I’ve been shooting with both 50mm and 24mm lenses for over a decade, and I can tell you right now: choosing between these two focal lengths has caused more sleepless nights for photographers than any other lens decision. But here’s the thing – they’re not competitors. They’re complementary tools that serve completely different purposes in your photography toolkit.
Today, I’m going to break down everything you need to know about these two popular prime lenses. I’ll share my personal experiences, show you real-world examples, and help you decide which one (or both) deserves a place in your camera bag.
Understanding the Basics: What Makes These Lenses Different?
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let’s get one thing straight: 24mm and 50mm are worlds apart in terms of what they can do for your photography.
The 50mm lens is often called the “nifty fifty” for good reason. It’s the closest thing to how our eyes naturally see the world. When I first started photography, my mentor told me to shoot with nothing but a 50mm for an entire year. At the time, I thought he was crazy. Now? I understand exactly why he gave me that advice.
On the other hand, the 24mm lens is your wide-angle storyteller. It captures more of the scene, includes environmental context, and creates that immersive feeling that makes viewers feel like they’re right there with you.
But here’s where it gets interesting: the choice between these two lenses isn’t just about focal length. It’s about the type of photographer you want to be and the stories you want to tell.
The 50mm Lens: Your Versatile Workhorse
Let me tell you about my first 50mm lens. I bought it used for $80, and it changed my photography forever. Here’s why the 50mm deserves a special place in every photographer’s bag:
Natural Perspective That Just Feels Right
There’s something magical about the 50mm perspective. It doesn’t stretch or compress your scene – it just shows it as it is. I discovered this when I started shooting portraits with my 50mm. Suddenly, my photos looked more authentic, more real, more… well, more like how people actually appear in real life.
When I’m shooting with a 50mm, I don’t have to think about distortion or weird proportions. I can focus on connecting with my subject and capturing genuine moments. That’s the beauty of this focal length – it gets out of the way and lets you create.
Bokeh That Makes Your Heart Skip a Beat
Let’s talk about what really gets photographers excited: that creamy, dreamy background blur. Most 50mm lenses come with wide apertures (f/1.8 or even f/1.4), which means you can create stunning bokeh even in less-than-ideal lighting conditions.
I remember shooting a portrait session in a cluttered city park. With my 50mm wide open at f/1.8, I turned that messy background into a beautiful, soft canvas that made my subject pop. The longer focal length combined with the wide aperture creates this perfect separation that’s hard to achieve with wider lenses.
The Portrait Photographer’s Best Friend
Here’s where the 50mm really shines: portraits. I’ve shot hundreds of portrait sessions, and I can tell you that 90% of them were captured with a 50mm lens. Why? Because it’s flattering, versatile, and gives you just the right amount of compression.
When I’m shooting portraits, I don’t want my subjects to look like they have giant noses or stretched features (thanks, wide-angle distortion!). The 50mm gives me a comfortable working distance – close enough to connect with my subject, but far enough to maintain natural proportions.
I discovered this the hard way when I tried to shoot headshots with a 24mm early in my career. Let’s just say those photos never saw the light of day, and my subject was not happy with how their nose appeared in the images.
Incredibly Versatile for Every Situation
What I love most about my 50mm is that I can grab it for almost any situation and know it’ll deliver. Street photography? Check. Portraits? Absolutely. Events? You bet. Even landscapes? Surprisingly, yes!
Last summer, I found myself in a beautiful mountain range with only my 50mm lens. I was worried I’d regret not bringing a wider lens, but I ended up creating some of my favorite landscape images. The 50mm forced me to be more intentional about my compositions, and the results were stunning.
Perfect for Low Light Situations
With most 50mm lenses offering apertures of f/1.8 or wider, they’re absolute champions in low light. I’ve shot entire weddings with just a 50mm lens, capturing beautiful moments in dimly lit churches and reception halls.
The wide aperture means you can keep your ISO low and your shutter speeds fast, resulting in cleaner, sharper images. When everyone else is struggling with noise and motion blur, you’ll be capturing tack-sharp photos that look like they were shot in perfect lighting.
