This video goes through some of the essential reasons you might choose a prime over a zoom, with special attention to four myths that have been retold/recycled that I don't feel are valid or which have "expired" since zoom lens technology has been improving.

In this post, I want to expose 4 myths that lead people to choose prime lenses over zoom lenses.

Anyone new to photography might assume that choosing a camera lens with the ability to zoom to several different focal lengths, (a zoom lens), would be better than choosing one with a fixed focal length, (a prime lens). It seems like a logical choice. It’s only as a photographer becomes more acquainted with the history of photography and starts listening to what other photographers and folks on-line have to say, that they begin to realize the potential advantages of using prime lenses in certain situations.

The topic of prime lenses vs. zoom lenses has been beaten to a bloody pulp by everyone who owns a camera and manages a blog. Today though, I want to recycle this topic by emphasizing one aspect that’s rarely mentioned when choosing between these two types of lenses. Stay tuned.

Before we get into the details, I need to cover a few photography basics. Lately, we’ve had a huge influx of newer photographers visiting this channel who have a lot of questions relating to this topic. So, I want to quickly summarize some important factors when choosing a lens. To do this, we’ll start from the perspective of a brand-new photographer who makes the assumption: “A zoom lens makes more sense than a prime lens”. There are actually only three good reasons for buying a prime lens and sacrificing the flexibility of a zoom lens.

Reason #1 - Smaller aperture number - The first, and probably most obvious reason for favoring a prime lens, is the potential advantage of having a smaller aperture number. The smaller the aperture, the more light is allowed to reach your camera’s sensor. This means you can shoot in lower light with better image quality.

Fuji 56mm (F1.2) vs. Fuji 18-55mm (F2.8 - 4)

With a zoom lens like the superb, Fuji 18-55mm, the variable aperture starts at F2.8 and goes to F4 as you zoom. I dislike using this lens in low light because I have to dramatically adjust the ISO to compensate, which brings more noise into my photos. But when using a lens like the 56mm 1.2 aperture lens, you can see how much less noise shows up in a low light situation.

The lower aperture number also provides something most newer photographers anticipate when they first upgrade from their smart phone camera: a shallow depth of field that can isolate the background. When comparing these two shots taken at the same focal length on the lenses I just mentioned, you can see the difference in subject isolation. Many newer photographers buy expensive cameras but get kit lenses with apertures of F3.5 or greater. Then, they’re disappointed when they can’t capture that blurred background they were so excited about. A prime lens will give you that defined subject isolation.

Subject Isolation: Prime Lens vs. Zoom Lens

Reason #2 - Smaller size and weight - The second big reason for choosing prime lenses over zoom lenses is their smaller size and weight. When I use my 35mm F2, it’s very light, inconspicuous on the street, and can easily fit into any bag. There are no zoom lenses in the Fuji line-up that can compare with the size of this prime lens.

Reason #3 - Easier for learning focal lengths - Many people will recommend starting out with a prime lens as a way to learn how to shoot at different focal lengths. In a way, a prime lens acts as training wheels to help you start to recognize different focal lengths. I have noticed that photographers who learned photography with zoom lenses tend to be slower to master focal lengths or the angle of view as photographic tools. Understanding how to use different focal lengths to change your field of view is a valuable skill. (I’ll discuss this topic more, later on.)

In my mind, these are the only three valid reasons for choosing a prime lens over a zoom lens. However, their are at least four, commonly sited reasons for preferring prime lenses over zoom lenses that I want to specifically take aim at. These so-called reasons have either been debunked or are no longer applicable to modern lenses.

Myth #1 - Prime lenses are sharper.

This claim is false. Every Fuji-X zoom lens is superbly sharp at some point in it’s zoom range - in some cases, sharper than many prime lenses. This is also holds true in most modern brands of lenses. While you can often find some soft focal lengths on most zoom lenses, it’s usually when they are either zoomed all the way out or all the way in that you will notice the reduction in sharpness.

Even this small fault is becoming less common as lens manufacturers improve sharpness and bring down chromatic aberration and distortion throughout the ranges of their zoom lenses. In each case of comparing zoom and prime lenses, I’ve found the zoom lens capable of producing an image that is as sharp if not sharper than the prime lens - particularly with Fuji.

