28MM vs 35MM Lens: Which One Is Better?

Finding the best lens for your needs can be tricky- especially when narrowing it down to just two choices. While choosing a lens, many photographers get confused between 28mm and 35mm. Both these lenses have their own benefits, so it can be hard to decide which one is better.

28mm and 35mm lenses are both great for general photography, landscape photography, and street photography. But, there are some key differences between the two that can help you make a decision. So, in this article, we will compare 28mm vs 35mm lenses and find out which one is better.

28MM vs 35MM Lens – The difference

Focal Length

The first and most obvious difference between these two lenses is the focal length. A 28mm lens has a shorter focal length than a 35mm lens. This means that a 28mm lens will give you a wider field of view than a 35mm lens.

This can be beneficial if you want to capture more of the scene in your photo. For example, if you’re shooting a landscape, a wider field of view will allow you to fit more of the scene into your frame.

Whereas a 35mm lens will give you a narrower field of view. This can be helpful if you want to focus on one specific element in the scene and make it the center of attention in your photo.

 

Aperture

Another difference between these two lenses is the maximum aperture. A 28mm lens typically has a maximum aperture of f/2.8, while a 35mm lens typically has a maximum aperture of f/1.4.

This means that a 28mm lens will let in less light than a 35mm lens. This can be helpful if you’re shooting in low-light conditions and need all the light you can get.

However, it’s worth noting that a higher maximum aperture comes with a trade-off. A wider aperture will also result in a shallower depth of field. This means that parts of your photo will be blurry while other parts will be in focus.

This can be beneficial if you want to create a specific look in your photo. For example, if you’re shooting a portrait, you may want to blur the background to make your subject stand out.

Image Quality

Another thing to consider when choosing between these two lenses is image quality. A 28mm lens typically has better image quality than a 35mm lens. This is because a shorter focal length results in less distortion.

This means that images taken with a 28mm lens will look more natural than those taken with a 35mm lens. If you’re shooting landscapes or street scenes, this can be a big advantage.

But hey, this is not a huge dealbreaker. Many 35mm lenses nowadays have excellent image quality. So, if you’re set on getting a 35mm lens, don’t let this be the deciding factor.

Weight and Size

An important, yet often overlooked, factor to consider when choosing between these two lenses is weight and size. A 28mm lens is typically smaller and lighter than a 35mm lens. This can be helpful if you’re shooting on the go and don’t want to carry around a lot of gear.

However, a smaller lens may not be able to hold up as well in low-light conditions. So, if you’re regularly shooting in dimly lit rooms or at night, a 35mm lens may be a better choice.

Depth of field

Depth of field is the distance between the nearest and farthest objects in a scene that appear in focus in a photograph. The depth of field is determined by the aperture, focal length, and distance to the subject.

A wider aperture (smaller f-number) results in a shorter depth of field. This means that less of the scene will be in focus. A longer focal length (higher f-number) also results in a shorter depth of field. This means that less of the scene will be in focus.

And finally, the closer you are to the subject, the shorter the depth of field will be. So, when it comes to depth of field, a 28mm lens will have a wider depth of field than a 35mm lens.

This can be beneficial if you want to keep everything in the scene in focus. For example, if you’re shooting a group photo, you’ll want to make sure everyone is in focus.

Price

Finally, one of the most important factors to consider when choosing between these two lenses is price. A 28mm lens is typically less expensive than a 35mm lens. This is because it’s a less popular choice and there’s less demand for it.

If you’re on a budget, a 28mm lens may be the better choice. However, if the price is not an issue, you may want to go with a 35mm lens.

Pros and Cons of 28mm lenses

While the above factors are all important to consider, there are also some pros and cons of each lens that you should be aware of. The pros and cons of a 28mm lens are listed below.

Pros

1. 28mm lenses have a wider depth of field than 35mm lenses. This can be beneficial if you want to keep everything in the scene in focus.
2. 28mm lenses typically have better image quality than 35mm lenses. This is because a shorter focal length results in less distortion.
3. 28mm lenses are typically smaller and lighter than 35mm lenses. This can be helpful if you’re shooting on the go and don’t want to carry around a lot of gear.
4. 28mm lenses are typically less expensive than 35mm lenses. This is because it’s a less popular choice and there’s less demand for it.

Cons

1. :28mm lenses may not be able to hold up as well in low-light conditions. So, if you’re regularly shooting in dimly lit rooms or at night, a 35mm lens may be a better choice.
2. 28mm lenses have a shorter focal length than 35mm lenses.

Pros and Cons of 35mm lenses

35mm lenses are a popular choice for many photographers. They offer a versatile focal length and can be used for a variety of applications. The pros and cons of 35mm lenses are listed below.

Pros

1. 35mm lenses have a longer focal length than 28mm lenses. This can be beneficial if you’re shooting in low-light conditions or if you want to get a closer view of the subject.
2. 35mm lenses typically have good image quality. This is because a longer focal length results in less distortion.
3. Narrow depth of field. This can be beneficial if you want to isolate the subject from the background.

Cons

1. The lens is quite heavy, which can be a problem if you’re shooting on the go.
2. The price is usually quite high. This is because it’s a popular choice among photographers.

Many experts say that 35mm lenses are not ideal for shooting landscapes. This is because the longer focal length can make it difficult to fit the entire scene into the frame.

So, which one is better?

The answer to this question depends on your needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a lens with a wider depth of field, a shorter focal length, and a lower price tag, then a 28mm lens may be the better choice.

However, if you’re looking for a lens with a longer focal length, better image quality, and a narrower depth of field, then a 35mm lens may be the better choice. Ultimately, the best lens for you is the one that meets your needs and preferences.