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A sailing ship on the sea in front of an island

Focal length: 35mm

The classic choice for universality


The 35mm focal length is a favourite among photographers who appreciate a harmonious perspective. Offering a unique middle ground between a wide-angle and standard perspective, it is suited to a variety of photographic situations. Whether you wish to capture expansive landscapes, expressive portraits or lively street scenes: a 35mm lens enables well-balanced renditions of the main subject and its surroundings. Its versatility makes the 35mm lens an indispensable tool, particularly in street and reportage photography, where it is essential to capture the moment in all its intensity. 

A 35mm lens produces a semi-wide field of view that is aesthetically striking, but still feels natural and familiar to the human eye. With this focal length, photographers are able to realise creative visions at lightning speed, and create images full of depth and narrative power: an essential tool for anyone wishing to tell engaging, visually compelling stories.

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Portrait of a woman

Portrait Photography

In portrait photography, the 35mm focal length provides an ideal balance between the protagonist and their surroundings. This focal length makes it possible to create dynamic and expressive portrait shots that incorporate the context of the scene. A 35mm lens delivers authentic renditions that show people and their immediate surroundings without distorting the proportions.

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Woman on the roadside

Street Photography

The 35mm focal length is ideal for street photography, as it allows you to capture scenes as they are actually perceived. With a 35mm lens, you can get close to the action, while at the same time capturing the context of the scene. It is an excellent focal length for spontaneous, vibrant shots that show the main subject and its surroundings in a balanced relationship to each other. As a result, the photographer is able to capture the dynamics of a fleeting scene in an authentic manner.

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Hugging couple

Reportage Photography

In reportage applications, the 35mm focal length plays out its strength in terms of versatility. With a 35mm lens, you are able to convey the atmosphere of a location, while important moments and faces are clearly emphasised. This focal length is excellent for telling in-depth stories, as it allows you to show both the ‘bigger picture’ and important details in a single image.

How Photographers use Leica products

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picture collage of cambodian streets
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Cambodian and Indian Street Works
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Greg Mo takes pictures of places that draw him naturally. In his mind, it is often the small details that are the making of an image.

To the story

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Media
picture collage of cambodian streets
Cambodian and Indian Street Works
More information
Long text

Greg Mo takes pictures of places that draw him naturally. In his mind, it is often the small details that are the making of an image.

To the story

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