Myth #2 - Prime lenses are cheaper

This reason might depend on the brand, but when shooting with Fuji lenses, it just isn't true. Fuji’s 18-55mm F2.8 - F4 can be found on the used market for around $350 in lightly used or like-new condition. This lens, which has impressive image quality and image stabilization, is right on par with many of Fuji’s best prime lenses. (All those poor misguided Fuji users who bought their camera bodies in a kit and think they need a prime lens are now selling their zoom lenses for an incredible price.) Even if you plan to shoot mostly with prime lenses, this is a great lens to have because of its versatility. It’s value on the used market cannot be beat.

Myth #3 - Prime lenses have lower aperture numbers

I’m actually going to contradict myself on this reason. Remember how I said earlier that prime lenses have lower aperture numbers? While that is true today with Fuji lenses, I believe this is going to change. The next wave of innovation we’re already starting to see with companies like Canon and Sigma is the push to build zoom lenses that can compete with prime lenses in aperture. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Nikon, Fuji, and Sony following suite and starting to come out with fast aperture zoom lenses in the next five years.

Myth #4 - Zoom lenses make you lazy

This myth is one of the biggest reasons why I created this post in the first place. Now, these very words have come out of my mouth and I have preached this point to students back when I taught photography in the classroom. Today, I have to amend my words. Zoom lenses do not actually make you lazy. When I and others make this statement, here’s what we’re trying to describe: If you use a zoom lens, you will tend to keep your feet wherever they happen to be planted while you compose a shot; you will tend to compose by zooming.

I now realize that this isn’t actually laziness. I’m pretty sure any photographer would move their feet in certain circumstances if they thought that doing so would help them capture a better photo. So, composing by zooming isn’t exactly laziness - it’s enablement, (a negative word in the world of psychology). The zoom lens enables you to worry less about composition.

Now, I want to be clear. When I refer to composition, I’m not just talking about how to frame a photo relative to its background. It’s more subtle than that. The most powerful thing a zoom lens gives you, in my opinion, is the ability to change the field of view that you use to capture a photo. Here’s an example:

Many newer photographers would say that these two photos were composed in the same way; the subject to frame ratio is the same and the background is the same. But clearly, they are different compositions. The first shot has a wide field of view which gives the subject a playful feel. The edges of the subject are distorted giving the subject’s limbs an exaggerated look, and the background lines wrap around the subject and serve as a frame.

In the second image the focal length is tighter. This compresses the background and makes it appear more square. The background is also blurry and we see less of it. In this shot, the eye is drawn to the subject, by isolating the subject from the background. The subject’s face is also dramatically affected; it appears less playful and more classic.

The real power of a zoom lens is that it lets you choose which way to capture a subject. Learning this skill without the aid of a prime lens can be very difficult for a new photographer. However, the zoom lens gives you the power to have full control over this important aspect of photography. With prime lenses, you will need to purchase several lenses to gain this same level of control.

To be clear, I’m not saying that one type of lens is better than the other. That would be a completely ridiculous and silly assertion. That would be the equivalent of telling a golfer to only use irons and never use woods. (Or you know, whatever - I don’t actually golf.)

So, if you’re a newer photographer who wants to know whether to buy a prime lens or a zoom lens, here’s my short answer: Buy a zoom of course - unless you need a prime.

“Buy a zoom of course - unless you need a prime.”

If you do decide to purchase a zoom lens, never forget to be aware of focal lengths. If you keep finding yourself planted in the same place, playing with the zoom to change your focal length instead of moving your feet, look out! You’re missing out on a valuable aspect of photography. If this describes you, try shooting with prime lenses to master the different focal lengths of photography.

As for me, I regularly shoot with both types of lenses. Normally, I use one or two prime lenses as I find them more enjoyable and easier to pack around. For a job where I know I’ll have plenty of light to work with, I’ll typically use zoom lenses and maybe pack one prime lens in case I want to better isolate a subject. But, if it’s a job where I’m shooting in low light, I stick with my prime lenses.

That’s all for now. Until next time, do good with your camera. We’ll talk to you again real soon.