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Can't Live Without It: Nifty Fifty

I hope you will join Stephanie, Caitlin and me! It's super easy, tell us one thing you simply cannot live without, grab the button and link your blog below. Link up's are always a great way to find other blogs and have people discover yours. If you're new to blogging or a seasoned pro we hope you join us!

This week I didn't have to think long about what my can't live without item is and if you're a rookie DSLR girl like myself this needs to be in your camera bag.

*Edit: Apparently Cait and I were sharing brainwaves when we posted about the exact same thing!!

Canon EF 55mm f/1.8 II Camera Lens
A couple of birthday's ago David had bought me a Canon Rebel T4i and while I was so excited to use it, I had no clue how to operate it. Sure it took pretty great photos in auto mode but I had a strong desire to really learn how to use it. I read some books, watched some youtube tutorials and then decided I needed what everyone was calling the "nifty fifty" (Nikon version here).
This is the lens I use almost 100% of the time. It's affordable and once you begin to figure out aperture, shutter speed and ISO it becomes all the better. My photos have gotten so much better since I have been only using manual mode. Forcing myself to learn!

This lens is a prime lens meaning you cannot zoom in or out. If you want to get farther or closer you physically have to move your feet (my husband hates that part). But because it is a prime lens that is how I am able to get those gorgeous blurry backgrounds. The smaller f number you use (aperture), the more light it allows in. The more in focus your subject (or wherever you place your focus) and the blurrier the background.

I have started to look into a macro lens (for those super small up close details) would love to hear any suggestions if you have one. Don't want anything that will break the bank either!

Your turn!



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17 comments

  1. elle joApril 16, 2015 at 6:13 PM

    She's getting to be so big and gorgeous and such a model!

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  2. Stephanie | Olive and Tate | April 16, 2015 at 6:46 PM

    ok, between you, Meg and Cait I am convinced that I need this. Mothers Day gift? I think so! xo

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  3. Ashley {Life on Meyers}April 16, 2015 at 6:50 PM

    Your picture are always so gorgeous! I am a total rookie, but I am thinking this would be perfect!

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  4. Tawnya FaustApril 16, 2015 at 8:18 PM

    LOVE my 50mm. I'm really wanting to get the 1.2 or the 1.4 though... the images are so much more crisp! Maybe one day. Your photo of your little one is so sweet :) Thanks for hosting the link up :)

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  5. Laura Marie KeenanApril 16, 2015 at 8:36 PM

    I have this sense too! I'm still getting familiar with it! I absolute love it but find a hard focusing on the object I want to if it's not the closest thing to me. With practice I'm improving though. Definitely share any of your tips!

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  6. Caley-Jade RosenbergApril 16, 2015 at 10:43 PM

    I REALLY need to learn how to take good photos - for my kids and for my blog! x

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  7. EvelinaApril 17, 2015 at 6:11 AM

    The blurry backgrounds in photos is so pretty. It really makes the subject pop! And in your case, a perfectly adorable little miss! Happy weekend :)

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  8. JillianApril 17, 2015 at 6:45 AM

    your photos are so beautiful! i really need to work on my photography skills now that i have a little model ;) xo jillian - cornflake dreams

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  9. Foxy's Domestic SideApril 17, 2015 at 8:20 AM

    I LOVE that lens. It was the one I bought with the camera, I decided not to get the stock lens, just bought the body. Now 7 years later I'm looking to upgrade my DSLR, but you better believe that lens is coming with me :) Plus maybe the 40mm one too, hehe.

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  10. AnonymousApril 17, 2015 at 10:48 AM

    You and Cait; great minds on this one! Y'all's pictures are just so stunning and clearly the lens makes all the difference (as does that amazing camera and gorgeous babies!).

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  11. MichelleApril 17, 2015 at 11:08 AM

    Too funny! I saw that on her post too. My daughter writes/photos for Daily Mom and she is all about wanting that lens too.

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  12. Candace ShifletApril 17, 2015 at 11:21 AM

    I love that lens!!! I recently got it and I keep trying to find a good excuse to use it basically everywhere haha!

    Xo
    Candace
    Lovely Little Rants

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  13. LynaApril 17, 2015 at 11:57 AM

    Reading this makes me want to learn how to use our camera! :) I'm getting tired of my iPhone pics :/

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  14. Jen Brown {Baking Baby Brown}April 17, 2015 at 1:08 PM

    I keep hearing I need a nifty fifty ... I'm still using the stock lens that came with my camera. Your photos have been coming out awesome! You've done a really good job teaching yourself!

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  15. AnonymousApril 17, 2015 at 1:13 PM

    Love, love, love my nifty fifty! I'm still scared of shooting in manual mode, I've got the shutter speed and aperture figured out, ISO is where I'm stuck :( Maybe you could do a post on any tips you've found useful?

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  16. Christina Lea LovesApril 17, 2015 at 3:36 PM

    I would be lost without my big camera! I hardly know how to use all the gadgets but I love it!

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  17. B @ The Sequin NotebookApril 18, 2015 at 3:17 PM

    I am still working with my iPhone, but would love to take the plunge and get a "real" camera...I'm glad to hear you've been able to train yourself to use it, because I'm scared that I just wouldn't be able to teach myself!

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