A must-have lens Canon 50mm Prime Lens (Nifty Fifty), which in this video is being demonstrated with Canon 18-55mm Kit lens. And if you do want to shoot wider than F2.8, you simply cannot with the zoom lens. For example, a Canon 50mm f/1.8. The prime vs zoom lens debate is a big topic in photography. This, but they do have distinct advantages, which we’ll explain later. Even budget prime lenses boast shallow depth of field, creating beautiful bokeh and blurred backgrounds with ease. Path to Photography Expert. or 135mm prime lens will produce better results than a 50mm prime lens or The concept may seem overwhelming at first, but with a little practice, it will become second nature. Stefano Caioni is a photographer from Sydney, Australia. A prime lens, in film and photography, a prime lens is either a photographic lens whose focal length is fixed, as opposed to a zoom lens, or it is the primary lens in a combination lens system. While some photographers might argue that the limit in focal length is a disadvantage, they obviously didn’t consider the benefits that come with prime lenses. As a beginner photographer, you may not know whether you want to shoot with zoom or prime lenses or even the difference between zoom and prime lenses, which is fine. Path to Photography Expert, Get the 7-Day Fixed focal lengths/prime lens: this is simply a lens that has only one focal length, for example, 18mm, 28mm, 70mm, 300mm.In concrete terms, you have a shooting angle that always remains the same. Thanks to photography he reconnected with the outdoors and was able to travel the world and take photos of some of the most beautiful places on Earth. Prime lenses are usually quite compact compared to a zoom lens, can be produced for a high-quality to cost and can feature a wider aperture than a zoom lens, e.g. In other words, if you compare the prime lens stopped down to F2.8 or F4 to the zoom lens at F2.8 or F4, the prime lens will typically offer superior image quality across the board. 24-105mm zoom lens. They're especially good for shooting wildlife and landscapes. The main difference between a prime lens and a zoom lens is of focal length. Prime Lenses. Prime lenses were simpler and easier to make than zoom lenses. a lens with a fixed focal length (also commonly referred to as a “fixed lens” Prime lenses let in much more light than a zoom lens. Prime lenses are tack sharp, fast and lightweight. Until you’ve shot with both types of lenses, it’s all but Reference ID: #577e7710-3378-11eb-9c45-01fafe4d4761, If you think you were blocked by mistake, contact the site website administrator at info@adorama.com. These lenses … But this feature comes at a price though: quality and aperture. The difference between a kit & a prime is that a prime is a fixed length (meaning no zoom) and usually has a high maximum aperture (small # like 1.8). While zoom lenses are more versatile, the mechanics and optical elements required for multiple focal lengths compromise the focus and low light capability. Prime lens. Since sports also requires fast focusing, it’s tough to use a wide aperture and still nail the focus without a lot of previous experience. The biggest con of zoom lenses is that they tend to be bulkier. FREE PHOTOGRAPHY COURSE: In simple terms, a prime lens can’t zoom. But how many people can really tell the difference?Photo by Mike PouliotThe ConditionsBoth photos were shot with the Canon 5D Mark II at the same ISO, aperture, and shutter speed. The biggest thing is going to be your subject matter. Typically, a prime lens has a maximum aperture between f/1.2 and f/2.8. If you’re questioning your next lens purchase, then it’s probably because you’re moving up from a kit lens or looking to expand what you’ve already got. As you become more comfortable with both types of lenses and They have one, fixed focal length which makes them far less versatile than zoom lenses, but there are … Also, keep in mind that even a prime lens will not produce sharp images if it is made cheaply. I am shooting with a Sony a600 and have 4 lenses: the Zeiss Touit f/4 1670 zoom, the Zeiss Touit 2.8 12mm, the Zeiss Touit 1.8 32mm, and the Zeiss 1.8 55mm. purchase more specific lenses. While a single focal length makes you move to get your shots and create tighter, more interesting photos, sometimes it isn’t practical. While prime lenses have a fixed focal length, zoom lenses, on the other hand, have a wider and variable focal length. As a beginner photographer, it’s helpful to own both a Are there any additional tips you would offer for lens choice for beginner photographers? Zoom lenses, as opposed to prime ones, are photographic lenses for which the focal length can be adjusted within a specific range. Weight – The downside is that zoom lenses weigh more than prime lenses, though to some there is the other argument. I prefer using prime lenses vs. the 1670. While there are bulky prime lenses, zoom lenses are almost always bulkier. Prime lenses are lenses that don’t zoom. determine