What Is a Pancake Lens and Is It Worth Buying One?

Pancake lenses have become progressively popular over the years, especially with the rise of social media travel influencers. These thin, flat lenses that resemble a pancake are fantastic for several reasons, but they do have some downsides, so are they really worth the money? Keep reading to find out.

What Are Pancake Lenses?

While “pancake lens” is a colloquial term used in the photography community, there is no clear definition for these lenses. They are usually identified by their small, often wide-angled lens that is shorter than it is wide, hence the name pancake. This makes them ideal for travel photography.

Most pancake lenses are prime lenses and tend to be more affordable compared to lenses that pack higher-quality optics. So is buying a pancake lens worth it? Let’s find out.

The Pros of Getting a Pancake Lens

There are many reasons you might want to invest in a pancake lens.

Lightweight

Pancake lenses typically weigh less than a hundred grams, so you can easily use them for a prolonged period because they do not require the same physical demand as some other lenses. They also put significantly less strain on your neck when hanging from a strap, and sore shoulders from a too-heavy camera bag won’t be an issue anymore.

Compact

These lenses take up minimal space, so you don’t need to lug around a large camera bag—this is especially great for photographers who travel. In fact, you could easily slip this lens into your purse or pocket if absolutely necessary, but if you decide to go this route, remember to keep both caps on for maximum protection.

Bright Aperture

Pancake lenses are typically prime lenses and have a wide aperture, which means light can reach the sensor more easily. This makes them great for lower light settings, and it means the ISO can be reduced for less graininess.

Additionally, the wider aperture allows for a faster shutter speed, so these lenses are great for reducing motion blur, and they’re fantastic for creating bokeh. If you’re not yet convinced, have a look at these benefits of owning a wide-angle camera lens.

Affordable

Due to the need for less glass and fewer materials, pancake lenses are relatively cheap in comparison. Their affordability is often what attracts customers to them in the first place because when you’ve just spent a significant amount on a camera body, you can end up saving hundreds more when opting for a pancake lens.

If you’re worried about investing in an inexpensive lens, here’s why you should buy cheap camera lenses over expensive ones.

Inconspicuous

This one might only appeal to our introverted readers, but a charming aspect of the pancake lens is its subtlety. You’re likely to receive a few long stares when you’re hiding behind a lens as big as your fist, but the inconspicuousness of the pancake lens allows a photographer to go unnoticed, capturing their muse in peace.

The Cons of Getting a Pancake Lens

As great as pancake lenses are, there are some cons to using one.

Limited Abilities

The compact design of the pancake lens means some compromises have to be made. For example, although these lenses are relatively fast, they are considerably slower than other prime lenses. Additionally, they have no distance scale printed on the lens barrel, so setting your focus distance has to be done visually.

If you’re unsure which lens to use, see our tips for choosing the right lens for your photoshoot.

It Can Produce Lower-Quality Pictures

Pancake lenses aren’t often top-of-the-range lenses, and while they typically shoot good-quality pictures, you can certainly find better in the larger, more costly lenses. So if you’re needing a lens that can produce the highest quality pictures, perhaps a pancake lens shouldn’t be first on your list.

Fixed Focal Length

Pancake lenses almost always have a fixed focal length, meaning they cannot zoom in and out. If you wanted to zoom in on the subject, you would have to use your body to get closer, but sometimes the angles you need make this impossible, and you end up with an image that is disappointing.

Are Pancake Lenses Worth It?

Even with the disadvantages, pancake lenses have many upsides, so we’re on board with the hype. However, it would be a good idea to invest in other lenses too. While pancake lenses are fantastic for their price and size, and make excellent travel companions, their limitations might also limit your abilities as a photographer.