Prime Lens ? How many of you have them?

OK, I keep reading about the PRIME lenses and feel like I'm missing out on something important. These appear to be "better" than Zoom lenses, WHY?

So do you have a PRIME Lens? if you only had 1 ($$), what would it be and WHY?

Both of my lenses are Zoom lenses.

By default prime lenses will generally have better image quality then zoom lenses. Typically there are fewer elements and fewer groups. Less glass that can cause distortion between the subject and the sensor usually will give a sharper image.

Some will argue though that todays zooms are catching up in terms of image quality. This may be true and it may not, it will depend on who you ask and your own experience.

The biggest advantage to primes is they are usually faster i.e. 50 f1.2. The biggest disadvantage is of course the lack of zoom. I have a really hard time not reaching for the length ring when using a prime.

I would suggest trying the 85 f1.8 if you want to try primes. It's next on my list and seems to be the best bang for your buck.

I have a 20/1.8, 28/1.8, 35/2.0, 50/1.4 and 100/2.0.
They are better and faster then my 20-35L and 28-105 respectively.
The 100 is about equal to the 80-200L (but AF on the L is way more accurate in AiServo)

Speed is more important then the difference in IQ IMO.
Then again, a cheap zoom will be less on both points.

Thanks ... so if I'm seeing this 'lack of zoom' correctly, you have to move closer/further from the subject to get the correct frame you're wanting. So a Prime is a better over-all "walk around" lens - say for events, parties, weddings, etc.

I only have the Nifty Fifty 1.8 50mm

why?

it's cheap and it does the trick.. I haven't really used it much...

It's just a different kind of zoom. It's called foot zoom. Personally, I like primes when I can control the distance. For something like a party or wedding I would prefer a zoom rather than pushing people around.

I have 6 primes and use them when I need a fast lens (f/2.8 or wider) for low light situation like indoor sports and indoor/night concerts. Singly, primes are generally shaper, lighter, and cheaper than similar focal length zooms. But you'll need more than one to cover any zoom's range so the weight and price advantage of a single prime could disappear if you buy more than one.

When I travel, I take my 17-55/2.8 and 70-300/DO zooms (along with a 100/2.0 prime). I'm not traveling with 6 primes!

Cody21 wrote in post #5259451
Thanks ... so if I'm seeing this 'lack of zoom' correctly, you have to move closer/further from the subject to get the correct frame you're wanting.

No. you have to crop.
If you move, you'll change perspective...
(might write a sticky about this as well)

Primes are typically lighter, sharper, faster and cheaper than zooms. But oaktree (above) is right, sometimes you just don't want to carry a whole load of lenses around with you, and the advantages disappear. In that case you're better off with a zoom.

But... if you do know what you're going to be shooting, and the FL needed for the job, then the prime wins big time. I'm afraid everything in life tends to be a compromise and lenses are no exception!

cheers

Bill Roberts wrote in post #5259587
But... if you do know what you're going to be shooting, and the FL needed for the job, then the prime wins big time. I'm afraid everything in life tends to be a compromise and lenses are no exception!

Well said!

Here's my story... I started off as a zoom only kind of guy, really not seeing much value in prime lenses. Last year I began to feel like maybe "less is more" under certain circumstances. I hated always being the guy with a HUGE camera and HUGE lenses. At the time I had a 24-70 L that I loved dearly, my 70-200 f/2.8 L, and my 17-40 L. I decided that for a walk around lens, my 24-70 wasn't ideal and I wanted to try out a 24-105... turns out I really LOVED the 24-105. Awesome all around lens.

So I decided I would sell my 24-70 and try out primes for low light stuff. I bought my 28 f/1.8, 50 f/1.4 & 85 f/1.8. I LOVE using them at parties & bars, out with friends, leaving the flash at home, etc. 85 is an awesome portrait lens, or for anything where you want to isolate your subject. So low light, they're great, size wise, they're great--small & lightweight... I'm now trying to get myself using them more under normal conditions where light isn't so much the problem. So far I'm having fun with it. I don't think I'll ever give up my zoom lenses, but having one or two prime lenses can really open the door up to some new possibilities.

Sorry for the long post, hope it helps.

Tim

Cody21 wrote in post #5259023
OK, I keep reading about the PRIME lenses and feel like I'm missing out on something important. These appear to be "better" than Zoom lenses, WHY?

So do you have a PRIME Lens? if you only had 1 ($$), what would it be and WHY?

Both of my lenses are Zoom lenses.

If I only had one prime it would probable be the 85 1.2 or 85 1.8

Currently use the 35 2.0, 50 1.4, 85 1.8 and just bought the 135 2.8SF, just got it and have only used it for one shoot but very pleased so far.

Mike

I have 3 primes and 1 zoom. I don't know if I could pick just one, I love them all so much!

Anyway, my reason for owning primes is for low light. My one zoom, the 17-55, has pretty darn good IQ...it certainly holds it's own w/ the primes anyway.

i have 4 primes.

15 sigma f/2.8 fisheye
canon 50 f/1.4
canon 85 f/1.6
canon 135L f/2

i love them all, and use them quite a bit.

but if i am looking to travel kinda light, and there's plenty of available light, the L zooms get more play.

Thanks everyone for the great info !!