1. Forum
  2. General Discussion | Introductions | Off Topic Forum
  3. Photography General Discussion
  4. Pro's and Con's of prime lenses

Pro's and Con's of prime lenses


12 years 4 weeks ago #216848 by Crammer
Actually all I would like to know is other than limited focal range are there any down sides to using only primes?

I'm shopping for some new glass and was thinking of going prime for the sharpness and speed.
Photo Comments
,
12 years 4 weeks ago #216850 by Darrell
I don't think there is a down side to the quality from a prime lens, I also have the zoom lens, becasue there is always a need for both..
You will not be judged as a photographer by the pictures you take, but by the pictures you show.
,
12 years 4 weeks ago #216851 by Baydream
The only other "down side" is that you need a bunch of lenses to cover different situations (and have to change them).
Shoot, learn and share. It will make you a better photographer.
fineartamerica.com/profiles/john-g-schickler.html?tab=artwork
Photo Comments
,
12 years 4 weeks ago #216853 by Darrell
:agree: I should add that most of my primes are used in studio....:beerbang:
You will not be judged as a photographer by the pictures you take, but by the pictures you show.
,
12 years 4 weeks ago #216856 by sandozer
I found going from an 80-400mm zoom, that I often miss the subject as now I am using a 300mm f2.8 and 1.4T/c (equivalent 420mm). I no longer have the luxury of being able to zoom out to locate the subject, I do quite a bit of BIF shooting. Having said that I can`t see me going back to the zoom as the quality difference is too great. :thumbsup:
www.flickr.com/photos/sandozer/
,
12 years 4 weeks ago #216859 by mattmoran
I only have primes in my bag right now. If I could afford it, I'd buy a fast zoom.

For the price, primes produce better results. I think once you get up to the "L" zooms, it's tough to argue that primes produce better images. Of course the L zooms are monstrously large compared to a prime. But not compared to 3 primes approximating the same range.

So really, in my opinion, the chief pro of primes is the price/performance ratio.

The chief con of primes is that changing lenses in the field is a real pain.
-Matt
,
12 years 4 weeks ago #216874 by Dori
I have a 35mm for short focal length needs. Other than that my 70-300 is 'married' to my camera.
Don't pi$$ me off, I am running out of room to store the bodies...

Resident Texasotan...
,
12 years 4 weeks ago #216881 by john_m
As said, primes offer some amazing IQ but is a pain to have to buy several lenses to cover the range you need. I used to love my 50 f1.8D, but ever since I picked up my 28-80 2.8 I havent touched my prime.
Nikon D200
Nikon 50mm f1.8D, Tokina 28-80 f2.8, Nikon 75-300, Sigma 18-200, Nikon SB-600, Nikon SB-25, Promaster triggers
,
12 years 4 weeks ago #216883 by Crammer
Have any of you tried the Sigma 85mm f/1.4?
Photo Comments
,
12 years 4 weeks ago #216887 by Rob pix4u2
I can't find a down side to my 300mm prime
Remember to engage brain before putting mouth in gear
Rob Huelsman Sr.
My Facebook www.facebook.com/ImaginACTIONPhotography
,
12 years 3 weeks ago #217037 by Henry Peach
Pros of primes: in general they are usually faster, smaller, lighter, and cheaper. Compared to cheaper zooms they may be sharper. Compared to the modern, quality zooms I own (Canon, Tamron, & Sigma) I don't see much difference. Bokeh is also often slightly different than zooms.

Con of primes: fixed focal length

I mainly choose primes when I need a bigger max aperture or I want to carry a smaller rig.
mattneedham.zenfolio.com
,
12 years 3 weeks ago - 12 years 3 weeks ago #217092 by Stealthy Ninja
What primes are you guys talking about that are cheap?! :p

Lens makers make cheap zoom and expensive primes (and visa-versa) I think it all depends on what you want. The Canon 28-300 for example is a very expensive zoom, as is the 70-200 2.8 (from Canon and Nikon). But then again Nikon make a fairly cheap (and better than the Canon) 28-300 zoom.

Go try and afford a Canon 1200mm prime and come back to me and say primes are cheap. :p

Same goes for the Nikon 200-400 (and the coming soon Canon version).

IMHO the main benefit of primes is speed and with that DOF control.

They're also pretty sharp most of the time.
img\def

www.aevansphoto.com
,
12 years 3 weeks ago #217111 by icepics
I've never cared for zooms because I find the zooming annoying more than anything. I imagine it depends on how you use your camera and what you're photographing. I tend to move around and change my vantage point a lot so I don't feel like I need a zoom. I also tend to not change lenses a lot, at least during whatever period of time that I'm taking photos.

