Prime Lenses and Filter Question

sheep?

I have a bit of extra cash, and feeling the itch to move on from my kit lens and I've settled on a 50mm f/1.8 here (especially since I'm interested in getting into portraiture and messing with depth of field. Is this a good choice? Or is a 35mm one a better choice? I just like the idea of the f/1.8).

I have a more specific question about filters. A lot of the information I'm reading recommends investing in one of two types of filter, a UV or a ND one. I'm assuming this is because of the low aperture settings. I'm not sure which one is more useful though. Any advice or recommendations on one? Are they even worth getting?

Thanks in advance, and please excuse the newbieness!

pixbyjohn

For portraiture I don't think you need any filter. Are you using a crop sensor camera, if so that 50mm f1.8 will be a nice portrait lens and very cheap.

sheep?

You'll have to excuse my ignorance on this, but a crop sensor camera, I'm assuming this is a sensor smaller than 35mm? If it is, then yes I'm using an APS-C (Pentax K-R).

I suppose I was thinking about the filter incase I went a rambling with the prime. Sure than can wait for another day. New lens, here I come. :P

Thanks very much for the help!

D.S.

For portraiture - it depends on your style but longer lenses generally work better (you get a compression effect which is generally flattering to your subject while you also can put some distance between you and the subject). 85mm lens or longer are great.

That said you can still take cracking portraiture shots with wider lenses - just a different look. If you are not sure - just have a scan online (flickr / pinterest etc) and you can see how the Field of View / Compression differs across the different lenses.

The wider your lens the better if you want the bokeh look so f1.8 will be great.

Wouldn't bother with filters myself. There's no need and you'll have all the flexibility you need in post anyway.

pixbyjohn

D.S. wrote: »

The wider your lens the better if you want the bokeh look so f1.8 will be great.

Wouldn't bother with filters myself. There's no need and you'll have all the flexibility you need in post anyway.

The 50mm on his crop frame will be approx 75mm equivalent so should be grand for starters. I certainly agree with your post.

D.S.

pixbyjohn wrote: »

The 50mm on his crop frame will be approx 75mm equivalent so should be grand for starters. I certainly agree with your post.

Would you believe I randomly saw this in Facebook just now. Thought it would be useful to post

CabanSail

The 50mm on a cropped body is a good choice for portraiture and f1.8 is great for shallow depth of field.


The focal length is not the important specification but rather the distance from the subject.