25 Vs 45

Which would you choose if you could have only one?

I really do not understand questions like this. These are complete different focal lengths and people differ in their preferences. If anything the 25mm (50mm FOV) is closer to what the human eye can see therefore it would be my preference (and I guess for most others as well).

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http://www.flickr.com/photos/21702997@N03/

As a focal length? Or lens vs. lens? As a focal length, I 'see' the world in a mid telephoto. I have owned and used many different 50's from all major manufacturers but they never seem to get as much use as my wide angles or telephotos. So, for me, 45 (90). Lens vs. lens? I have never used the 25/1.4, so I can't comment on it. By all accounts it is an excellent lens. But I positively love my 45/1.8. It's built is a bit plasticy but I appreciate the light weight and it has great performance and renders beautifully. At the moment I enjoy shooting it more than any other lens, m4/3 or Nikon.



Shot at f/2.0

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Dave Sanders

Simple question for just for kicks, I'm game. 25mm hands down (although I do own both).

I use my 45mm way more than my 25mm.

25mm for me , although I must state that I have only just got that lens and have never used the 45mm so I guess I am justifying my purchase 

25, because I already have the 45mm (1.8) and need/want the 25mm. But if I could have only one, the 45. But I can judge it properly when I have both.

I have the same tunnel vision as you and am most comfortable viewing photos taken with 80-135 lenses. My compacts are almost always set to this zoom range. I think this makes us not human if the "50mm FoV is closest to human vision" claim is given biblical status

However when I decided to buy a prime, I went for a 25 because for speed, I had an old MF 50 I could use in emergency and for IQ, my zoom's 45 setting was excellent and it had IS. For the shorter 25 IS was not as much of an issue. Oh and my wife was keen to have at lease one Leica name written somewhere in the house.

If one has in-body IS and is not afraid of admitting to be not human, 45 would probably be a better choice.

I have a view that is more like 10mm (on m4/3) or 20mm FF. The 14mm pana was not wide enough. I had an aha erlebnis (experience) when I got my Fisheye. When I am in concentrated/detail mode I need 45mm(90mm) at least. In the film days I used my 135mm a lot.

45mm for me. Lovely portrait lens.

but I do have a 17mm f1.8 too.

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www.andrewsandersphotography.co.uk

25 for sure. She is younger.

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Looking for equilibrium...

The 45, and pair it with the 17mm f1.8, 12mm f2 and 75mm f1.8.

That happens to be the four lenses I have with me this morning as I start two days of walking/riding the train around Washington D.C.

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"There's shadows in life, baby.." Jack Horner- Boogie Nights

This is the same as my case. I was referring to concentration / paying attention mode. I am not typing into a text box now which has a mid telephoto kind of coverage. I cannot read a text box with a 50 mm lens coverage without moving my eyes.

Normally most people can perceive stuff happening slightly behind them making the peripheral vision 180+ degrees (I am like this, esp. when the stuff slightly behind is blinding red or suddenly moving), but try reading a sign or text or enjoy a photograph at this angle! If you can do that we are built differently

25 because it's the best compromise if I can have only one fixed FL and I have to choose only between the two specific alternatives you mention.

But like others, I have difficulties with the premise of your question. Having and carrying only one fixed FL doesn't make any sense to me. Why restrict yourself like that, especially if you have bought a camera that allows you to switch lenses?

And if I can have more than one fast prime, it would be the ones I have: 12/2, 20/1.7, 45/1.8, and 75/1.8. In spite of selecting it as the best compromise, the 25 mm FL (50 mm EFL) doesn't suit my shooting style very well (a bit too narrow for "scenes", a bit too wide for "details"), and I usually prefer to go either slightly wider (17 or 20) or slightly more narrow (45).

I have both and use the 25 far more because I mostly shoot family, mostly kids, more often inside that out. I love the 45 but it's too hard to get that far away inside.

If I shot more in larger spaces it would be the 45. I'm sure I'll use it more again in summer!

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Elizabeth
efg40

I also have both and use the 25 a lot more than the 45. Both are very good lenses and which one you use the most depends on what you are shoting and what presoective you are more use to.  The 25 is a normal prespective and the 45 is a short telephoto.

Dave

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http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3571/3380136992_7c5a0986ea_m.jpg

I'm in the same boat, have both, like both, but use the 25 a lot more.  Both are excellent lenses.  Back in the film days my preferred lenses were the 50 "standard" lens, and a 135.  I'm thinking I'd like the Oly 75 a lot too.  Maybe one of these days....

I have both, and I use the 25mm more...

Wouldn't sell my 45mm though

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A mind is like a parachute, it works better when open.

Hi All

Thanks for the replies.

I currently only have one prime - the 45mm. Whilst I love the IQ this lens produces I do find it to be a bit on the long side, particularly when shooting my newborn and 3 year old indoors. I was hoping the 25mm would be a better FL but I still want the beautiful bokeh and low light options. Having owned a 20mm, I feel the 25 would be the right FL for me but I am weary about replacing the 45... having not shot the 25 ever. Keeping the 45 and getting the 25 might cost me a wife as funds are a bit tight right now.

I sold my 14-150mm (£250) and had planned to put funds towards a 25mm but still find myself short. Don't know whether to sell the 45mm and just go with one 25mm prime for next few months.

I know what you're thinking, single lens only is pointless on m43 but I do have a Sony Rx100 for snapshots, carry with me camera. The EP3 +25mm would be for the purpose shoots family etc and I will add further lenses later this year when funds permit.

I'm craving those creamy backgrounds for my sons baby album.

Cheers

Blue

The Pan/Leica 25 mm f1.5 is my go to lens for museums and street photography.

I like but don't use the 45 as much;  I use the 75 f1.8 a great deal, though.

maljo

Olympus OMD EM5 + 25 mm 1.4