Side By Side 24mm Vs 35mm Lens Comparison With Examples

If you're grappling between the choice of a 24mm and a 35mm lens, take into account the kind of photography you'll be engaged in. In my experience, both lenses have their merits in different scenarios, so it's essential to decide based on your unique requirements and photographic style.

December 7, 2024
Side By Side 24mm Vs 35mm Lens Comparison With Examples

35mm Vs 24mm Lens Comparison

Suppose you're in a rush and need the skinny on the 24mm vs 35mm lens debate. In that case, here's the takeaway: 24mm shines when it comes to travel, interiors, and landscapes, while 35mm takes the crown for portrait photography. But don't just take my word for it; check out the examples below.

Lens shopping can feel like a shot in the dark, with a dizzying array of focal lengths and apertures to choose from. And when those focal lengths are close together? It makes for some tricky decision-making. If you're on the fence between the 24mm and 35mm lens, this article might just tip the balance.

I reckon I could lend a hand here, drawing on my years as a professional photographer. I've put the 24mm and 35mm lenses head-to-head across various scenarios, from portraiture to landscapes. So, if you're leaning towards one lens over the other, the following comparison might just swing your vote.

Feature 24mm Lens 35mm Lens
Focal Length 24mm 35mm
Best For Travel, Interiors, Landscapes Portraits, Low Light
Field of View Wide Standard
Distortion Minimal at edges Very minimal
Low Light Performance Good Great
Price Varies based on brand and features Varies based on brand and features
Personal Experience Great for wide-angle shots, capturing the environment around subjects. Sometimes, the wide angle can distort faces if subjects are too close to the lens. Excellent for capturing detailed portraits. Less distortion compared to wider lenses. Provides a natural perspective similar to human vision.

Benefits Of 24mm (When To Use & Why)

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The world of photography is a vast ocean of possibilities, with the chance to capture everything from sweeping landscapes to tight close-ups. But what if you're looking for a tool that does it all? I reckon I'll introduce you to the ever-versatile 24mm lens.

Wide-Enough Landscapes

When you're faced with breathtaking panoramas, it's challenging to fit everything into one frame. How about trying a 24mm lens? It offers a wide field of view, making it the perfect tool for capturing landscapes. It's not as extremely wide as a 16mm lens, but it provides enough space to get your scene across without distorting the edges.

To shoot landscapes effectively with a 24mm lens, position yourself at a vantage point where you can encompass as much of the scene as possible. Consider using a tripod for stability, and play with the aperture settings to ensure your entire landscape is in focus.

Street and Travel Photography

The compact and lightweight design of most 24mm lenses makes them excellent companions for street and travel photography. Imagine navigating bustling markets or narrow European alleyways - a bulky zoom lens would be cumbersome and draw unnecessary attention. Instead, a 24mm lens is unobtrusive and quick to use, allowing you to capture moments spontaneously.

Shall we get into the specifics of street photography with a 24mm lens? The wide field of view is ideal for documenting cityscapes, capturing architectural structures, or including more context in your street portraits. Best Lenses for Canon R5 includes some 24mm options that would be perfect for this type of photography.

Environmental Portraits

Speaking of portraits, maybe I should tell you about environmental portraits. Unlike close-up portraits, environmental portraits aim to include background elements that provide context about the subject. With a 24mm lens, you get to capture both the person and their surroundings clearly, giving your viewer a more comprehensive picture of the scenario.

Astrophotography

I'm thinking about introducing you to the world of astrophotography. A 24mm lens with a fast aperture is great for shooting stars and other celestial bodies. The wide field of view captures a large part of the sky, and the fast aperture allows for shorter shutter speeds, reducing the chances of star trails.

Video and Filmmaking

Last but not least, 24mm lenses are incredibly beneficial in the realm of filmmaking. From wide establishing shots to intense chase sequences, this versatile lens is a must-have in any filmmaker's arsenal. You might as well check out these Premiere Pro templates to enhance your video production process.

Embrace the Versatility

As you can see, a 24mm lens is a jack-of-all-trades when it comes to photography and videography. It's versatile enough for various situations, from capturing grand landscapes to intimate portraits and even celestial bodies. For those leaning towards expanding their photography gear, adding a 24mm lens is a decision you won't regret.

Benefits Of 35mm Lens (When To Use & Why)

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If you find yourself leaning more towards portrait-oriented photography, paying closer attention to the details rather than the geometry of your composition, then the 35mm lens might just become your most treasured tool. Let's take a deep dive into the myriad of benefits this lens offers.

Master of Portraits

Known as the widest portrait lens, the 35mm finds its forte in capturing stunningly detailed and crisp portraits. Now, it's important to mention that shooting portraits with a 24mm lens isn't a crime. Still, once you go wider than a 35mm lens, you may hit certain limitations that could lead to unflattering results for your subjects.

Low Light, No Problem

Much like the 24mm lens, 35mm variants come in a range of maximum apertures. Maybe I should mention that it's entirely possible to snag a quality 35mm lens with an aperture of f/1.8 without sending your bank account into a frenzy. Depending on the brand, a decent f/1.8 lens will run you anywhere from $200 to $800.

This opens up a world of low-light photography possibilities, allowing you to shoot at slower shutter speeds, even as low as 1/60th, without needing image stabilization. The result? Crisp, clear images even when the light isn't in your favor.

Fancy something even faster? Brands like Sigma and Tamron offer f/1.4 versions of the 35mm lens, which, although on the pricier side, are well worth the investment. Sigma is especially noteworthy for crafting some of the sharpest lenses on the market.

Your Portrait Starting Point

Many photographers swear by the 35mm lens as the ultimate portrait photography tool. While I'd suggest that referring to it as the 'perfect' portrait lens might be a bit restrictive, it's undoubtedly a versatile workhorse for portrait photography. It delivers excellently as a general-purpose lens for this genre, provided you don't expect extreme background separation in full-body shots.