what type of shooting you’ll be doing most often, you may decide to Even if you prefer shooting with zoom lenses, it’s worth shooting with a prime lens every once in a while because it will get you to think about your photography differently. Aperture: When a lens has a wider maximum aperture, it is considered to be faster than another with a smaller maximum aperture. Prime vs Zoom lens, the question every beginner photographer asks. A zoom lens makes this process much easier. Speed – in general prime lenses are faster (in terms of aperture) than zoom lenses. I find this annoying because it can cause issues handling the lens. The first advantage is that a fixed aperture allows for a shallower depth of field without a huge increase in price. For example, if you love macro photography, a 100mm It is better to start learning photography with a prime lens instead … The focusing areas were also the same. A FEW YEARS BACK There are opinions, sometimes fairly strong at that, in the photography community about the virtues of using zoom versus prime lenses for wedding photography; zoom lenses are variable focal length, prime lenses … single focal length. Prime vs. Zoom Lens – Subject Matter. They're ideal for more creative use, portraits, and street photography. For example, when you’re on a photography road trip or taking pictures on a family vacation or at a kid’s birthday party, you want to get the best shots that you can while they’re happening. A zoom lens is more flexible, more convenient, and better for times when you need to grab a shot quickly. As previously mentioned, the main difference between prime and zoom lenses is in their focal length. Limiting a lens to a single focal length enables optimal image quality and superior low light performance. You would need multiple primes lenses to cover the focal range a zoom lens offers, and the combined weight of these may well exceed the one zoom lens. Prime vs Zoom Lens: Prime Lens Pros and Cons, Prime vs Zoom Lens: Zoom Lens Pros and Cons. Zoom lenses allow you to change how close you want to get to a subject while keeping your physical distance. Powered by PerimeterX , Inc. Javascript is disabled or blocked by an extension (ad blockers for example). Prime vs Zoom Lens: What Lens Should I Buy? As you grow comfortable shooting with the kit lens that came with your new camera, you’ll start exploring other options for lenses. It is lightweight and cost effective when compared to other lenses. Prime lenses are sharper than zoom lenses In the past, when the technology was less advanced than today, this was true. Prime lenses have a fixed focal length, meaning that you can’t zoom it at all. The biggest con of prime lenses is that you’re limited to a A prime lens is (often) cheaper, smaller, better quality, and better in low light. Wider Apertures. In Photography Equipment by Stefano Caioni Leave a Comment. This will vary from lens to lens of course, so it is important to do your research. Prime Lens vs Zoom Lens – Find Out Which is Best Suited to You. impossible to determine which type of lens you’ll like shooting with more. This is slowly changing as zoom lens improvements continue to be made by manufacturers but in the Canon range if you want extra fast lenses you’ll start with prime lenses (for example the 85mm and 50mm lenses for example). 40mm, 50mm). versatile zoom lens (i.e., 24-105mm, 18-135mm) and a versatile prime lens (i.e., Additionally, unless you purchase high-end zoom lenses, which are more expensive and even bulkier, you won’t be able to shoot with a shallow depth of field the way you can with virtually every prime lens, even budget prime lenses. when you prefer prime lenses over zoom lenses or vice versa, there will be Both prime and zoom lenses each have their own advantages and their own shortcomings. A prime lens is a camera lens with a fixed focal length. f/1.8 or f/1.4 to let in more light and get a smaller depth of field/bokeh/background blur. Familiarizing yourself with both zoom and prime lenses and weighing the pros and cons of both types of lenses will help you make informed decisions about the lenses you purchase for your camera the future. Founder and editor of Pixinfocus, his passion for photography helps him explore new places and live new adventures. Best: Zoom lens. Even Most photographers tend to sing songs about how much their prime lens is better than a zoom lens. This may happen as a result of the following: Please make sure that Javascript and cookies are enabled on your browser and that you are not blocking them from loading. 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. When it comes to sharpness, distortion, chromatic aberration – primes used to beat zooms at all these categories. Prime lenses tend to be smaller, lighter and offer better low light performance than zoom lenses. One photo was taken with the Canon The focal length of prime lenses can be anywhere between 12mm and 5200mm, and it will always remain the same. Prime lenses allow a handful of benefits compared to their zoom counterparts. The best lens depends on your situation and how much space you have to move around. 