The Ultimate Guide to Prime Lenses for Beginners
When you first start your photography journey, you're likely using the zoom lens that came with your camera. It's a fantastic, versatile tool that allows you to capture everything from wide landscapes to distant subjects without changing lenses. But as you progress, you'll start hearing about prime lenses, and for good reason. They are a single, fixed focal length, meaning you can't zoom in or out. This might sound limiting, but it's actually their greatest strength.
This guide is designed to demystify prime lenses for beginners. We'll explore what they are, why they're often a better choice than a zoom lens, and how they can help you become a more intentional and creative photographer. The links in this article are affiliate links, and by using them, you're helping to support our work at no extra cost to you.
What Is a Prime Lens?
A prime lens, also known as a fixed lens, has a single, unchanging focal length. For example, a 50mm lens is always a 50mm lens. A 35mm lens is always a 35mm lens. Unlike a zoom lens, such as an 18-55mm or 70-200mm, you can't twist a ring on the lens to change your field of view. To get closer to your subject, you have to physically move your body. This "limitation" is a huge part of the prime lens experience, as it forces you to think more about your composition and perspective.
Why Use a Prime Lens Over a Zoom?
The first time you use a prime lens, you might feel a little frustrated by the lack of a zoom. But once you get used to it, you'll discover a world of benefits that will change the way you shoot.
1. Superior Image Quality
Prime lenses are generally sharper and have better image quality than their zoom counterparts. Because they are designed to perform at just one focal length, they can be built with fewer moving parts and more specialized glass elements. This results in less distortion, less chromatic aberration, and incredibly sharp, crisp images from edge to edge. For a photographer who cares about image quality, primes are the way to go.
2. A Wider Maximum Aperture
Most prime lenses, especially the popular and affordable ones, have a much wider maximum aperture than a typical zoom lens. For example, a standard kit zoom lens might have a maximum aperture of f/3.5-5.6, while a 50mm prime lens can be found with an aperture of f/1.8 or even f/1.4.
A wider aperture (lower f-number) allows you to:
Shoot in Low Light: A wider aperture lets more light into your camera, which means you can shoot in darker conditions without having to raise your ISO (which adds noise to your photos) or use a slower shutter speed (which can cause blur).
Create Beautiful Background Blur (Bokeh): A wide aperture creates a very shallow depth of field, which means your subject will be in sharp focus while the background is completely blurred out. This "bokeh" effect is a hallmark of professional photography and is much easier to achieve with a fast prime lens.
3. They Are Cheaper
The most popular prime lenses, such as the 50mm f/1.8, are incredibly affordable, often costing less than $200. This makes them a fantastic way to step up your photography game without breaking the bank. The value for money is hard to beat, as you're getting superior image quality and a wider aperture for a fraction of the cost of a high-end zoom lens.
4. They Force You to Be More Intentional
The single most important benefit of using a prime lens is that it makes you a better photographer. Without the ability to zoom, you're forced to "zoom with your feet." This means you have to actively move around, change your position, and think more creatively about your composition. This process trains your eye to see and compose shots more effectively, helping you find unique angles and perspectives you might have missed when relying on a zoom.
The Prime Lens Starter Kit
While there are dozens of prime lenses available, a few are absolute must-haves for a beginner.
The 50mm f/1.8: The Nifty Fifty
This is the most recommended first lens for any photographer. It’s affordable, lightweight, and offers a perspective very similar to the human eye. Its f/1.8 aperture makes it perfect for creating beautiful portraits with a soft, blurred background. It's an excellent lens for learning about composition and depth of field.
Learn more about the best 50mm lens for your camera: Nikon 50mm f/1.8, Viltrox 50mm for Sony, Canon 50mm f/1.8
The 35mm f/1.8: The Storyteller's Lens
The 35mm focal length is slightly wider than the 50mm. This makes it ideal for capturing your subject within the context of their environment. It’s a great lens for environmental portraits, street photography, and capturing candid moments. It forces you to think about what is in the frame and how it contributes to the story you're trying to tell.
Check out our top pick for a versatile 35mm lens: Viltrox 35mm f/1.8 for Nikon, Viltrox 35mm f/1.8 for Sony, Canon 35mm f/1.8
The 85mm f/1.8: The Classic Portrait Lens
If you're serious about portraiture, the 85mm is the lens you've been looking for. Its longer focal length compresses a scene and provides a very flattering perspective for faces, making it a go-to for professional portrait photographers. It also creates a stunning amount of background blur, making your subject truly pop.
Find the perfect 85mm lens for your kit: Viltrox 85mm f/1.8 for Nikon, Viltrox 85mm f/1.8 for Sony, Canon 85mm f/1.8
Making the Switch
Don't feel like you have to get rid of your zoom lens. Instead, try this exercise: Go out and shoot for a day using only your 50mm prime lens. You'll quickly see how this one lens can force you to be more creative and intentional with every shot. It will make you a better photographer, and you'll come back with images you might not have captured otherwise.
Prime lenses are not about limitations; they are about focus. By choosing a single focal length, you are choosing to master a specific way of seeing the world. They will teach you more about light, composition, and perspective than any zoom lens ever could. So, if you're ready to take the next step in your photography journey, pick up a prime lens. You won't regret it.
