Photography enthusiasts are increasingly discovering that 40mm might represent the perfect compromise for everyday shooting, offering a natural perspective that bridges the gap between traditional wide-angle and standard focal lengths. This emerging trend challenges conventional wisdom about lens selection and suggests that photographers may have been overlooking an optimal middle ground.
Photographer Craig Roberts recently explored this concept in a comprehensive video analysis, examining why 40mm focal length could serve as the ultimate everyday lens choice. Roberts, who has experimented extensively with various focal lengths throughout his career, traces his journey from using 24mm lenses for landscape photography to 35mm for tighter framing, and eventually 50mm for increased flexibility. His exploration led him to conclude that 40mm provides a sweet spot that combines the best characteristics of both 35mm and 50mm perspectives.
The photographer emphasizes that real-world usage tells a more complete story than technical specifications or laboratory sharpness tests. This practical approach resonates with photographers who often find themselves torn between different focal lengths, uncertain which lens truly matches their creative vision. Roberts demonstrates his findings using multiple camera and lens combinations, including the Voigtländer 40mm designed for Nikon F-mount systems and the popular Ricoh GR IIIx compact camera.
His analysis extends beyond modern digital equipment to include classic film cameras such as the iconic Polaroid SX-70 and the Olympus 35 RC, both of which feature lenses close to the 40mm focal length. This historical perspective reinforces the argument that 40mm has long been recognized as providing a natural field of view, even if it hasn't always been prominently marketed or widely adopted by contemporary photographers.
The central advantage of 40mm, according to Roberts, lies in its ability to simplify decision-making processes. Rather than constantly debating between the wider perspective of 35mm and the more compressed view of 50mm, photographers can rely on 40mm to deliver consistently balanced results. This focal length produces a natural perspective that avoids the extremes of being either too wide or too tight for most shooting situations.
Roberts advocates for a minimalist approach to photography equipment, suggesting that photographers adopt a "one camera, one lens, one focal length" philosophy. This deliberate limitation, rather than restricting creativity, can actually provide greater freedom by allowing photographers to focus more intensively on composition and storytelling rather than constantly switching between different pieces of gear.
The photography community has responded positively to this perspective, with many professionals sharing their own experiences with 40mm lenses. Several photographers have reported that 40mm feels more natural than any other focal length they have used, particularly in terms of spatial distortion and proportional representation of subjects. Some note that this focal length most closely approximates human vision, making images appear more authentic and relatable.
Equipment manufacturers have begun responding to this growing interest, with companies like Sigma producing high-performance 40mm lenses such as the 40mm f/1.4 Art lens, which has gained recognition for its exceptional optical quality. Photographers using crop-sensor cameras have also discovered equivalent focal lengths, such as the Viltrox 27mm f/1.2 Pro, which provides approximately 40mm equivalent field of view when mounted on APS-C format cameras.
This trend toward 40mm focal length represents a broader movement in photography toward simplification and intentional limitations. By choosing a single, versatile focal length, photographers can develop a more intimate understanding of their equipment while potentially improving their compositional skills through consistent practice with one field of view.
