Comments on: Prime lenses, and why you need one http://photocritic.org/prime-lens/ The Photocritic DIY photography projects blog Mon, 15 Mar 2010 18:51:31 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: Chris http://photocritic.org/prime-lens/#comment-315032 Chris Thu, 04 Mar 2010 08:25:12 +0000 http://www.photocritic.org/2007/prime-lens/#comment-315032 The zoom is a great convenience, but for quality you really need a prime. Just started using a 50mm f1.8 for the next 50 days. Take a squiz at http://nzcjs-505050.blogspot.com/2010/02/plan.html You might like to do a similar challenge yourself? It'll help you appreciate that fixed focal length lens a little more :-) The zoom is a great convenience, but for quality you really need a prime. Just started using a 50mm f1.8 for the next 50 days. Take a squiz at http://nzcjs-505050.blogspot.com/2010/02/plan.html You might like to do a similar challenge yourself? It’ll help you appreciate that fixed focal length lens a little more :-)

]]> By: Stephanie McKern http://photocritic.org/prime-lens/#comment-315030 Stephanie McKern Thu, 04 Mar 2010 07:44:19 +0000 http://www.photocritic.org/2007/prime-lens/#comment-315030 Totally agree - I have a Panasonic GF1 and while that isn't a full SLR, it would be useless without the 50mm lens. It spends most of its time attached to the front of my camera and the zooms usually end up in the case. Can't get the great colour or DOF, especially in low light situations. Love, love love it! Great site as well, btw. Totally agree – I have a Panasonic GF1 and while that isn’t a full SLR, it would be useless without the 50mm lens. It spends most of its time attached to the front of my camera and the zooms usually end up in the case. Can’t get the great colour or DOF, especially in low light situations. Love, love love it! Great site as well, btw.

]]> By: Terry King http://photocritic.org/prime-lens/#comment-315024 Terry King Wed, 03 Mar 2010 09:42:32 +0000 http://www.photocritic.org/2007/prime-lens/#comment-315024 I've actually done back to using prime lenses. They are sharper, allow you to goto f/1.4 without going into debt. I bought a new D300 to go travelling last year and bought the Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 prime and used it frequently. On a DX sensor that equates to a decent 'portrait'. Its great for closeups and adds great depth with shallow DoF. Now I have the new 35mm f/1.8, there are some great lenses if you look around. Not to mention those old Nikon Ai manual focus lenses!! I’ve actually done back to using prime lenses. They are sharper, allow you to goto f/1.4 without going into debt. I bought a new D300 to go travelling last year and bought the Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 prime and used it frequently. On a DX sensor that equates to a decent ‘portrait’. Its great for closeups and adds great depth with shallow DoF.

Now I have the new 35mm f/1.8, there are some great lenses if you look around. Not to mention those old Nikon Ai manual focus lenses!!

]]> By: John http://photocritic.org/prime-lens/#comment-315014 John Tue, 02 Mar 2010 07:40:24 +0000 http://www.photocritic.org/2007/prime-lens/#comment-315014 FYI, the f/0.95 museum page has moved to http://www.canon.com/camera-museum/camera/lens/s/data/50-85/s_50_095.html FYI, the f/0.95 museum page has moved to http://www.canon.com/camera-museum/camera/lens/s/data/50-85/s_50_095.html

]]> By: Liz http://photocritic.org/prime-lens/#comment-314966 Liz Wed, 24 Feb 2010 00:49:53 +0000 http://www.photocritic.org/2007/prime-lens/#comment-314966 I recently bought a Nikon D3S and love it! Check it out, this video was made using it http://vimeo.com/9450557 I recently bought a Nikon D3S and love it! Check it out, this video was made using it http://vimeo.com/9450557

]]> By: Looking for newbie photographers :: Photocritic photography blog http://photocritic.org/prime-lens/#comment-314884 Looking for newbie photographers :: Photocritic photography blog Tue, 16 Feb 2010 14:45:15 +0000 http://www.photocritic.org/2007/prime-lens/#comment-314884 [...] you need a SLR camera. I would strongly prefer if you had a prime lens, but a simple kit-lens should be [...] [...] you need a SLR camera. I would strongly prefer if you had a prime lens, but a simple kit-lens should be [...]

