Something went wrong. While this is a smart way of getting started, you shouldn’t stay too long with that lens. The main difference between a prime lens and a zoom lens is of focal length. While zoom lenses are more versatile, the mechanics and optical elements required for multiple focal lengths compromise the focus and low light capability. This can be very useful when you’re traveling, for example, or if you just like to have your camera with you at all times in case the perfect picture opportunity presents itself. The possibility of changing focal length without having to change the lens is amazing. For example, some of the fastest zoom lenses can offer an aperture of f/2 at a very high price (see the Canon 28-70mm RF, for example). This refers to the apparent separation between the subject and the background. Most photographers end up having both zooms and prime lenses as part of their gear. For example, if you’re not sure what conditions you’re going to be facing, or when the action is going to be very fast and you have to adapt quickly to moving subjects. Or, if you want to have a shallow depth of field for better subject isolation in portrait photography or creating nice bokeh backgrounds (the ability to create background blur). There’s definitely some special quality about a photo taken with a prime lens shot wide open – the creamy out-of-focus areas can give it an ethereal feel. purchase more specific lenses. If instead, you photograph a dog that’s next to you, you’ll see how its face will be very distorted giving it a huge snout. Typically, a prime lens has a maximum aperture between f/1.2 and f/2.8. This means that by moving the optical elements inside the lens, you can change the angle of view. The depth of field will also be different, because the closer you are to the subject, the narrower it will be. Founder and editor of Pixinfocus, his passion for photography helps him explore new places and live new adventures. Many cameras sold in starter kits come with a zoom lens included. But still, they haven’t reached the wider apertures that you can get with prime lenses. Credit: Mark Condon. The second advantage of prime lenses is that a fixed aperture forces you to think more about your compositions and move to create the shots you want. A prime lens is a camera lens with a fixed focal length. Are there any additional tips you would offer for lens choice for beginner photographers? or 135mm prime lens will produce better results than a 50mm prime lens or As with many other debates, it’s all about what’s better for you. This is an important issue if you face low light conditions on a regular basis – with a ‘slower’ lens, you may need to compensate by shooting at higher ISOs or slower shutter speeds in order to capture the shot. when you prefer prime lenses over zoom lenses or vice versa, there will be You should also consider the lens distortion – for example, a wide-angle lens tends to distort the subject to some degree. The most common will offer an aperture of f/3.5 on the shortest end and f/5.6 when zooming in – you may have one of these ‘kit’ zoom lenses, after purchasing your first DSLR. Thanks to the amazing developments by manufacturers, nowadays you can find some fast zoom lenses that make this gap smaller. As you grow comfortable shooting with the kit lens that came with your new camera, you’ll start exploring other options for lenses. You can just grab your camera with your zoom lens and you’re ready to go. Prime lenses tend to be smaller, lighter and offer better low light performance than zoom lenses. single focal length. Do you prefer Credit: Mark Condon. As a result, you could end up missing some great shots. This can give you a better idea of what you’re getting. Even if you decide that zoom lenses are better for you than prime lenses, then you should invest in a professional zoom that will give you better quality than kit lenses. One reason people purchase DSLR and mirrorless cameras is for the ability to shoot with different lenses in different settings. That might look cute, but it’s distorted none the less. Well, there are some times that they’ll work better. One of these is the compression effect. Even Depending on the type of shooting you do most often, a shallow depth of field may not be a high priority. Zoom range is by far the top advantage that zoom lenses offer and in itself could trample all the advantages of a prime lens depending on your needs. e.g. Credit: Greg Cromie. A prime lens is one where you cannot change the focal length (i.e, the field of view is ‘fixed’). While a zoom lens has a range of focal lengths (i.e., 17-35mm), a prime lens can only have one focal length (i.e., 50mm). Unlike a zoom, getting your subject closer or further away is only possible by physically moving. Obviously, there’s a wide variety of prices in both prime and zoom lenses, but as a general rule of thumb, prime lenses are less expensive. Pixinfocus is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Limiting a lens to a single focal length enables optimal image quality and superior low light performance. However, while something like an f/2.8 zoom is desirable, it’s also expensive, and usually the realm of pros or hobbyists with deeper pockets. So yes, this is a big plus, but having a selection of different focal lengths in a single product will mean making compromises in aperture, price, and weight. This might sound like a shallow consideration in choosing the right gear, but there are two arguments I could say in defence of it. For example, you don’t have to plan, think, and carry multiple specific lenses that could cover all your possible needs. Therefore you’re not compromising your work or your images by including the weight into the decision making process. Getting up close to your subject is easier with zoom lenses than prime lenses. If you’re going without a specific photographic target in mind, you might not want to carry heavy gear with you. it’s not always practical. As you become more comfortable with both types of lenses and Until you’ve shot with both types of lenses, it’s all but As a beginner photographer, it’s helpful to own both a versatile zoom lens (i.e., 24-105mm, 18-135mm) and a versatile prime lens (i.e., It will give you better quality and sharper images. Lugging around a heavy camera can also have serious health complications in the long run. A zoom lens makes this process much easier. On the other side of the spectrum, you can get a telephoto zoom lens; one of the most common is the 70-200mm. For example, with a 35-105mm zoom lens would cover the whole range. Wait until you know you’ll use a more specific lens often All these advantages of prime lenses might have you wondering, why would you get a zoom then? This has some other implications aside from the magnification of the subject. The concept may seem overwhelming at first, but with a little practice, it will become second nature. For example, a 10-24mm is a wide-angle zoom lens. FREE COURSE:
With zoom lenses, you can get your subject to appear closer or further away with the turn of a ring, and without changing the physical distance. Some photographers will tell you that they simply prefer lenses with fixed focal lengths because it forces them to be more creative with their shots. Not all of them though – which brings me to the first advantage of prime lenses. This is a general rule that doesn’t apply to telephoto lenses with macro capabilities, for example. I know that this alone isn’t a helpful answer, so let me explain what these two types of lenses are and, more importantly, the advantages of each. before making the investment. a 50mm f/1.4 prime let in 4-stops more than a f/5.6 zoom lens, meaning you can use a faster shutter speed, which can allow you to capture images in a wider variety of shooting conditions. The biggest con of zoom lenses is that they tend to be bulkier. 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