setup. (For those who plan on stopping regularly, it’s a good suggestion to depart early so you may take your pictures with out critical stress!)

After all, you don’t must be driving to search out good images alternatives. Nature is throughout, even in essentially the most city areas! In order you go about your each day routines, preserve an attentive eye for extraordinary mild and fascinating compositions. While you spot that good second, you may merely cease, take a deep breath, and permit your 50mm lens to do its magic.
For those who do carry your panorama gear round on a regular basis, take steps to maintain it protected. Retailer it out of sight in case you plan to let it sit in your automobile, and ensure it doesn’t get uncovered to the weather if you’re strolling round (I’d suggest investing in a great waterproof digital camera bag).
One of the best 50mm lenses for panorama images

For those who’re attempting to find a high-quality 50mm lens to {photograph} landscapes, I’m comfortable to say that you’re spoiled for selection; just about each digital camera producer gives one (and usually extra) nice lens within the 50mm vary. These lenses are inclined to boast glorious optics and broad most apertures, they usually’re additionally impressively low-cost.
Listed here are a couple of fast suggestions, damaged down by digital camera kind and producer:
For those who’re a Canon DSLR photographer, then try the EF 50mm f/1.8 STM, which is maybe one of the best finances lens ever made and is definitely a superb 50mm panorama lens. Extra critical shooters would possibly contemplate the EF 50mm f/1.4 USM for its barely wider aperture. Canon mirrorless customers ought to seize the RF 50mm f/1.8 STM, although professionals who plan to make use of the lens for non-landscape functions might wish to spring for the (extraordinarily costly) RF 50mm f/1.2L USM.
Nikon DSLR photographers should buy the AF-S 50mm f/1.8G, which is sharp and fairly priced, or the AF-S 50mm f/1.4G, which prices extra however boasts excellent bokeh. Z-mount photographers should purchase the Z 50mm f/1.8 S; it’s dearer than you would possibly anticipate for a 50mm lens, however the high quality is great. Nikon does promote a Z 50mm f/1.2 S, although like its Canon counterpart, it doesn’t come low-cost.
Lastly, Sony shooters ought to try the FE 50mm f/1.8 lens, the FE 50mm f/1.4 GM lens, and the FE 50mm f/1.2 GM lens. The f/1.8 model is the lightest of the bunch, and it’s the least costly, too – so until you’re planning to shoot portraits or occasions along with your panorama work, it’s most likely your best option.
50mm panorama images: last phrases
All lenses and focal lengths have benefits and downsides, and the case can definitely be made for utilizing wider glass. However the 50mm prime lens is a good choice for panorama images, particularly in case you’re a newbie; it is going to make you assume in another way about your pictures, it is going to free you from the constraints of a heavy setup, and it’ll give you clear, sharp pictures.
So in case you don’t personal one already, go forward and purchase a Nifty Fifty. And as soon as it’s arrived, mount it to your digital camera, head out, and luxuriate in some panorama taking pictures!
Now over to you:
Do you utilize a 50mm lens for panorama images? Why or why not? Share your ideas within the feedback beneath!
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GENERAL
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PREPARATION
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SETTINGS
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LIGHTING
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COMPOSITION
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GEAR
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ADVANCED GUIDES
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CREATIVE TECHNIQUES
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POST-PROCESSING
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INSPIRATION