All-Around Travel Lens: 35mm or 50mm?
Choosing the right travel lens can make or break your photography adventures. Two lenses I often find myself debating between are the 35mm and the 50mm. Both are iconic in their own ways, so I decided to take them both with me and compare how they differ during a trip to the Alps.
For the first few days, I used only the Olympus 17mm f/1.8, which has a full-frame equivalent of 35mm. This allowed me to capture the wide landscapes of the Alps in southern Germany and the Stubaier Alps in Austria, as well as some scenic views from the car. For the towering peaks of the Dolomites and the distant views of the French Alps near Mont Blanc, I chose the Olympus 25mm f/1.8, with a full-frame equivalent of 50mm.
35mm
The 35mm lens is a fantastic choice for photographers who enjoy capturing entire scenes. Its versatility makes it ideal for documentary photography, whether you’re shooting bustling streets, wide landscapes or a day with friends and family. For me, it’s the perfect “just in case” lens when I’m taking a walk.
This focal length also shines in environmental portraits and works well when the focus is on the overall setting rather than an individual subject. If you’re unsure which lens to start with, the 35mm is an excellent starting point. It offers a natural field of view similar to how we see the world, providing a broad perspective to capture the bigger picture. With a little cropping, you can also zoom in on specific elements when needed.
The Natural 50mm
The 50mm lens is a staple for photographers who prioritize their subjects. Unlike the 35mm, which feels up close and personal, the 50mm creates a sense of distance—like observing from just a few steps away. It’s the lens I reach for when the subject takes center stage.
Although you can still capture broader scenes with a 50mm, the composition works best when your subjects are slightly farther out. This lens is my favorite for moments when I want to refine my technique or focus more intentionally on my shots. It’s also fantastic for portraits, making it an essential tool for any photographer’s kit. With its natural perspective and lack of distortion or compression, the 50mm delivers timeless, versatile results.
How to Decide Between 35mm and 50mm
Here’s how I think about it when packing for a trip: Heading to a bustling city or scenic spot? The 35mm gives you room to play. Shooting portraits or specific details? The 50mm is a no-brainer. Love storytelling with lots of environmental context? Go 35mm. Prefer isolating your subject with stunning depth? Go 50mm. They complement each other beautifully. But if space is tight and you have to pick just one, think about what you shoot most and where you’re headed. The 35mm is my go-to for capturing the vibe of a place, while the 50mm is unbeatable for prioritizing subjects. The both have a small minimal focus distance of 0.25m, so they both work as a macro lens as well.
If you have room for a second lens, instead of taking both the 35mm and 50mm, consider diversifying your kit with a 24mm or a 90mm. The 24mm excels at dramatic wide-angle shots, perfect for landscapes or architecture, while the 90mm is ideal for detailed portraits or compressing distant subjects. This combination gives you more creative flexibility for any travel scenario.
Whatever you choose, the best lens is the one you’ve got with you. Especially while travelling, you will be happy with any lens because they capture and document you memories.
