Cameras lens explained
There are only two types of camera lens called prime lens
and zoom lens. Prime lens has only single focal length while zoom lenses have
range of focal lengths. Whenever a lens is defined by single focal length it
will be a prime lens like 24 mm, 35 mm, 50 mm, 85mm, 100 mm etc., on the other
hand if lens is defined by numbers like 75-200 mm, 18-55 mm, 70-300 mm it will
be a zoom lens. Any lens in this world will be categorized only in these lenses
i.e. prime lens and zoom lens but considering the focal length as base there is
another one categorization for lens in high levels. These lenses are wide angle
lens, regular lens and telephoto lens. If we talk about wide angle lenses then
any lens with focal length less than 35 mm will be a wide angle lens (this rule
is not a standard one that focal length less than 35 mm will be wide angle lens
but usually definition is accepted). As focal length decreases in wide angle
lens it will categorized as super wide angle (8 mm, 10 mm etc.) or ultra wide
angle. The lenses with focal length between 35 mm to 70 mm are considered as
regular lens or normal lens and above 70 mm focal length telephoto lens range
starts. Some lenses in category of wide angle are called fish eye lens because
it is based on how fish would see an ultra wide hemispherical view from beneath
the water. Zoom lens overlaps focal length of wide angle and regular lens.
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| Plan view of Prime Lens |
Prime lens improves visualization:
As a photographer when
you take a picture with prime lens you have to move toward or away from object
to take photo. While making this movement you can easily understand what is
happening around object means you are adjusting yourself and can make a clear
or change perspective as per your need. On the other hand if you are using zoom
lens and you want to take a portrait you simply zoom in or zoom out the object.
In this you are not near the object and you cannot take a clear view of
surrounding the object and you cannot adjust in this way. By experience I am
telling you to invest in prime lens which will cost around 8000 INR
approximate.
Wider Aperture:
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| 40/1.8 Lens |
If we go more technically then prime lens
are available with aperture f1.8, f1.4 and f1.2 etc. while dealing with zoom
lens they are available in f4, f5.4 etc. and minimum in this category if f2.8.
Aperture opening in prime lenses is wide and reasons behind this are discussed
in next two points.
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| Zoom Lens for DSLR |
Shallow depth of field:
If you are getting wide aperture
opening like f1.8 then it will help in
blur effects photography like if you shot for candle. Shallow depth of field
will be available opening with wider aperture. Prime lens will be the best
option if you want to go with blur effects. Zoom lens will not provide at such
a level of shallow depth of field.
Better Low-light performance: This performance is only due
to wide aperture of the lens. By default you know if aperture opening is wide
then more light will come and this will lead for better photography in case of
events or indoor shoots, clubs, wedding etc. As light comes in more quantity
you have to not adjust ISO and the photos that will be obtained will be well
focused and sharped.
More Sharpness and clarity:
The sharpness and clarity with
prime lens is high in comparison to zoom lens. Technically as light is passing
through only one optical lens, optical can pass
more information and effect of light to sensor as it passes through the
optics as compared to zoom lens. Even if you are talking about chromatic
aberration and distortion then prime lens will make these better (means both
will be reduced) as compared to zoom lens.
Cheaper than zoom lens:
This point is very important while
dealing with financials. The cost price for prime lens is low as compared to
zoom lens.
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