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). The popular nifty fifty (50mm) is a great example and investment. Prime lenses tend to have wider maximum apertures than zoom lenses.Sometimes the aperture values in prime lenses can be as wide as f/1.4, f/1.2 or even f/0.95. A zoom lens allows you to cover the field better than a prime lens would. FREE COURSE: If you were wanting to get closer to or further away from your subject you would physically have to do so. before making the investment. Zoom lenses tend to be less sharp than prime lenses, although professional zooms are still very sharp. With a fast aperture, a lens is able to maximize the amount of available light by opening its aperture to an f/2 – f/1.2 or even f/.95 range! always prove beneficial. For many photographers, this is the main reason to choose a prime lens over a zoom lens. Prime lenses are generally much sharper than cheap zoom lenses (under $500), but many of the pro level zoom lenses are on the same level as the prime lenses. There is a wide range of prime lenses available, from wide-angle prime lenses (eg. A zoom lens is a camera lens for which the focal length can be varied. The Ultimate Guide to Price Your Photography | From…, The Ultimate Beginner's Guide to Lightroom, Underwater Portrait Photography: Beginner's Guide, The Ultimate Beginner Guide to Landscape Photography, How Instagram Stories Work for Photographers, Prime vs Zoom Lens for Beginner Photographers, Neon Photography: Best Tips to Shoot Neon Lights, Water Photography Tips for Creative Photos, Rain Photography Guide: How to Take Photos in The Rain. What manufacturer? The first, and most desirable, is the availability of fast apertures. Some budget zoom telephotos, like the Sigma, physically extend when zooming in. Access to this page has been denied because we believe you are using automation tools to browse the website. One reason people purchase DSLR and mirrorless cameras is for the ability to shoot with different lenses in different settings. Scale the Learning Curve Faster. 20mm and a 14mm) to medium- and long-range telephoto prime lenses like a 300mm or 600mm lens. Prime lenses offer superior sharpness, vignetting, and chromatic aberration compared to zoom lenses–which means that you can get professional-quality optics at a much lower cost. The biggest pro of a zoom lens is that you aren’t limited to a single focal length. Both types of lenses deserve a spot in your lens arsenal. The Canon 24-70 f/2.8 Mark I, which is the original iteration. They have a constant, fixed focal length and typically large apertures. I like the sharpness of a prime lens and have had difficulty with dust intrusion into the 1670 zoom in windy, dusty conditions. Typically, a prime lens has a maximum aperture between f/1.2 and f/2.8. I will usually pick up anL zoom in the 24-200mm range over my prime lenses UNLESS I need a higher shutter speed than my zooms' apertures can give me (for shooting a moving subject in low light) or I need the extra background blur one of the fixed focal length lenses will provide. Do you prefer The main difference between a prime lens and a zoom lens is that a prime lens only has one focal length. There are two primary advantages to shooting with a prime lens. it’s not always practical. Every camera and lens maker has a complete and comprehensive offer of zoom lenses, from Pro graded to affordable kit lenses. 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. There are so many different models, all sizes and styles of pet foods from which to choose and pet owners are delivered with hardly any details to base your conclusions on (other than promotion) – it could get so perplexing! Do you select canned meals or dry meals? While the single focal length challenges you creatively, Owning versatile lenses will Whereas a zoom may have a maximum aperture of say f 3.5-f 5.6 prime lenses have a maximum more like f 1.4-f 2. A prime lens is a camera lens with a fixed focal length. To change it, you will have to move, Variable focal lengths: alternatively, some camera lenses have variable focal lengths, also known as “zoom lenses”. In the prime vs zoom debate, it all comes down to preference. Zoom lenses are generally heavier but thanks to their wider focal range, they are far more versatile. Zoom lenses, on the other hand, have zoom … shooting with prime or zoom lenses? Depending on the type of shooting you do most often, a shallow depth of field may not be a high priority. I own a DSLR 24-70 and a 70-200 f/4, but I only use them when I have no option … situations when you want one more than another. It is a sweet little lens with powerful image quality and speed. You also need to consider how difficult it’ll be to swap out prime lenses. 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). 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