]]> By: Randall http://photocritic.org/prime-lens/#comment-314874 Randall Mon, 15 Feb 2010 23:04:11 +0000 http://www.photocritic.org/2007/prime-lens/#comment-314874 Wow, glad to see this post still gets attention. Zooms are tempting, but give me a prime any day of the week. They're great learning tools (try limiting yourself to one focal length for a given length of time to see what sort of variety you can manage with it), but their compactness and sharpness make them invaluable professional gear. Wow, glad to see this post still gets attention. Zooms are tempting, but give me a prime any day of the week. They’re great learning tools (try limiting yourself to one focal length for a given length of time to see what sort of variety you can manage with it), but their compactness and sharpness make them invaluable professional gear.

]]> By: Why I don’t need an expensive camera. :: Photocritic photography blog http://photocritic.org/prime-lens/#comment-314861 Why I don’t need an expensive camera. :: Photocritic photography blog Mon, 15 Feb 2010 02:10:59 +0000 http://www.photocritic.org/2007/prime-lens/#comment-314861 [...] equipment. I have some extraordinarily delicious lenses – including my ludicrously fantastic Canon 50mm f/1.4 USM prime lens, a rather sexy 70-200mm f/2.8, etc etc etc. But this illustrates an important point: I’m [...] [...] equipment. I have some extraordinarily delicious lenses – including my ludicrously fantastic Canon 50mm f/1.4 USM prime lens, a rather sexy 70-200mm f/2.8, etc etc etc. But this illustrates an important point: I’m [...]

]]> By: Howard http://photocritic.org/prime-lens/#comment-314834 Howard Mon, 08 Feb 2010 22:44:42 +0000 http://www.photocritic.org/2007/prime-lens/#comment-314834 I still use my 85mm f/1.8 on my Nikon F4. It's the best camera/lens combination for portraits that I've seen, bar none. I still use my 85mm f/1.8 on my Nikon F4. It’s the best camera/lens combination for portraits that I’ve seen, bar none.

]]> By: hubbul http://photocritic.org/prime-lens/#comment-314769 hubbul Fri, 29 Jan 2010 08:36:15 +0000 http://www.photocritic.org/2007/prime-lens/#comment-314769 yup..primes are better,no doubt for that. coz they have been made from special equipments. that's why they are more expensive than the standards. and the results (the pictures that had taken) are amazing. yup..primes are better,no doubt for that. coz they have been made from special equipments. that’s why they are more expensive than the standards. and the results (the pictures that had taken) are amazing.

]]> By: Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G AF-S DX Nikon Lens Review | Adino Online http://photocritic.org/prime-lens/#comment-314507 Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G AF-S DX Nikon Lens Review | Adino Online Wed, 30 Dec 2009 02:45:25 +0000 http://www.photocritic.org/2007/prime-lens/#comment-314507 [...] came across an online article about prime lenses. It certainly made sense. I was attracted to the idea of getting sharp images and fast shutter [...] [...] came across an online article about prime lenses. It certainly made sense. I was attracted to the idea of getting sharp images and fast shutter [...]

]]> By: Five compact digital camera myths and realities http://photocritic.org/prime-lens/#comment-314347 Five compact digital camera myths and realities Thu, 03 Dec 2009 02:22:31 +0000 http://www.photocritic.org/2007/prime-lens/#comment-314347 [...] focal length — “prime” — or shorter focal length zoom lenses are better; images will be sharper with fewer [...] [...] focal length — “prime” — or shorter focal length zoom lenses are better; images will be sharper with fewer [...]

]]> By: I Almost Forgot… « http://photocritic.org/prime-lens/#comment-314324 I Almost Forgot… « Mon, 30 Nov 2009 04:59:53 +0000 http://www.photocritic.org/2007/prime-lens/#comment-314324 [...] This is considered a prime lens. [...] [...] This is considered a prime lens. [...]

]]> By: Top entry-level dSLR cameras :: Photocritic photography blog http://photocritic.org/prime-lens/#comment-314182 Top entry-level dSLR cameras :: Photocritic photography blog Fri, 06 Nov 2009 23:43:17 +0000 http://www.photocritic.org/2007/prime-lens/#comment-314182 [...] lenses on a top-level body is, frankly, a complete waste of money. Even better: Buy yourself a nice prime lens, and be amazed at what your camera body can [...] [...] lenses on a top-level body is, frankly, a complete waste of money. Even better: Buy yourself a nice prime lens, and be amazed at what your camera body can [...]

