Since the advent of zoom lenses the prime, or a fixed focal length, lens has been typically ignored by many of us, pro and amateur alike. The ease and convenience of modern zooms is too much to pass up by many of us.
Recently though, the prime lens has undergone a renaissance of sorts by receiving attention from some of our most popular photography magazines.
They tout, using a sharp, fast prime lens such as a Nikon 50MM 1.4, or the digital equivalent, the Nikon 35MM 1.8 can produce some amazing results in almost any light. No argument there since most consumer zoom lenses are very slow in comparison with a fixed focal length prime lens. The standard zoom F/stop range is between F/3.5-F/5.6. Even the high dollar pro models are no faster than F/2.8 which is great but not as fast as the standard Canon or Nikon 50MM 1.4 prime lens.
In addition, using a fixed focal length, no matter what its length, (50MM, 85MM, 105MM, etc) we (photographers) make this amazing discovery that we have feet. WE have to zoom in and out rather than the lens. Thus, we receive bonus exercise points too in the process. Zooming with your feet also changes your perspective as opposed to standing in the same spot and zooming with the lens. You might shoot from a higher or lower angle, giving your photo a unique perspective rather than the one angle you might have with your zoom lens.
Don't get me wrong, some of the new zoom lenses are amazing. The new Tamaron 18MM-270MM is a beast. It has received good reviews and handles well with good results. When one travels and wants to travel light, these one size fits all zooms are the best way to go.
Whenever, I travel I carry two lenses. My Nikon 18-200MM and my Nikon 35MM F/1.8 (the equal to a 52MM full frame) for low light and night time shots.
However, for portraits and other work I prefer working with a 50MM or 105MM fixed focal length lens. Give it a try by working strictly with your prime or fixed focal length lenses and...move those feet, you'll be a better person for it, ok that last part I made up. But try it a you might like it.
No comments:
Post a Comment