What’s a Prime Lens?

Post date: Aug 23, 2016 12:55:0 PM

Professional photographers choose mirrorless and D-SLR cameras over point and shoot ones because they can change lenses depending on the kind of shot they need to take. If you own a professional camera, you might have heard about prime lenses.

Image source: digitalcameraworld.com

Unlike the popular zoom lenses, prime lenses do not allow the user to zoom in or out while shooting pictures. This is the reason people ask what these are for and why photographers need it. For the sake of those who are curious, here’s what I know about prime lenses based on my professional experience.

Prime lenses have a single focal length. The range of the photo depends on how far or near the shooter is from the subject. Most photographers and hobbyists own the 50mm standard prime lens. Its length matches where the human eye lands.

Photographers also use prime lenses to get high-quality images. Because these lenses do not come with zoom, it has a simpler design for fewer aberrations and image defects. Images will end up with less distortion because the prime lenses capture what is seen by the eye in varying lights. Prime lenses are also cheaper and allow better aperture.

Image source: bhphotovideo.com

Prime lenses are perfect for new photographers who want to try out different shots. Instead of zooming, they can get more creative with framing their subject. They can also learn how to use and create effects with it.

Hi, I’m Ram Chary Everi, a freelance events photographer and graphic designer from Boston. Learn more about photography and design when you follow me on Twitter.