]]> By: Photography Today! » Blog Archive » Humble beginnings in street photography http://photocritic.org/prime-lens/#comment-314050 Photography Today! » Blog Archive » Humble beginnings in street photography Sat, 10 Oct 2009 05:00:14 +0000 http://www.photocritic.org/2007/prime-lens/#comment-314050 [...] of Street Photography, Brad’s Street Photography and the Law, Street Photography in Montreal, Prime Lenses, and why you need one, Oi You! no Pictures! and it’s also mentioned in my article about insuring your photography [...] [...] of Street Photography, Brad’s Street Photography and the Law, Street Photography in Montreal, Prime Lenses, and why you need one, Oi You! no Pictures! and it’s also mentioned in my article about insuring your photography [...]

]]> By: Humble beginnings in street photography :: Photocritic photography blog http://photocritic.org/prime-lens/#comment-314049 Humble beginnings in street photography :: Photocritic photography blog Sat, 10 Oct 2009 01:25:12 +0000 http://www.photocritic.org/2007/prime-lens/#comment-314049 [...] of Street Photography, Brad’s Street Photography and the Law, Street Photography in Montreal, Prime Lenses, and why you need one, Oi You! no Pictures! and it’s also mentioned in my article about insuring your photography [...] [...] of Street Photography, Brad’s Street Photography and the Law, Street Photography in Montreal, Prime Lenses, and why you need one, Oi You! no Pictures! and it’s also mentioned in my article about insuring your photography [...]

]]> By: John http://photocritic.org/prime-lens/#comment-313490 John Thu, 17 Sep 2009 14:38:15 +0000 http://www.photocritic.org/2007/prime-lens/#comment-313490 Primes are great! The cheap ones with the plastic mounts make me nervous, though. I'd save up for a few more months and get a little better quality. Primes are great! The cheap ones with the plastic mounts make me nervous, though. I’d save up for a few more months and get a little better quality.

]]> By: Dean Singleton http://photocritic.org/prime-lens/#comment-312527 Dean Singleton Thu, 03 Sep 2009 01:06:29 +0000 http://www.photocritic.org/2007/prime-lens/#comment-312527 In a world seemingly dominated by Canon and Nikon, being slightly odd, I go with Sony. Alpha 100 with the two kit lenses but my prime lens is the Sony 50mm Macro lens. Works great for closeup, real close up and for portraits as well as scenics and it's fairly fast at 2.8. It gives me a lot of flexibility. In a world seemingly dominated by Canon and Nikon, being slightly odd, I go with Sony. Alpha 100 with the two kit lenses but my prime lens is the Sony 50mm Macro lens. Works great for closeup, real close up and for portraits as well as scenics and it’s fairly fast at 2.8. It gives me a lot of flexibility.

]]> By: The man behind the blog. :: Photocritic photography blog http://photocritic.org/prime-lens/#comment-312381 The man behind the blog. :: Photocritic photography blog Tue, 01 Sep 2009 00:11:25 +0000 http://www.photocritic.org/2007/prime-lens/#comment-312381 [...] tried a prime lens, you really should. But then, I could ramble on about that for ages (in fact, I already have…). I’ve also got a 70-200mm f/2.8 which I’m incredibly fond of, especially for concerts [...] [...] tried a prime lens, you really should. But then, I could ramble on about that for ages (in fact, I already have…). I’ve also got a 70-200mm f/2.8 which I’m incredibly fond of, especially for concerts [...]

]]> By: Teresa http://photocritic.org/prime-lens/#comment-311736 Teresa Mon, 24 Aug 2009 02:22:34 +0000 http://www.photocritic.org/2007/prime-lens/#comment-311736 I have 2 primes. A 50/1.8 and a 35/ 1.8. I would recommend to anyone just starting out to forgo the kit lens and get a prime. Unfortunately they probably wouldn't listen figuring that a kit lens it worth the money saved and why would they only want one focal length? But they'll learn. I like my 18-200 but I LOVE my primes. And the kit lenses ( two came with my camera)? I never touch them. Next up is an 85mm. I have 2 primes. A 50/1.8 and a 35/ 1.8. I would recommend to anyone just starting out to forgo the kit lens and get a prime. Unfortunately they probably wouldn’t listen figuring that a kit lens it worth the money saved and why would they only want one focal length? But they’ll learn. I like my 18-200 but I LOVE my primes. And the kit lenses ( two came with my camera)? I never touch them. Next up is an 85mm.