Also Read: Canon RF 70-200mm f/4 vs f/2.8
The 24mm Lens: Your Wide-Angle Storyteller
Now, let’s talk about the 24mm lens. When I first bought mine, I wasn’t sure I’d use it much. I was wrong. Dead wrong. This lens has opened up creative possibilities I never knew existed.
Capture the World in All Its Glory
The most obvious advantage of a 24mm lens is its wide field of view. It captures about twice as much of the scene as a 50mm lens. This isn’t just technical – it’s transformative for your photography.
I remember standing at the edge of the Grand Canyon with my 24mm lens. Where my 50mm would have captured just a slice of the vista, the 24mm allowed me to include the vast expanse, the dramatic sky, and the sense of scale that makes the Grand Canyon so awe-inspiring. That’s the power of wide-angle photography.
Tell Richer Stories with Environmental Context
Here’s what I love most about my 24mm: it tells stories. When I’m shooting portraits with this lens, I’m not just capturing a person – I’m capturing their world, their environment, their story.
I shot a series of portraits of a local artist in her studio. With my 50mm, I could have captured beautiful close-ups of her face. But with my 24mm, I was able to include her paint-splattered workspace, the natural light streaming through the window, and the organized chaos that makes her creative process so unique. Those photos told a much richer story than any tight portrait ever could.
Master of Low Light Handholding
This might surprise you, but 24mm lenses are actually easier to handhold in low light than 50mm lenses. Why? Because of the reduced magnification. The wider your focal length, the less camera shake affects your image.
I discovered this when I was shooting street photography at dusk. With my 24mm, I could comfortably handhold at shutter speeds as slow as 1/30th of a second and still get sharp images. Try that with a 50mm, and you’ll likely end up with blurry photos unless you have rock-steady hands.
Create Dramatic Perspectives and Distortion
Yes, distortion can be a bad thing when you’re trying to capture flattering portraits. But when used intentionally, it’s a powerful creative tool. The 24mm lens allows you to create dramatic perspectives that simply aren’t possible with longer focal lengths.
I love getting close to my subjects with my 24mm and shooting upward. This technique makes buildings tower overhead, makes people look larger than life, and creates a sense of drama that’s impossible to achieve otherwise. It’s not subtle – it’s bold, in-your-face photography that grabs attention.
Perfect for Landscape Photography
If landscape photography is your thing, the 24mm lens should be at the top of your wish list. I’ve shot landscapes with everything from 14mm to 200mm, and I keep coming back to 24mm as my sweet spot.
Why? Because 24mm hits that perfect balance between wide and not-too-wide. You can capture grand vistas without the extreme distortion of ultra-wide lenses, and you can still include foreground elements that add depth and interest to your compositions.
Head-to-Head Comparison: Real-World Scenarios
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s see how these lenses stack up in real-world shooting situations. I’ve tested both extensively, and here’s what I’ve discovered:
Portrait Photography: Clear Winner
For portraits, the 50mm is the undisputed champion. I’ve shot countless portrait sessions with both lenses, and the difference is night and day.
With the 50mm:
- Natural facial proportions
- Beautiful background separation
- Comfortable working distance
- Flattering compression
With the 24mm:
- Potential for unflattering distortion
- Less background separation
- Need to get uncomfortably close for frame-filling shots
- Environmental storytelling advantage
My verdict: If you shoot portraits, the 50mm should be your first prime lens purchase. The 24mm can work for environmental portraits, but it’s not ideal for close-up portraits.
Landscape Photography: The Wide-Angle Advantage
When it comes to landscapes, the 24mm takes the crown. I’ve spent countless hours shooting landscapes with both lenses, and the 24mm consistently delivers more compelling images.
With the 24mm:
- Expansive views that capture the grandeur
- Ability to include interesting foreground elements
- Natural perspective without extreme distortion
- Better for handholding in low light
With the 50mm:
- More limited field of view
- Forces more intentional compositions
- Can work for intimate landscapes
- Less suitable for grand vistas
My verdict: For landscape photography, the 24mm is the clear winner. It captures the sense of scale and grandeur that makes landscape photography so compelling.
