No doubt, zoom lenses are extremely convenient and useful for a wide variety of applications across a wide range of genres. Nonetheless, prime lenses can help you improve by forcing you into creative problem-solving, and this fantastic video essay discusses why you might want to try using them more often.
Coming to you from Brian Matiash, this great video essay discusses why you should consider working with prime lenses more often. One of Matiash's main points is that a prime lens restricts your compositional choices, which actually leads to better creativity. Restrictions are actually a great way to increase your creativity, as they force you to find ways to solve the problems they impose on your process, and through these solutions come new ideas. Of course, if you do not have a prime lens, you can mimic the challenge somewhat by simply committing to using a single focal length on your zoom lens. It is unlikely you will be able to use as wide an aperture as you might be able to on an equivalent prime lens, but the compositional challenge brought about by being restricted to the same focal length will still be of value. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Matiash.
I own the 85mm f1.8, 135mm f2, 50mm 1.8 and 35mm 1.8 . They are very light weight with a big aperture. For me, it was the best choice to buy prime lenses for my budget.
I'll take out one lens at a time when I walk around my neighborhood. I'm fortunate to live in an historic town. Primes and wide angle zooms,12-24mm, create the most challenge. Sometimes, zoom with your feet isn't possible, but finding unique perspective is always an option.
I simply like prime lenses because they are sharper and lighter. I now hate changing lenses while shooting. It's a waste of time instead of observing and looking for better shots and angles. I also worry about dropping lenses, scratches and getting dirt on the insides.
Try going out with one prime lens. Look for shots that suit one particular focal length. Believe me, this is a much better way to shoot than fumbling around with a number of lenses. It also helps you get to know that particular focal length so you can eventually see the shot before taking the picture. Time spent changing lenses is time you could be using taking photos with one lens. If you really need multiple focal lengths, maybe invest in a decent zoom lens.
I've been taking photos for almost 30+ years since I was 18. I had three primes for my first 25 years, 28, 50, 105mm. Two very primary and very important factors in taking a great photo is framing and composition, I have far more control over that with my zoom lens. If you see me take photos, I zoom in and out and then I reposition myself getting closer and far away for the same shot. I took photo classes in college and studied photography for years. Cheers!
Hey there, Alex. Thanks so much for sharing my video and for the writeup. That was a nice surprise and I appreciate it very much! I hope your readers find it helpful.
I'm a big fan of primes. My current minimalist setup includes 15, 35, and 85mm primes and the only thing I occasionally wish for is a longer telephoto. If there existed a native 200mm prime for Sony FE I'd add it to my kit. Zooms just aren't as enjoyable to shoot with for me and I'm never as satisfied with the results I get, but they obviously have their place.
They have a 400mm and a 600mm! You can sell your car, mortgage your house or sell an internal organ (or 2) to buy one.
My current minimalist setup is a 40mm prime lens.
Use primes for the lengths you are less likely to use. I m always in the mid range so it would be a pain in the ass to continually swap 24 to 35 to 50 when my 24 to 70 is excellent and covers it all easily. I rarely shoot long so it makes more sense (in cost and weight) to use primes.