]]> By: The best camera is one you actually use http://photocritic.org/prime-lens/#comment-310050 The best camera is one you actually use Fri, 07 Aug 2009 16:52:09 +0000 http://www.photocritic.org/2007/prime-lens/#comment-310050 [...] single lens; My mighty fine Canon 50mm f/1.4 prime lens (I know I keep banging on about it, but you need a prime lens). Then, as I was traveling around, something very, very interesting happened; I didn’t use my [...] [...] single lens; My mighty fine Canon 50mm f/1.4 prime lens (I know I keep banging on about it, but you need a prime lens). Then, as I was traveling around, something very, very interesting happened; I didn’t use my [...]

]]> By: christina http://photocritic.org/prime-lens/#comment-309488 christina Sat, 01 Aug 2009 17:05:58 +0000 http://www.photocritic.org/2007/prime-lens/#comment-309488 Hi there, Your information about owning a prime lens was great. Earlier in the year I purchased a Canon Rebel {which I absolutely love}. Of course it only came with the 18-55 mm standard lens. Last week my husband bought me a prime lens 50mm f/1.4 USM and I am still trying to figure it out. lol Hi there,
Your information about owning a prime lens was great. Earlier in the year I purchased a Canon Rebel {which I absolutely love}. Of course it only came with the 18-55 mm standard lens.

Last week my husband bought me a prime lens 50mm f/1.4 USM and I am still trying to figure it out. lol

]]> By: keith http://photocritic.org/prime-lens/#comment-308139 keith Tue, 14 Jul 2009 12:37:59 +0000 http://www.photocritic.org/2007/prime-lens/#comment-308139 I have borrowed a Sigma 30mm 1.4 and it is absolutely brilliant...I would go as far to say better then the Canon 50mm 1.8. I have borrowed a Sigma 30mm 1.4 and it is absolutely brilliant…I would go as far to say better then the Canon 50mm 1.8.

]]> By: The Beginner's Guide to Concert Photography | TwoGroove.com - Musical Musings http://photocritic.org/prime-lens/#comment-304000 The Beginner's Guide to Concert Photography | TwoGroove.com - Musical Musings Tue, 26 May 2009 14:56:05 +0000 http://www.photocritic.org/2007/prime-lens/#comment-304000 [...] as well). You’ll be using this lens forever: it’s very fast and cheap. It’s a “prime” lens meaning it has no zoom capabilities; at small to medium shows you won’t need to zoom much as [...] [...] as well). You’ll be using this lens forever: it’s very fast and cheap. It’s a “prime” lens meaning it has no zoom capabilities; at small to medium shows you won’t need to zoom much as [...]

]]> By: YpoCaramel http://photocritic.org/prime-lens/#comment-302064 YpoCaramel Mon, 04 May 2009 04:42:04 +0000 http://www.photocritic.org/2007/prime-lens/#comment-302064 I'm young, but at NYU here they cut your teeth on photography using the B&W darkroom and a 50mm prime. And for the New York streets, it is really instructive to walk around to find different angles and face your subjects, rather than snipe at them from far away. I’m young, but at NYU here they cut your teeth on photography using the B&W darkroom and a 50mm prime. And for the New York streets, it is really instructive to walk around to find different angles and face your subjects, rather than snipe at them from far away.

]]> By: Samrat Bose http://photocritic.org/prime-lens/#comment-301874 Samrat Bose Fri, 01 May 2009 17:46:26 +0000 http://www.photocritic.org/2007/prime-lens/#comment-301874 I have graduated from the Panasonic DMC FZ5 to the Canon EOS 40D. I made the change after using the Panasonic confirmed my initial belief that I wanted to take up photography as a hobby. Just as you have written, I bought the camera on a "deal" with the 18-55mm kit lens and a Sigma 70-300mm zoom. However, I have since learnt of prime lenses and have today recieved the Canon 50mm f1.8 lens. I then Googled to learn how best I could use this new lens when I came upon this page. You are most welcome to view my photos (taken both with the Panasonic and Canon) at http://photo.net/photodb/user?user_id=2401486. I do hope that you will be able to provide valuable pointers. It was great to go through this page and I intend to read your blog regularly henceforth. Regards. I have graduated from the Panasonic DMC FZ5 to the Canon EOS 40D. I made the change after using the Panasonic confirmed my initial belief that I wanted to take up photography as a hobby. Just as you have written, I bought the camera on a “deal” with the 18-55mm kit lens and a Sigma 70-300mm zoom. However, I have since learnt of prime lenses and have today recieved the Canon 50mm f1.8 lens. I then Googled to learn how best I could use this new lens when I came upon this page.
You are most welcome to view my photos (taken both with the Panasonic and Canon) at http://photo.net/photodb/user?user_id=2401486. I do hope that you will be able to provide valuable pointers. It was great to go through this page and I intend to read your blog regularly henceforth.
Regards.

