Shooting nothing but primes, any regrets?

I get this feeling sometimes that using zooms simply can't give me satisfaction anymore.

With the exception of 70-200 VRII (Similar to Canon's version) none of my current zooms gives me the amount of joy primes can provide (including my 24-70 which is pretty sharp @ 2.8) I always go back to prime lenses almost everywhere I go. Its light, its fast, sharper and its bokehliciously good.


After renting a 24 1.4 this weekend from the wonderful people at Lensrentals. I'm ready to commit myself to shoot nothing but prime lenses. I shoot portraits, street photography most of the time with a few plans to go semi pro and offer my service to shoot engagement sessions in the near future.



That being said, is it wise to sell all my zooms (16-35, 24-70 & 70-200) for a new stable of prime lenses? (24 1.4, 50 1.4, 85 1.4). Has anyone gone through the same process only to regret it afterwards?

Why are you not getting "Joy" out of shooting zooms? The list of zooms you mention are all top notch...I don't get it.

I love primes. I have 3 of them. However, I never want to be without my 17-55 2.8 again. Also, even though my 55-250 isn't the long zoom I want to eventually end up with, it is my go-to lens for outdoor sports.

My idea is there is a time for primes and a time for zooms. I want both.

Eventually I'll keep 5 zooms and 48 primes.

Hogloff wrote in post #11565356
Why are you not getting "Joy" out of shooting zooms? The list of zooms you mention are all top notch...I don't get it.

ya..what exactly do you mean? i think it's more of an itch to get new lenses.

I have the 35 1.4L / 85 1.2L / 1352L and only one zoom (28-70 2.8L)
In past I also doubted to sell the last one, but a standardzoom is always handy, so I think I will keep at least one zoom.

Hogloff wrote in post #11565356
Why are you not getting "Joy" out of shooting zooms? The list of zooms you mention are all top notch...I don't get it.

he already coverted from nikon to canon. for some photography is about massive gear churning.

ed rader

^I'm with CanonYouCan^ I have the holy trinity of primes but also keep a holy trinity of zooms (17-40, 24-105, 100-400) best not to limit your options.

Hogloff wrote in post #11565356
Why are you not getting "Joy" out of shooting zooms? The list of zooms you mention are all top notch...I don't get it.

1. Weight/Size factor. My favorite mid range (24-70) is pretty huge and can get pretty heavy and annoying when traveling. And this is coming from a guy who lifts weights. At that range, I found out for myself that difference when zooming and using my feet is minimal (70-200 however is another thing)
2. Shooting consistently at 1.4-2.0 has opened up a whole new world for me. I'm beginning to find out how 2.8 is simply not fast enough for what I shoot.
3. Bokeh!!!!!!!!

IMO, primes has always given me better contrast and the obvious sharpness at a much larger aperture is unparalleled. I'm probably one of the few people here who would rather shoot fast than have versatility, and that's why I created a thread to get a much better feddback from people who has gone through the same process.

I have reduced my collection down to primes only. Never regretted selling my last zoom (24-105). However, I know that if my shooting changes dramatically or I'm possibly going to travel, I'll just get a zoom again. Cant beat them in some situations.

^^ yea the bokeh on fast primes is nice, but versatility of zooms are priceless as well. But if I had to choose one I would go with a trio of primes.

I shoot with zooms (3) and primes (3) depending on the situation. They each have their place for what I do. Wouldn't want to be without either. Zooms are too useful for moving subjects while the wider apertures of primes are great when I need it.

No regrets what so ever.

I shoot with 3 primes. 24L, 50L & 100L.

I'm all prime and quite happy with the range at present but if there is one lens that would make my traveling much easier, it would be the 24-105L.

regrets? absolutely none