Also Read: 16mm vs 18mm Lens
Street Photography: A Tale of Two Styles
Street photography is where things get interesting. Both lenses work beautifully, but they produce very different results.
With the 50mm:
- Natural perspective that feels authentic
- Good working distance from subjects
- Excellent for candid shots
- Versatile for various street situations
With the 24mm:
- Immersive, in-your-face style
- Captures more environmental context
- Better for crowded situations
- Creates dramatic, engaging compositions
My verdict: This one’s a tie, depending on your style. If you prefer a more documentary, natural approach, go with the 50mm. If you want bold, immersive street photos, the 24mm is your best bet.
Event Photography: The Versatility Contest
For events like weddings, parties, and gatherings, both lenses have their place, but the 50mm edges out the win.
With the 50mm:
- Excellent low-light performance
- Natural perspective for people photos
- Good for both wide and tight shots
- Unobtrusive size
With the 24mm:
- Great for group shots and venue shots
- Captures more of the atmosphere
- Better in tight spaces
- Can be too wide for individual portraits
My verdict: The 50mm is the better all-around event lens, but having both gives you maximum flexibility.
Technical Considerations: Beyond the Focal Length
When choosing between these lenses, there are several technical factors to consider:
Aperture Options
Most 50mm lenses come with wider maximum apertures than 24mm lenses. You’ll typically find 50mm lenses at f/1.8 or even f/1.4, while 24mm lenses often start at f/2.8.
This difference matters for:
- Low-light performance
- Background blur (bokeh)
- Shallow depth of field effects
My experience: I’ve found that the extra stop of light from my 50mm f/1.8 makes a huge difference in dimly lit situations. However, modern 24mm f/1.4 lenses are closing this gap.
Size and Weight
Generally, 50mm lenses are smaller and lighter than 24mm lenses. This makes them more discreet for street photography and more comfortable for all-day shooting.
My experience: I can carry my 50mm all day without fatigue, but my 24mm is noticeably heavier. For travel photography, this weight difference can really matter.
Price Point
50mm lenses are typically more affordable than 24mm lenses. You can find excellent 50mm f/1.8 lenses for under $150, while quality 24mm lenses often cost $300 or more.
My experience: The 50mm is the best value in photography. Period. For the price, you get incredible image quality and versatility.
Crop Sensor Considerations
If you’re shooting with a crop sensor camera, these focal lengths behave differently:
- 50mm becomes approximately 75-80mm
- 24mm becomes approximately 35-36mm
My experience: On crop sensors, the 24mm becomes a more versatile “normal” lens, while the 50mm becomes a short telephoto. This changes how I use each lens significantly.
Real-World Examples: My Personal Experiences
Let me share some specific experiences that illustrate the strengths and weaknesses of each lens:
The Wedding Disaster That Taught Me a Lesson
I was shooting a wedding early in my career, and I decided to use only my 24mm lens for the entire event. Big mistake. While I captured beautiful venue shots and group photos, I struggled with the couple portraits. The wide angle distorted their features, and I couldn’t get the intimate, flattering portraits they wanted.
Lesson learned: For weddings and events, having a 50mm (or longer) lens is essential for those important portrait moments.
The Landscape Shoot That Changed Everything
Last year, I went on a landscape photography trip with only my 50mm lens. I was worried I’d regret not bringing a wider lens, but I forced myself to work with what I had. The result? Some of the most intentional, well-composed landscape images I’ve ever created.
The limitation actually made me a better photographer. I had to move more, think more carefully about my compositions, and really consider what I wanted to include in each frame.
The Street Photography Experiment
I spent an entire month shooting street photography with only my 24mm lens. At first, it felt awkward and intrusive. But as I got comfortable with it, I discovered a whole new way of seeing. The wide angle forced me to get closer to my subjects, which actually led to more authentic, engaging images.
Then I spent another month with only my 50mm. The experience was completely different – more observational, more documentary in style. Both approaches work, but they produce very different results.
