Which prime lenses make a practical full-frame kit for travel, landscapes, and events?

Question

I’m moving from APS-C to a full-frame DSLR and mostly shoot with primes. On APS-C I’ve mainly used 35mm and 50mm, and I like working with primes enough that I don’t mind moving my feet instead of zooming.

My 35mm is an APS-C-only lens, so I’ll likely sell it. For full frame, I’m considering replacing it with something wider like a 28mm, and possibly adding an 85mm.

I mainly shoot travel, landscapes, and people/events. Is 28mm too wide or 85mm too narrow for an everyday prime kit on full frame? What focal length combinations do people typically find practical?

user13736 · Accepted Answer

To replicate the same field of view that you are currently experiencing with your crop sensor camera, a 50mm and 85mm should do the trick.

However, IMO, I would highly suggest a 24mm for landscapes since you're already used to a not-too-wide 35mm, and it's somewhat affordable. I personally would go for the 14mm prime for landscapes, but this can be pretty expensive and can sometimes be too wide if you're not used to shooting with that type of lens.

For people shots, I would have to say the venerable 50mm would be your safest choice as it can be used for most everything else, especially general travel snaps. If you know for sure you're doing only portraits and think most of those are going to be 3/4 body shots (or tighter), that's where I say the 85mm comes into play.

For my equipment lineup (crop sensor rig), I have a 17-55 zoom, 50 and 85 f/1.8 primes. I never leave home without at least these three lenses.

Which prime lenses make a practical full-frame kit for travel, landscapes, and events?

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