How to use a standard lens

The standard lens is an abbreviation for a fixed focus standard lens. In general, a standard lens refers to a lens that has the same view as a person's monocular eye. This means that the range of scenes that can be captured with such a lens is the same as the scene that we can see with one eye open. The 50mm focal length lens is one of the most common standard lenses for the traditional 135 camera system (What is the 135 camera system?). For a smaller APS-C frame (APS-C format refers to what?) Digital camera 35mm is the standard lens for this type of product. (Unless otherwise specified, the focal lengths mentioned are actual focal lengths instead of equivalent focal lengths (What is the equivalent focal length?))

By definition, the standard lens refers to a lens in which the length of the diagonal of the photographic frame is close to the focal distance. Then the length of the standard lens diagonal in the 135 camera is 43.2mm. If it is limited to 43mm, the only standard lens currently in production is Pentax SMC FA 43mm F1.9 Limited. However, according to industry practice, we generally call the 40mm-55mm lens near the focal distance as a standard lens, while the 50mm lens has a 46-degree angle, which is close to the human eye.

Through the following illustration, we can understand the position of the focal length of the standard lens in the focal length of the common lens. Through the contrast relationship between different focal lengths of the lens, we can further analyze the characteristics of the standard lens.

Lens focal length and visual relationship From the figure, we can see that the 50mm focal length is in the middle of each focal length, which is also the most commonly used focal point in our daily life. Using this kind of lens can faithfully record most of the scenes in life.

Why should novice rookie give priority to start with the standard lens?

Because the standard lens has a visual similar to human eyes, you can easily capture immersive footage. On the other hand, from the manufacturer's point of view, it is usually a matter of designing and manufacturing a standard lens. It is easier to configure a larger aperture aperture and choose the optical structure that is most likely to achieve perfect imaging without increasing the volume and cost of the mirror. Purchase The standard lens allows the user to get a large aperture lens with minimal cost and an optical quality that rivals that of the top lens. For the budget priority photography hobby, the entry-level APS format camera body with 35mm F1.8 standard lens should be the most economical and practical choice.