Some of you may wonder what a 'nifty fifty' is. It's the term for a prime lens (a lens that doesn't zoom) with a focal length of 50mm. The Canon 50mm f/1.8 lens is the one pictured here, and is my favourite lens.
Admittedly, I only have two lenses - the kit lens that came with the 450D (18-55mm), and this one - but nonetheless it's still my favourite! Ironically, I would have preferred to have taken this photo with the 'nifty fifty', but then I wouldn't have it to photograph (duh).
So why is the 50mm lens 'nifty'? Because the fast aperture of f/1.8 lets in a lot of light and the simpler construction means they're cheaper. It can take good quality pictures without a flash at low light and is tack sharp (because a prime lens has less moving parts than a zoom lens). If you've just purchased your first D-SLR and you're wondering what lens to get next, I would highly recommend it. With it being a prime you will learn to compose better because you do the leg work instead of your lens.
Semi-professional photographer based in Nottingham, England, I shoot mainly events and weddings. I'll be posting my work using my Fujis - X100S and X-Pro1.
Photostream:
Blog:...
great shot. and thanks for the information. you've managed to explain so clearly what the nifty-fifty can do. i'm saving up for a lens and it's between this one or a lens with lots of range so i don't have to keep changing.
