lens choice: 20mm f1.7 or 25mm f1.4. ?

Started 6 months ago | Discussions thread
bcalkins
Regular MemberPosts: 240
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25=portraits, 20=landscape
In reply to papillon_65, 6 months ago

papillon_65 wrote:

I've had both, now have the 25mm. It's a tough call, I prefer the FOV of the 20mm but I love the rendering and bokeh of the 25mm. I stuck with the 25mm because it's such a great lens and the extra speed is very useful at times. I don't think you can go wrong with either to be honest.

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Any problem on earth can be solved by a well aimed Pomegranate...
Tony
http://the-random-photographer.blogspot.com/

Not a hard and fast rule or anything, but in my opinion the FOV and size of the 20mm are well suited to landscapes or street type stuff, while the 25mm is a little more flattering for closer portraits and the bokeh / blur with the f/1.4 aperture is more pleasing in some situations.  The slightly longer focal length means that distant objects are larger, and thus more 'blurred' at f/1.4.

I own both, and if I'm shooting people I'll always take the 25mm.  I grab the 20mm when I want a compact lens for travel...  Can't really justify both, but I can't seem to part with the 20mm - got it with the GF1 and just can't bring myself to sell it!

When i only had the 20mm I loved the people shots I got with it, but now that I own the 25mm I never use the 20mm that way anymore due to the increased distortion.  I usually carry the 14mm / 25mm combo rather than bringing the 20mm.  Both are good lenses though, can't go wrong with either if you have a 45mm or something for portraits.

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