]]> By: baboletale http://photocritic.org/prime-lens/#comment-301361 baboletale Sat, 25 Apr 2009 13:48:27 +0000 http://www.photocritic.org/2007/prime-lens/#comment-301361 u hit the spot man , u realy did. u hit the spot man , u realy did.

]]> By: A shot at street photography - 61th Edition | Guatestudio Fotos http://photocritic.org/prime-lens/#comment-300429 A shot at street photography - 61th Edition | Guatestudio Fotos Sat, 11 Apr 2009 18:12:53 +0000 http://www.photocritic.org/2007/prime-lens/#comment-300429 [...] Canon 50mm f/1.4 prime lens. (I could rant about prime lenses for hours, but I’ve done so in a previous post, which (if I may nest my parantheses and be so bold as to recommend one of my own articles) is well [...] [...] Canon 50mm f/1.4 prime lens. (I could rant about prime lenses for hours, but I’ve done so in a previous post, which (if I may nest my parantheses and be so bold as to recommend one of my own articles) is well [...]

]]> By: Eleanor Breden http://photocritic.org/prime-lens/#comment-299936 Eleanor Breden Sat, 04 Apr 2009 15:54:09 +0000 http://www.photocritic.org/2007/prime-lens/#comment-299936 I recently got the Canon 50mm f/1.8 mkII to go on my 40D, purely because I had £80 spare, and wanted something new for my camera. First and foremost, the fixed focal length is definitely a challenge, as I was used to using a 17mm - 85mm, but it was one that I took on eagerly. However, since I used my 1.8 for it's first ever shoot, I've been reluctant to go back to my kit lens. Okay, in some situations, the 50mm really isn't practical, but the clarity and colour tone it delivers, at just £78 is breath taking. I read many reviews where people were complaining about it for various reasons. But to be completely honest, even as an amateur photographer, any issues they have with photos from this lens, are almost all down to their human errors. Best £78 I've ever spent. I recently got the Canon 50mm f/1.8 mkII to go on my 40D, purely because I had £80 spare, and wanted something new for my camera.

First and foremost, the fixed focal length is definitely a challenge, as I was used to using a 17mm – 85mm, but it was one that I took on eagerly.
However, since I used my 1.8 for it’s first ever shoot, I’ve been reluctant to go back to my kit lens.
Okay, in some situations, the 50mm really isn’t practical, but the clarity and colour tone it delivers, at just £78 is breath taking.

I read many reviews where people were complaining about it for various reasons. But to be completely honest, even as an amateur photographer, any issues they have with photos from this lens, are almost all down to their human errors.
Best £78 I’ve ever spent.

]]> By: Ghaleon http://photocritic.org/prime-lens/#comment-299796 Ghaleon Thu, 02 Apr 2009 02:05:45 +0000 http://www.photocritic.org/2007/prime-lens/#comment-299796 When I bought my Digital Rebel I got the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II with it just because of all the positive reviews it had and because it was cheap. I couldn't stand it. You had to stand way back from the subject, plus the depth of field was too shallow for my needs (my biggest complaint). I ended up then buying the Canon EF 35mm f/2 lens. The depth of field was finally good, and you didn't have to stand as far away. I am so happy with that lens that it stayed in my camera ever since. I would only use the 50 mm lens if I want to a rock concert or something. And I love prime lenses. They are very sharp. When I bought my Digital Rebel I got the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II with it just because of all the positive reviews it had and because it was cheap. I couldn’t stand it. You had to stand way back from the subject, plus the depth of field was too shallow for my needs (my biggest complaint). I ended up then buying the Canon EF 35mm f/2 lens. The depth of field was finally good, and you didn’t have to stand as far away. I am so happy with that lens that it stayed in my camera ever since. I would only use the 50 mm lens if I want to a rock concert or something.

And I love prime lenses. They are very sharp.

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