Camera FOVcalculator

The FOV helps you decide what kind of camera you need. Do you need to capture a large area, like a parking lot, or focus on a smaller space, like a hallway or entry point? Choosing the right FOV ensures you're getting the footage you need, whether it's a broad overview or fine details.

@Krystal, I think you can use the automatic Lens Correction Profiles in Lightroom to fix the known problems with lens aberration and fringing, but you’ve got to shoot in RAW or the option isn’t selectable in the develop module.

At the end of the day, I recommend any of these lenses! I learned a lot of the things I know now thanks to the nifty fifty! It’s a great focal length and very friendly for either a full-frame or crop censor.

The focal length of the lens also affects the FOV. In short, a shorter focal length (like 10mm) means a wider view but less detail. A longer focal length (like 160mm) narrows the view but increases the detail.

I do find that comparing the lenses for sharpness at the same f-stop is a bit unfair to each lens. If rule of thumb being that a lens’ sharpest f-stop is two down from wide open, the 50 1.2 would be sharpest at f1.8, the 50 1.4 would be at f2 and the 50 1.8 would be f2.8 (if I am doing my ‘math’ correctly). Comparing three different lenses at the same f-stop just doesn’t seem fair to each lens, but maybe I am getting nitpicky. :0 But all that aside, you’d hope that for the price of the 1.2 it had better be the sharpest! (wish I could afford it!) 😉

Camerafield of view simulator

Is the price difference worth it for these 3 lenses? I think the 1.4 really is a great bang for its buck which I used for many years before upgrading. It also has a stronger body compared to the 1.8, and just for that, I think either one is a worthy purchase.

FOVto focal length calculator

I love my 50mm 1.4 and use it A LOT! I really don’t see why I would spend 3x the amount on the 1.2. Especially after seeing your results. Thank you for doing this.

All that being said I have never really compared the bokeh on each and I am so glad that you did! I love love love the 1.2 for those times I’ve had a chance to use it and it does have that buttery feel that you show. Thank you! Great article!

Field of view human eye

When you're thinking about installing a best security camera, understanding some basic concepts can go a long way in helping you make the right choice. One of the most critical aspects of camera performance is the field of view (FOV).

Todd Morris is the Founder and CEO of BrickHouse Security, a leader in GPS tracking and security solutions since 2005. Featured on the Inc 5000 list, Todd has steered the company from its inception, applying expertise developed at Apple, Adobe, and MapQuest to deliver innovative, reliable solutions for both businesses and consumers. Recognized as an authority in the GPS tracking industry, Todd regularly contributes insights to major news programs. His practical approach includes using his sons as beta testers for products, from stroller tours to monitoring teenage driving, ensuring BrickHouse’s offerings are user-friendly and effective. This hands-on testing reflects Todd’s commitment to real-world application and safety.

A 100% zoom of the face from the above three photos. Sharpness wise, I think that the 1.4 and 1.8 could be sharper, but I barely see a difference.  With the 1.2, there is a jump on sharpness.

What great information for a newbie like myself. I have a crop sensor camera and never realized the difference from a full frame.

When I got my very first DSLR, like many beginners, I was advised by a few friends to purchase a 50mm f/1.8 for my camera.

These are the close-ups of the same image above, to the top right corner of the photos, to show a detailed look of the bokeh.

As a Canon user, Canon has 3 versions for this focal length, ranging from $100-$1500. I was very confused on which one to get. I really wanted to know the difference on how it looked like on a full-frame camera and on a crop censor camera.

Some people use "field of view" and "angle of view" interchangeably, but there is a subtle difference. In general, the FOV is the broader term that refers to the entire area visible to the camera, while angle of view is more about the specific angular measurement based on the lens. For practical purposes, though, you can treat them the same when considering a security camera.

Using my Mark III, I also wanted to see the difference on how the lenses look at their widest aperture. I didn’t edit any of these pictures, they’re all straight out of camera.

I thought about getting the 1.2L but I hear so many bad reviews about that lens. Seems you either get a good copy or a bad copy. The bokeh sure is dreamy though!

The depth of field on the 1.2 is buttery and smooth. Even with the same branches on the top right, I had to look in closer to try to detect it, and it just blurred into the background smoother. That’s definitely a plus to me because I personally like the smooth buttery depth of field.

Even though the 1.8 would do really well for the most part, just the difference from jagged bokeh to creamy bokeh was noticeable. The 50mm 1.4, true to its price range and quality, is a great lens in the middle. The 50mm 1.2 continues to boast that creamy depth of field.

FOVfull form

On the other hand, if you're looking to capture specific details, like license plates or facial features, a narrow-angle camera with a telephoto lens is the better option. These cameras are ideal for entrances or areas where identifying specific people or objects is critical.

What isFOVin games

Great comparison! I have a 1.8…it’s a love/hate relationship! I want to upgrade to the 1.4 hoping the focus is better! My 1.8 is very hit and miss.

Helpful article. On the Rebel the 50mm is basically equivalent to an 80mm. I really loved my 50mm 1.4 on my old Rebel XTi. Haven’t used it since upgrading to the 5D Mark III, but now I will. of course , now I am thinking an 85mm would be nice too!!

With the 1.8, the bokeh looked sharp, jagged on the edges even. With the 1.4, not as jagged, but I noticed it more on some of the branches around Ainsley to the top right, more fluttery, but it doesn’t compare at all to how the 50mm f/1.2 shoots at its widest.

