| So, you're thinking of getting a new lens, but | | | | 3.5. Lenses with lower aperture numbers are |
| you're not quite sure whether to get a prime lens | | | | more expensive, as a lower number means a |
| or a zoom lens. Both types of lenses have their | | | | wider aperture. Having a wide aperture creates a |
| benefits and drawbacks, and you want to make | | | | shallow depth of field, meaning that only a small |
| sure you make the right decision and get the lens | | | | distance range is in focus. A narrow depth of field |
| which best fits your photographic needs. | | | | (a wide aperture) would be great for close-ups of |
| In case you didn't already know, the main | | | | flowers where you want the background blurred, |
| difference between a zoom lens and prime lens is | | | | whereas a large depth-of-field (a small aperture) |
| that a zoom lens allows you to adjust your focal | | | | would be ideal for landscape photos. |
| length between a certain range (for example | | | | Okay, so how about the zoom lens? |
| 18-50mm), whereas a prime lens has a fixed focal | | | | Well, a zoom lens will give you a bigger range of |
| length. | | | | distances to frame your photo. This means that |
| So you may be wondering what the point is of | | | | you don't need to walk closer or further away |
| using a prime lens. Surely if you have the choice | | | | from your subject to get the picture you're after. |
| between a lens with flexibility and one with no | | | | It can also be great for taking pictures of wildlife, |
| flexibility, then surely the flexible one is the best | | | | because you can zoom in without having to |
| one, right? Well, it's not really as simple as that, | | | | change your position, so you will be less likely to |
| because prime lenses do have a few advantages. | | | | scare the animal off. |
| To begin with, they are lighter than zoom lenses | | | | The best way to decide what type of lens is right |
| because they have less moving parts. Mechanically | | | | for you is to ask yourself what type of |
| speaking, they are simpler. | | | | photography you are going to be doing. If you are |
| In addition to this, prime lenses often have wider | | | | going to be photographing a scene which remains |
| apertures. The aperture of a lens controls how | | | | still, such as a landscape scene, then a prime lens |
| much light the lens lets in at any one time. | | | | could be a good choice. If on the other hand you |
| Aperture ratings are in ratios, for example 1:3.5 or | | | | want to photograph things that are moving, such |
| 1:2.8, but usually when buying a lens you will see it | | | | as animals, people, or sports photography, then a |
| stated without the 1 in front of it, for example | | | | zoom lens is essential. |