Which Lens Should You Buy? My Recommendations
Based on my extensive experience with both lenses, here are my recommendations:
Buy the 50mm First If:
- You’re new to photography and want one versatile lens
- Portrait photography is your main interest
- You want the best value for your money
- You shoot mostly in low-light situations
- You prefer a natural, unobtrusive style
Buy the 24mm First If:
- Landscape photography is your passion
- You love environmental storytelling
- You shoot in tight spaces or crowded events
- You want to create dramatic, immersive images
- You already have a 50mm and want to expand your creative options
Buy Both If:
- You’re serious about photography and want maximum flexibility
- You shoot a variety of subjects and styles
- You can afford the investment
- You understand that different tools serve different purposes
- You want to be prepared for any shooting situation
Pro Tips for Getting the Most from Your Lenses
Whether you choose a 50mm, 24mm, or both, here are some tips I’ve learned over the years:
For 50mm Lens Users:
- Get close, then get closer: The 50mm encourages lazy composition. Force yourself to move your feet and find interesting angles.
- Embrace the shallow depth of field: Use that wide aperture to create beautiful separation between your subject and background.
- Watch your backgrounds: The compression can make background elements appear larger, so be mindful of what’s behind your subject.
- Use it for more than portraits: Don’t limit yourself – try landscapes, street photography, and even macro-style shots.
For 24mm Lens Users:
- Include foreground elements: The wide angle can make distant subjects look small. Add interesting foreground elements to create depth.
- Be careful with portrait distances: Get too close, and you’ll distort facial features. Keep some distance for flattering portraits.
- Use leading lines: Wide-angle lenses love leading lines. Use roads, fences, or natural elements to draw viewers into your image.
- Shoot from low angles: Getting low with a wide angle creates dramatic perspective and makes your subjects look more imposing.
For Both Lenses:
- Master one before buying the other: Really learn what your lens can do before adding another to your collection.
- Practice, practice, practice: Both lenses require different approaches. Spend time shooting with each to understand their unique characteristics.
- Don’t be afraid of manual focus: Both lenses benefit from precise focus control. Learn to use manual focus when the situation calls for it.
- Experiment with different apertures: Don’t always shoot wide open. Try different apertures to see how they affect your images.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
I’ve made plenty of mistakes with both lenses over the years. Here are some common ones to avoid:
50mm Mistakes:
- Standing too far away: The 50mm can make you lazy. Don’t just stand in one spot – move around and explore different perspectives.
- Ignoring the background: The compression can make background elements more prominent. Always check what’s behind your subject.
- Overusing the wide aperture: While f/1.8 is great, sometimes you need more depth of field to keep everything sharp.
- Forgetting about composition: Just because it’s a “normal” lens doesn’t mean you can ignore composition rules.
24mm Mistakes:
- Getting too close for portraits: This is the #1 mistake beginners make. Respect the wide angle and keep some distance from your subjects.
- Including too much empty space: Wide angles can make your subject look small and lost in the frame. Fill the frame intentionally.
- Shooting from eye level all the time: Wide-angle lenses beg for creative angles. Get low, get high, get unconventional.
- Neglecting the edges: Wide-angle lenses can have distortion and softness at the edges. Pay attention to what’s happening in the corners of your frame.
The Bottom Line: Which Lens Is Best for You?
After years of shooting with both lenses, I can tell you this: there’s no “best” lens – only the best lens for your specific needs and style.
The 50mm is your versatile, do-it-all workhorse. It’s the lens I grab when I’m not sure what I’ll be shooting. It’s perfect for portraits, events, and everyday photography. If I could only have one lens, it would be a 50mm.
The 24mm is your creative storyteller. It’s the lens I reach for when I want to capture the grandeur of a landscape, tell a rich environmental story, or create dramatic, immersive images. It pushes me to see differently and compose more thoughtfully.
But here’s the truth: the best solution is having both. They complement each other perfectly, covering the vast majority of photographic situations you’ll encounter. Together, they give you the flexibility to tackle any subject with confidence.
Final Thoughts
Choosing between a 50mm and 24mm lens isn’t about which one is technically better – it’s about which one serves your vision as a photographer. I’ve spent countless hours with both lenses, and I can tell you that each has earned its place in my camera bag.
