35mm camera lenses have been around for a long time. They have been and still are one of the most popular sizes of camera lens for 2 simple reasons. Firstly, the area that they (and 50mm camera lenses) cover approximates the same field of view that the average human can see without moving the head or eyes. The second is their compact size.

However, with the introduction of digital camera lenses, it is important to note the difference between what was simply called a 35mm lens and a lens with a focal length of 35mm. A 35mm lens was originally designed to transfer images onto a 35mm wide film loaded inside the camera. This film is actually 36mm long x 24mm wide, plus another 9mm width for the film guide sprocket holes. But as digital cameras operate differently, a new convention had to be established.

As the 35mm film camera was in such wide-spread use, many digital lens manufacturers started to express the characteristics of their lens in terms of 35mm equivalents. The intention was to explain what their lens would do in terms of a 35mm film camera. But there is a major difference with digital cameras. 35mm film cameras have a standard-sized light receptacle – the 35mm wide film. Digital cameras rely on an image sensor where the film would otherwise go. These image sensors differ in size from one manufacturer to another and indeed from one range of camera to another. A compact “shirt-pocket” camera will have a smaller image sensor than a camera designed for professional wedding photography. So, although the 35mm equivalent figures are useful, one lens may produce different results when used on different camera bodies or even on a 35mm film camera.

Generally speaking, an 18-55mm digital camera lens is the equivalent of a 28-90mm lens for a 35mm film camera.

Nikon 35mm AF-S DX

A typical 35mm lens is the Nikon 35mm AF-S DX. This has actually been designed for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras using the DX format. Although this was seen by some as a limitation, for DX format owners it was very welcome as it is around ½ the price of similar lenses. On the plus side, this lens focuses quickly and accurately using the built-in motor which is designed for use with the D40, D40X and D60 camera bodies. The relatively fast shutter speed at maximum aperture allows pictures to be taken in low-light conditions without needing a tripod or steady.

Canon EF 35mm Wide Angle Lens

The Canon EF 35mm f/2 Wide Angle Lens has been designed for Canon SLR Cameras and has a focal length of 35mm. It has a minimum focus distance of only 25cm (around 9.5 inches), so it is possible to approach the subject closer than with other lenses but still get that natural wide-angle effect. The f/2.0 speed provides for good low-light photography.

Pentax 35mm Macro Lens

This is a light, compact 35mm lens designed for use with Pentax digital SLR cameras. It uses the Pentax KAF2 mounting system and has an attachment for a 49mm filter. The optical zoom is 2.7x . Although it weighs 454 grams (or 1 lb) it packs a lot of lens into a small unit with a 35mm equivalent focal length of 53.5mm.

Olympus 35mm Zuiko Lens

The Olympus 35mm Macro Zuiko Lens lens has a 70mm 35mm equivalent focal length – that means it is equivalent to a 70mm lens on a 35mm film camera. The angle of view provided by the lens is 34 degrees which takes in a lot of scenery. The perfect lens for close-up nature photography, but it is also useful as a standard lens for portrait work and snap shots. It has been designed for the Olympus E Series digital SLR camera.