Focal length question... 35 and 50 necessary?

but a camera sure does come in handy for taking photos... Maybe not as satisfying to some as pen and ink, or paint, or pencil, but not everyone has the patience for more hands-on media.

A particular focal length, on the other hand is not so essential.  One can make due with a near by focal length, zoom with feet or crop later, even add shallow DoF in PP.  And when one doesn't know what focal length is needed, a zoom sure comes in handy. 

--
Art P
"I am a creature of contrast,
of light and shadow.
I live where the two play together,
I thrive on the conflict"