The 50mm taught me about natural perspective, beautiful bokeh, and the art of capturing authentic moments. The 24mm taught me about environmental storytelling, dramatic composition, and seeing the world in a whole new way.
My advice? Start with a 50mm if you’re new to photography. It’s the most versatile, affordable, and forgiving lens you can buy. Once you’ve mastered it, add a 24mm to expand your creative possibilities. Together, they’ll make you a more complete, versatile photographer.
Remember, the best lens is the one that helps you tell your story. Whether that’s a 50mm, 24mm, or something else entirely, choose the tool that serves your vision and get out there and shoot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a 50mm or 24mm better for beginners?
The 50mm is definitely better for beginners. It’s more versatile, more affordable, and more forgiving. The natural perspective helps new photographers learn composition without dealing with wide-angle distortion. Plus, most 50mm lenses are lightweight and compact, making them easy to carry and use.
Can I use a 24mm lens for portraits?
Yes, but with some important caveats. A 24mm lens can work beautifully for environmental portraits where you want to include the subject’s surroundings. However, for close-up portraits, it can create unflattering distortion, making features like noses appear larger than they are. If you want to shoot portraits with a 24mm, keep your distance and focus on full-body or environmental shots.
Do I need both a 50mm and 24mm lens?
While you don’t absolutely need both, having both gives you maximum flexibility. They serve completely different purposes and complement each other perfectly. The 50mm excels at portraits and natural perspectives, while the 24mm shines at landscapes and environmental storytelling. If you’re serious about photography and can afford both, I highly recommend adding both to your collection.
Which lens is better for low light photography?
The 50mm generally has the edge for low light photography because most 50mm lenses offer wider maximum apertures (f/1.8 or wider) compared to most 24mm lenses (typically f/2.8). However, the 24mm is easier to handhold at slower shutter speeds due to its wider field of view. For the best low-light performance, look for a 50mm f/1.8 or a 24mm f/1.4 if your budget allows.
How does crop sensor affect 50mm and 24mm lenses?
On crop sensor cameras, both focal lengths behave differently:
- A 50mm lens becomes approximately 75-80mm (a short telephoto)
- A 24mm lens becomes approximately 35-36mm (a “normal” lens)
This means on crop sensors, the 24mm becomes a more versatile all-around lens, while the 50mm becomes more specialized for portraits and compressed scenes. Keep this in mind when choosing lenses for your crop sensor camera.
Which lens is better for street photography?
Both lenses work well for street photography, but they produce very different results. The 50mm gives you a more natural, documentary style with comfortable working distance from subjects. The 24mm creates more immersive, dramatic images but requires you to get closer to your subjects. Choose based on your personal style and comfort level with approaching people.
Can I use these lenses for professional photography?
Absolutely! Both 50mm and 24mm lenses are used by professional photographers worldwide. The 50mm is a staple for portrait and wedding photographers, while the 24mm is essential for landscape, architectural, and real estate photographers. Many professionals carry both as part of their core lens kit.
What’s the difference in price between 50mm and 24mm lenses?
Generally, 50mm lenses are more affordable than 24mm lenses. You can find excellent 50mm f/1.8 lenses for under $150, while quality 24mm lenses typically start around $300 and can go up to $1,000+ for high-end f/1.4 versions. The 50mm is often considered the best value in photography.
Which lens is better for travel photography?
For travel photography, I’d recommend the 50mm as your primary lens because it’s more versatile and compact. However, if you’re specifically traveling for landscape photography, the 24mm would be better. The ideal travel setup includes both lenses if you can manage the weight and cost.
How do I avoid distortion with a 24mm lens?
To minimize distortion with a 24mm lens:
- Keep your subject away from the edges of the frame
- Avoid placing people too close to the lens
- Keep your camera level with the horizon
- Use portrait orientation for people to minimize stretching
- Shoot from further away and crop if needed
Pro Photography Tips:
- Always shoot in RAW format for maximum editing flexibility
- Learn to shoot in manual mode to take full control of your exposure
- Practice shooting with both lenses to understand their unique characteristics
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with unusual angles and compositions
Bookmark this page for future photography updates! I regularly update my guides with new tips and techniques as I discover them through my photography journey.