When are you using a prime lens vs zoom?

12 years 6 months ago #157235 by Janos
I would like to hear from other photographers on when are determining the need for a prime lens vs a standard zoom lens? I have a 50mm for example that doesn't get used because I nearly always have my 18-200mm on it. When do you use a 50mm for example? It's focal length is covered by the 18-200mm?


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12 years 6 months ago #157246 by Joves
I use my primes when I have a plan on shooting a specific target. The zooms I use when Im hiking or roaming around.


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12 years 6 months ago #157324 by Vahrenkamp
The primes are slightly going to be sharper correct?


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12 years 6 months ago #157380 by crystal
Well I have a 105 macro. I use that all the time, when I shoot macro/close up. When I have that lens, I have no problem moving around. I also have the 50mm, which I barely use, because normally, what I plan on shooting requires me to get closer to my subject, onto which I can not physically get closer too.
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12 years 6 months ago #157391 by photobod
I use zooms all the time but once i get a macro lens it will be a 105mm prime, as to the difference in sharpness its quite minimal actually.

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12 years 6 months ago #157421 by 35 IOU
I have only two lenses 18-55 and 50. I actually use my 50mm most of the time. It's just a better quality lens and so light weight.


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12 years 6 months ago #157776 by Henry Peach

Vahrenkamp wrote: The primes are slightly going to be sharper correct?


In my own personal testing I've found that modern zooms, at least the f/2.8 variety, are often just as sharp as primes. Thirty years ago zooms lenses weren't as sharp as primes, but computer aided design has really changed things.

I use primes when I want to carry a smaller lens or I want to use apertures larger than f/2.8.
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12 years 6 months ago #157839 by MYoung

Henry Peach wrote:

Vahrenkamp wrote: The primes are slightly going to be sharper correct?


In my own personal testing I've found that modern zooms, at least the f/2.8 variety, are often just as sharp as primes. Thirty years ago zooms lenses weren't as sharp as primes, but computer aided design has really changed things.

I use primes when I want to carry a smaller lens or I want to use apertures larger than f/2.8.


I was wondering that! You see I just got my first camera a few weeks ago and have been shopping for lenses. I did notice that with many of the prime lenses, they went down to f/1.8 and f/1.4. I didn't notice this with any of the zoom lenses. Is that because of the available space in the lens housing?


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12 years 6 months ago #157914 by TheNissanMan
I think it is more to do with the expense and loss of quality of trying to build a zoom which such a low aperture (look at the price of the sigma f2.8 for example). The advantage of primes is that they are built for one purpose...


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12 years 6 months ago #158143 by Village Clown

TheNissanMan wrote: I think it is more to do with the expense and loss of quality of trying to build a zoom which such a low aperture (look at the price of the sigma f2.8 for example). The advantage of primes is that they are built for one purpose...


So true, imagine the cost of a f/1.2 70-200mm? Not only would it be a killer lens, it would cost a small fortune.


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12 years 6 months ago #158240 by Henry Peach
And remember that f/#=focal length/exit pupil. So a f/1.2 200mm lens would need a max aperture size of over 165mm. By the time you add the lens around the aperture you end up with a lens that has a larger diameter than it is long. Make it a zoom lens, and it's going to be like having a large pail made of metal and glass on your camera. :)
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12 years 6 months ago #158242 by robbie

Henry Peach wrote: And remember that f/#=focal length/exit pupil. So a f/1.2 200mm lens would need a max aperture size of over 165mm. By the time you add the lens around the aperture you end up with a lens that has a larger diameter than it is long. Make it a zoom lens, and it's going to be like having a large pail made of metal and glass on your camera. :)

Man you sure know your stuff,always enjoy your replies.


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12 years 6 months ago #158247 by Henry Peach

robbie wrote: Man you sure know your stuff,always enjoy your replies.


Thanks. I've been obsessed for a while. :) Beyond school and studying on my own I worked at a full service photo lab/camera store for a few years. I spent 40 hours a week talking to photographers about photography. I picked up a lot there. It was what we did before online photo forums. :)
The following user(s) said Thank You: robbie
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