Why Sticking to One Focal Length Will Transform Your Photography

What’s poppin’, people? It’s Dante. This morning I’m thinking about focal length in street photography and the philosophy behind choosing the right lens. And so, I don’t believe that there’s a “right” lens.

My Philosophy on Focal Length

When it comes down to it, my philosophy around focal length is maybe strange or weird, but here it is: focal length doesn’t matter. What mattered most in my journey was sticking to one focal length, practicing with it every single day, and learning to see the world through that lens.

For me, that lens has been a 35mm lens, which I’ve used for 90% of my photographs over the years.

The Journey: From 28mm to 35mm

When I started with the Ricoh GR II and its 28mm lens, it felt natural. But as I began to travel and explore the world, I transitioned to the 35mm lens, and that switch was simple. It felt like the right tool for versatility. For five years, I stuck with that one focal length.

Around 2021, I decided to experiment with a 28mm lens again. Looking back, I think that was probably not a good idea. While I made some solid work with it, like a chaotic playground scene where it worked beautifully, I now believe it’s better to stick with one focal length.

“There’s something to be said about sticking to one focal length.”

The Difference Between 28mm and 35mm

With a 28mm lens, you get closer to life. It forces you to be out there, right on the front lines of life. But 28mm also makes you pay way more attention to the edges of the frame. Here’s an example:

In one scene, I had to get super close to a man at his car window. Every detail—like the shadow in the corner—had to be carefully managed.

At the same time, the closeness and dynamics of the 28mm can heighten tension and create a more playful, loose composition.

Now, let’s talk about the 35mm lens. The 35mm gives a little more compression to the image, simplifying the frame and making it cleaner. For example:

A shot with a subject in the foreground and layers in the background can feel more balanced with the 35mm.
With a 35mm, you can break the frame into foreground, middle ground, and background in a way that feels cohesive and concise.

“The greatest thing about using the 35mm lens is the fact that you can use layering in your compositions much more fluidly.”

Discipline: The Key to Mastery

When I was starting out, I showed my work to a salesperson at B&H Photo and asked for advice on a camera upgrade. They recommended the Fujifilm X-Pro 2 with a 23mm lens (equivalent to 35mm). Without asking too many questions, I bought it and stuck with it for five years.

During this time, I made some of my best work. Why? Because I stayed disciplined. Sticking to one focal length allows you to get so in tune with your gear that it becomes second nature.

“Eventually, you want to just stay dedicated to one focal length.”

Why Focal Length Doesn’t Really Matter

At the end of the day, focal length is just a tool. What matters is how you use it:

Practice daily with one camera and lens.
Let your intuition guide your compositions.
Focus on the relationship between your body, your camera, and your subject.

When I’m out shooting, I’m not thinking about compression or technical details. I’m simply positioning myself, my camera, and pressing the shutter at the right moment.

“The composition is in the way you perceive the world. It comes through intuition and how you position your body.”

My Current Setup

Right now, I’m using two cameras:

Ricoh GR III (28mm lens)
Ricoh GR IIIx (40mm lens)

For a year and a half, I exclusively used the 28mm. Now, I’m transitioning to the 40mm, experimenting and finding my groove. But even with this shift, I stay disciplined. I never switch back and forth between focal lengths day to day.

Final Thoughts

If you’re just starting out, my advice is simple:

“Pick one focal length and run with it. Experiment early on, but eventually dedicate yourself to one lens for a few years. It’ll transform your photography.”

Photography is about the relationship between you and the subject. The gear should disappear. When you master one focal length, your intuition takes over, and all that matters is the moment.

That’s it for now. Peace.