Name all the prime lens one should own?

Derek, as you said you'd like to shoot bugs, I'd suggest the 100mm f/2.8 macro, which happens to be a prime lens.

I am utterly confused - OK, I admit that's easy to do! How can the OP not know what a prime is when he owns all this camera gear (2 bodies, at least 4 lenses, filters, a 430ex, etc. etc.) You also seem to to visit this site quite often, given that you have 2,100 posts here. DerekRob - fess up - are you just making fun of us????:o

argyle wrote in post #6617031
Since its your only lens, I'd say that the Tamron 17-50 is your "primary" lens, not a "prime" lens. Obviously, the salesman didn't know what the hell he was talking about.

Or Derek wasn't listening and the guy said "primary"

5Dmaniac wrote in post #6617159
I am utterly confused - OK, I admit that's easy to do! How can the OP not know what a prime is when he owns all this camera gear (2 bodies, at least 4 lenses, filters, a 430ex, etc. etc.) You also seem to to visit this site quite often, given that you have 2,100 posts here. DerekRob - fess up - are you just making fun of us????:o

No I'm still new to photography and I'm learning every day here at least until I go to college and learn the other stuff that goes along photography.

_aravena wrote in post #6617229
Or Derek wasn't listening and the guy said "primary"

No I was listing and he said prime but I'm confused now.

Madweasel wrote in post #6617118
Derek, as you said you'd like to shoot bugs, I'd suggest the 100mm f/2.8 macro, which happens to be a prime lens.

Aye I do I like to get into bee's and hornets this summer.

_aravena wrote in post #6615730
..............

So this is going into my thread.

I think OP wants a title.

S.Horton wrote in post #6617502
I think OP wants a title.

She already has one.

and I really don't know much about photography yet.

why do you guys still think I come here and ask questions right?

What the salesman might have meant...

Although the term "prime" is normally accepted in relation to photographic lenses as lenses of a single focal length (28mm; 50mm; 85mm etc) while a zoom is normally defined as a lens of variable focal length (17-50mm, 70-200mm etc.); there are other definitions of the word "prime" and some of these could pertain to your Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8.

One definition which might pertain is: "of superior grade". The 17-50mm Tamron is an excellent lens.

Now to answer the question which you wanted to ask, but did not: "What excellent lens would match up well with my Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8?

IMO, the absolute best match for that lens would be the 70-200mm f/4L IS lens. I have the 17-55mm f/2.8 IS lens and it meshes wonderfully with the 70-200mm. I just love the combination and carry them all the time (on a 30D and 40D).

Another, less expensive, but very good lens match would be the 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS from Canon.

I absolutely love IS capability in a long lens. However, another lens which could pair up nicely with your 17-50mm is the Sigma 50-150mm f/2.8 EX DG HSM II Telephoto Zoom Lens for Canon EOS Digital Cameras. No IS but, a fixed f/2.8 aperture.

RPCrowe wrote in post #6617824
Although the term "prime" is normally accepted in relation to photographic lenses as lenses of a single focal length (28mm; 50mm; 85mm etc) while a zoom is normally defined as a lens of variable focal length (17-50mm, 70-200mm etc.); there are other definitions of the word "prime" and some of these could pertain to your Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8.

One definition which might pertain is: "of superior grade". The 17-50mm Tamron is an excellent lens.

Now to answer the question which you wanted to ask, but did not: "What excellent lens would match up well with my Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8?

IMO, the absolute best match for that lens would be the 70-200mm f/4L IS lens. I have the 17-55mm f/2.8 IS lens and it meshes wonderfully with the 70-200mm. I just love the combination and carry them all the time (on a 30D and 40D).

Another, less expensive, but very good lens match would be the 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS from Canon.

I absolutely love IS capability in a long lens. However, another lens which could pair up nicely with your 17-50mm is the Sigma 50-150mm f/2.8 EX DG HSM II Telephoto Zoom Lens for Canon EOS Digital Cameras. No IS but, a fixed f/2.8 aperture.

Thank you for explaining this to me and I also want to thank the other gentleman and ladies for there help as well.

Primes I would love to own:

EF 300mm f2.8L I.S.
EF 500mm f4L I.S.
EF 600mm f4L I.S.

My favorite primes: 85 1.2L,35 1.4L,300 2.8L IS

If I had a choice Ummmm ALL OF THEM.........

On a budget, Sigma 30 f/1.4, nifty fifty, and 85 f/1.8. Since you want to get close-ups, a Canon 60mm or 100mm f/2.8. Depending on how much working distance you need/want.

LOL. Derek, what did you think a prime lens was? I'm curious what that salesman told you.

Man, what.

How can you have 2,200 posts and not know what 'prime' or 'OP' mean?

liquefied wrote in post #6640124
How can you have 2,200 posts and not know what 'prime' or 'OP' mean?

I kept looking at my watch to make sure the date wasn't the 1st of April..

Sorry Derek, just a few jokes. I do have to say though - this is worse than LR's screw-up, but slightly better than PuppyDogMom's. But I guess that doesn't say much.