I like a short 135mm telephoto, sometimes use a 200 or a 50, and got a new 90mm that I'm finding I like and use quite a bit.
Sharon
Photo Comments
,
12 years 3 weeks ago #217159 by Prago

john_m wrote: As said, primes offer some amazing IQ but is a pain to have to buy several lenses to cover the range you need. I used to love my 50 f1.8D, but ever since I picked up my 28-80 2.8 I havent touched my prime.


That 28-80mm focused to 50mm can't be the same as the 50mm prime lens?
SWM into chainsaws and hockey masks seeks like-minded SWF. No weirdos, please
Photo Comments
,
12 years 3 weeks ago - 12 years 3 weeks ago #217167 by mattmoran

Prago wrote:

john_m wrote: As said, primes offer some amazing IQ but is a pain to have to buy several lenses to cover the range you need. I used to love my 50 f1.8D, but ever since I picked up my 28-80 2.8 I havent touched my prime.


That 28-80mm focused to 50mm can't be the same as the 50mm prime lens?


Checkout photozone.de's tests on the nikon 50 f/1.8 D and the nikon 24-70 f/2.8G ED .
The MTF tests on the zoom were done at 40mm, not 50, so it's not quite the same. But it looks to me like the zoom might be a little more consistent across the frame than the prime. According to the numbers, both will be "very good" across the whole frame past about f/4.

So yeah, if you buy the pro-level zoom you get increased flexibility at the cost of extra weight, extra money, and a smaller max aperture. But you don't really sacrifice image quality at equivalent apertures.
-Matt
,

  1. Forum
  2. General Discussion | Introductions | Off Topic Forum
  3. Photography General Discussion
  4. Pro's and Con's of prime lenses

817.3K

241K

  • Facebook

    817,251 / Likes

  • Twitter

    241,000 / Followers

  • Google+

    1,620,816 / Followers

Show Me...

Visit 4wdtlak Forum
Saal

Latest Reviews

Fujifilm XT5 Review

The Fujifilm XT5 is a 40MP mirrorless camera capable of 6.2K video at 30p. With those specs, it’s an ideal choice for photographers needing a camera to pull double duty for imaging and video.

Apr 25, 2024
Canon EOS R100 Review

The Canon EOS R100 is an entry-level mirrorless camera introduced in 2023. But just because it’s an entry-level camera doesn’t mean it’s a bare-bones camera. Find out why in this review!

Apr 22, 2024
Nikon Zfc Review

Nikon’s retro-looking Nikon Zfc is anything but retro. Under its classic body is a host of features and amenities that make it a worthwhile compact mirrorless camera for 2024.

Apr 15, 2024
Canon EOS R50 Review

The Canon EOS R50 is one of the newest R-system cameras from Canon. Is it worth your money? Find out all the details you need to know in this comprehensive review.

Apr 10, 2024
More Articles
Get 600+ Pro photo lessons for $1

Forum Top Posters

Sponsored Imageimages/stories/ad_agency/2/1559071052.jpgSponsored Imageimages2/mpb145x145sell.png
Sponsored ImageSponsored Image

Latest Articles

Urban Photography 101

Urban photography is a genre showcasing features in urban settings. You can photograph people, architecture, mass transit, and many other subjects. Learn how to do so in this guide!

Apr 30, 2024
10 Reasons Why the Nikon D850 is a Great Camera in 2024: Timeless Features and Performance

The Nikon D850 might be an older DSLR, but it was ahead of its time when it debuted in 2017. That means it still has plenty of firepower to compete with today’s powerful mirrorless cameras.

Apr 30, 2024
Best Beginner Camera for 2024

The best beginner camera isn’t the same for everyone. That means having choice is of the utmost importance. In this guide, explore five excellent beginner camera options for 2024 and beyond.

Apr 25, 2024
The Art of Child Portrait Photography

Child portrait photography is a unique undertaking requiring special skills and talents to get the best results. Start mastering this photography niche with these essential tips!

Apr 25, 2024
Fujifilm XT5 Review

The Fujifilm XT5 is a 40MP mirrorless camera capable of 6.2K video at 30p. With those specs, it’s an ideal choice for photographers needing a camera to pull double duty for imaging and video.

Apr 25, 2024
Guiding the Eye: Mastering Leading Lines in Photography

Using leading lines in photography helps improve the composition by drawing viewers in and leading their eye from the foreground to the background. Explore some fine examples of this in this guide!

Apr 24, 2024
Must-Have Insta360 Accessories

The Insta360 has one of the best lineups of action cams and 360-degree cameras. With these Insta360 accessories, you can elevate your photography and videography game!

Apr 24, 2024
5 Keys for More Impactful Photos of Landscapes

Creating impactful photos of landscapes depends on many factors, not the least of which is your talent behind the lens. This guide explores other elements required for the best product.

Apr 23, 2024
More Articles