I had to try also at shooting at the same spot, and using the same settings with all three lenses. I picked 2.0 since it’s an aperture I commonly shoot kids with.

Field of view definition microscope

[fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”]Save Save Save[/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container] About the AuthorLatest Posts Winnie Bruce Winnie is a portrait photographer specializing on families, children, and newborns in the Baltimore / DC area. Being a photographer is her full-time job, but she is also a mommy to Elliott and Finnegan, and an Air Force wife. Winnie shoots both Canon and Nikon cameras, and enjoys them both thoroughly. When she first started with photography, she intended to be a food photographer, and was an aspiring chef. Portraiture though has definitely found a special place in her heart. Winnie enjoys shopping, specially at stores like Anthropologie, functions on copious amounts of coffee, and loves listening to sports talk radio. See more from Winnie at www.winniebrucephotography.com. Recent Posts by Winnie Bruce The unlikely place I found my inspiration in photography How I edit to get the glow of a reflector in Photoshop The favorite things of photographer Winnie Bruce a day in the life | winnie bruce my photography journey | winnie bruce

I did a little experiment to see first hand how it looks. My son was gifted a Canon Rebel XT with a 50mm f/1.8 so I borrowed it to conduct a little bit of experiment. I mainly shoot with a Canon 5D Mark III and I used it also to do the rest of the comparisons.

Sharpness wise, I think the body itself helps, but I notice better sharpness with the 1.4 and the 1.2 for sure. What was the most noticeable for me was how the bokeh looked.

If you’re still not sure which lens or field of view is best for your needs, don’t worry—that’s what we’re here for. At BrickHouse Security, we test all of our products to make sure they work for real-world applications. Feel free to reach out, and we’ll help you figure out the best setup to secure your property effectively.

Your FOV is determined by the lens you choose, and it’s crucial to match the lens to the specific needs of your space. For example:

This is some great information! This is exactly what I was looking for when I purchased the 1.4 last year! Super review! Thanks, I’ll be checking out all your other tutorials now!

Simply put, the FOV refers to the area a security camera can capture or "see." Measured in degrees, this tells you how much of a scene will appear in the camera's frame.

I knew I wanted to do food photography and take a few photos of my son, and I was told it was the best lens for the price. To this day, it is one of my favorite focal lengths.

Although the crop seems very tight, when it comes to portrait lenses, the 50mm is amazing for its quality of not distorting edges.

At f/2, I noticed the same thing I did as to how the lenses look like at their widest. The depth of field just looks so different.

Camera fov meaningphotography

Both were shot on similar settings, at f/2.8, and I stood at the same spot. Ainsley tilted a bit for me, but she stayed in the same spot also.

I do love how sturdy the 1.2 is and I have definitely purchased it for the quality of depth of field alone as I prefer buttery depth of field.  It was a splurge, but I am in love! I shoot in high grass a lot, and the 1.4 tends to make the edges of the grass a bit too jagged for my taste.

So glad I stumbled upon this article! I’m about to purchase my first DSLR and feel so lost as far as choosing the right standard lens. You’ve helped me quite a bit. I have a few more questions though and feel you would be very helpful. E-mail me if you get a chance, please!

I really loved my 1.4 until I got my 135mm and then I wanted that creamy Bokeh throughout all my work. I couldn’t use my 135mm for toddlers since I’m so far. I have heard about the bad copies here and there, so I may have gotten a good copy, but also, I feel this lens should really be used at its sweet spot of 2.0 to get the best results =]. I haven’t gotten rid of the 1.4 because as a walk around lens, I do still like it a lot. It’s a lot lighter. I prefer the L for my clients.

Winnie is a portrait photographer specializing on families, children, and newborns in the Baltimore / DC area. Being a photographer is her full-time job, but she is also a mommy to Elliott and Finnegan, and an Air Force wife. Winnie shoots both Canon and Nikon cameras, and enjoys them both thoroughly. When she first started with photography, she intended to be a food photographer, and was an aspiring chef. Portraiture though has definitely found a special place in her heart. Winnie enjoys shopping, specially at stores like Anthropologie, functions on copious amounts of coffee, and loves listening to sports talk radio.

Thanks, everyone! CA is just an issue with most prime lenses, I see it most on my 35mm and 50mm. You can easily fix it in LR or ACR— the button looks like this (( )). You can then click on “remove chromatic aberration” and it should ease it =)

Thank you for the article. My EF 50mm f/1.4 is by far my favourite lens. Before it, my favourite was my EF 50mm f/1.8 II. In the future, if I have the funds, I’d definitely consider the f/1.2L.

A camera with a wide-angle lens is perfect for monitoring large areas but sacrifices detail. These cameras work well for spotting general movement or activity in open spaces like parking lots or lobbies.

How much is cropped will look the same with any of the 50mm lenses I had on hand, so my focus here was to see really how much is taken off with a crop censor camera. It really was quite a bit!

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Before setting up your security camera, it’s important to consider a few key factors to make sure you're capturing the right angle for your needs. Whether you're monitoring a wide outdoor area or a narrow hallway, understanding your camera’s Field of View (FOV) will make all the difference in getting clear, useful footage.

I love the 50mm f1.2 lens as well. I’ve been shooting with it for almost a year now and the biggest bonus it gave me was indoor photos. (No flash required because it lets in soooo much light) I love this lens so much, however I have issues with chromatic aberration with outdoor photos. Any advice on how to avoid this problem using this awesome lens?