A Day with the 35mm - Why this Focal Length is a Perfect All-Rounder
When I first got into photography years ago, telephoto lenses had my heart. I loved how they let me isolate subjects, compress distances, and create that dreamy background blur. For the longest time, my go-to setup was a 70-200mm telephoto, perfect for capturing details from a distance.
But over the past few months, I started experimenting with shorter focal lengths, and before I knew it, I was hooked on 35mm. This wide-to-standard focal length offers a slightly broader view than what the eye naturally sees, making it incredibly versatile, great for storytelling, environmental portraits, and capturing scenes as they unfold. It strikes the perfect balance: wide enough to place your subject in its surroundings, yet tight enough to keep the focus right where it belongs.
The Sony 35mm G-Master: because self-control is overrated
Every once in a while, every photographer goes on a shopping spree, overspending on yet another piece of kit. I am no different. Recently, I went ahead and splashed the cash on a Sony 35mm f/1.4 G-Master lens, mainly from a professional perspective, since it would produce flattering wedding photography images, but also for street photography and even landscapes. Sony’s G-Master lenses are like the VIP section of the Sony photography world: premium, meticulously crafted, and so good they almost make you forget how much you spent on them, or so you might hope. Sure, your wallet might shed a tear, but the moment you see that creamy bokeh and razor-sharp focus, you’ll realise it was all worth it.
This lens is an absolute powerhouse. It combines sharpness with a beautifully rendered bokeh, and its wide f/1.4 aperture allows for incredible low-light performance. For those unfamiliar with the technical terms, aperture is like your eye’s pupil: it controls how much light enters the lens. A big aperture (like f/1.4) lets in more light and creates a sharp subject on a blurry background (bokeh), perfect for portraits and low light. A small aperture (like f/11) lets in less light but keeps everything in focus, great for landscapes.
This Sony 35mm f/1.4 G-Master also produces stunning sun flares when shooting against the light, adding a creative element to my images. The 35mm focal length offers a natural field of view, making it an excellent all-rounder for street photography, portraits, and even landscapes. Plus, it makes you look like you really know what you're doing, which is half the battle in photography.
Nieuwpoort as the proving ground
Nieuwpoort, a lovely seaside town in Belgium, has been one of my favourite places to shoot for years. It’s a location I know inside and out and has provided endless photographic opportunities over the years. Typically, when I visit Nieuwpoort, I bring a telephoto lens to capture distant details: a lonely seagull resting on a wooden pier, a fishing boat disappearing into the horizon, or the lighthouse engulfed in the orange colours of the sunset.
This time, I decided to challenge myself by taking only the 35mm. Immediately, I realised that I had to rethink my approach. Instead of zooming in on distant subjects, I had to move closer. I had to immerse myself in the environment, incorporating more of the surroundings into my shots. The result was a series of images that felt more immersive, photos that placed the viewer in the moment rather than just observing from afar.
It was like being forced to have an actual conversation with a place rather than just eavesdropping from a distance - less sneaky, more personal.
Step closer or accept defeat
Shooting with a single focal length is both liberating and restricting. On the one hand, it forces you to be more intentional with your compositions. There’s no zooming in or out to frame a shot; instead, you have to physically move and explore different angles. On the other hand, it pushes your creativity in unexpected ways.
With the 35mm, I found myself drawn to the textures of the sand, the flares of the sunset, and the way light shaped the harbour structures. I played with leading lines, using the wooden walkways and breakwaters to guide the eye through the frame. I also took advantage of the f/1.4 aperture to create separation between my subject and the background - something that’s typically easier with longer focal lengths. The experience was humbling. There’s no hiding behind a zoom; you either nail the shot or take an awkward shuffle forward. And let’s be honest, there were quite a few awkward shuffles.
Lessons learned: the 35mm is here to stay
Spending a day with just the 35mm reminded me of the importance of adapting to a scene rather than relying on gear to do the work for me. This is one of the most valuable lessons in photography, to me. It pushes you to refine your skills, rethink the way you shape your compositions, and become more intentional with every frame. With a zoom lens, it's easy to fall into a lackluster approach, ‘lazily’ adjusting the focal length instead of engaging with the scene (and yes, I still am guilty to this as well). But with a fixed focal length like the 35mm, you have no choice but to move, to explore, and to truly interact with your subject.
It also reinforced why I love this focal length so much. It’s versatile, intimate, and allows for storytelling in a way that feels natural. While I’ll always appreciate the reach of a telephoto, the 35mm has earned its place as one of my new favourite lenses.
Would I take only the 35mm on a photowalk or to a shoot again? Absolutely. It’s a different way of seeing, and sometimes, all you need to refresh your creativity is a new perspective on a familiar place. Plus, it’s a great workout. Who needs a gym membership when you can just chase your subject around for the perfect frame?
