Nifty 50mm | The Perfect Lens for Hong Kong Family Photography
Shek-O Family Session with a Nifty 50
Why the 50mm Lens Works So Well in Hong Kong
The 50mm lens, often called the “nifty fifty,” is one of the most versatile lenses for family photographers. Its lightweight design and natural perspective make it perfect for capturing candid moments in busy Hong Kong streets, parks, and home environments.
Ideal for Kids and Family Portraits
With a wide aperture (f/1.8 or f/1.4), the 50mm lens creates a shallow depth of field, beautifully separating your subject from the background. This makes it perfect for:
Hong Kong children’s portraits
Family lifestyle photography
Candid moments at home or on location
Advantages for Everyday Hong Kong Photography
Compact and portable – easy to carry around Victoria Harbour, Central, or Kowloon
Low-light capability – great for apartments, restaurants, and indoor gatherings
Natural perspective – creates authentic, lifelike images without distortion
Some photographers use only a 50mm, including the most famous candid photographer of all time.
A50mm/f1.8 is all you need, not the more 3X more expensive f1.4, or the 10X pricier f1.2 version. A 50mm f1.8 is arguably the world's most useful cheap tiny lens at $125. You will never regret buying a 50mm; it's the perfect 'walkaround lens’ and a dangerous gateway drug to more 'fast glass’ prime lenses. (Which will all cost more than your Nifty 50.
Full disclosure, some of these shots were taken with a 24-70mm lens, but @ 50mm focal length!
To be honest, I don’t use a 50mm that much now, I have a manual focus Voigtlander 50/1.5 with a Leica mount I use on my Sony’s now that I sold my beloved Leica M9. My prefered combo is a 35mm & 85mm. I like the contrast of those two focal lengths that those two lenses bring. But some wedding photographers still shoot almost everything with a 50/1.2.
Capture Everyday Family Life in Hong Kong
Whether you’re photographing your own children or doing a professional session, the 50mm lens helps you create timeless, natural photos. Its versatility and simplicity make it a must-have for anyone documenting life in Hong Kong.
