Fast lenses are essential tools in photography. They allow you to capture more light, which can make a big difference in various shooting conditions. If you're new to the craft, check out this helpful video that will show you what you need to know.
Coming to you from Photo Genius, this informative video explains the concept of a fast lens. It starts by clarifying that a fast lens doesn't actually focus faster. Instead, it has a larger maximum aperture, allowing more light to enter the camera. This feature lets you use a faster shutter speed, which is crucial for capturing sharp images in low-light conditions or when photographing fast-moving subjects.
The video illustrates this with a practical example. Using a Nikon Z fc, he compares a standard kit lens with a maximum aperture of f/3.5 to a faster lens with a maximum aperture of f/2. The difference in light capture allows for a faster shutter speed, reducing motion blur and improving image quality in low-light situations.
Fast lenses are generally considered to have a maximum aperture of f/2.8 or larger. These lenses are often prime lenses, which have a fixed focal length. The benefits of using a fast lens are numerous. For one, they allow for a shallow depth of field, creating blurry backgrounds that make your subject stand out. This technique is widely used in portrait photography. Additionally, fast lenses can help reduce digital noise by allowing you to keep the camera's ISO setting lower, which is beneficial for indoor, low-light, and nighttime photography.
Another significant advantage is the ability to capture sharp images of moving subjects. Sports and wildlife photographers, in particular, will find fast lenses invaluable for freezing action and reducing blur. Paul also points out that while fast lenses can be expensive, there are budget-friendly options available. The Canon 50mm f/1.8 STM, also known as the "nifty fifty," is an excellent example. It's a great value fast lens that doesn't break the bank and is available for both DSLR and mirrorless cameras. Check out the video above for the full rundown.
Fast lenses have become a lot more affordable over the past 10 years or so. For low-light event work, my two main workhorses are Samyang's 35mm f1.4 and 85mm f1.4, each of which cost me only $500. Nikon has a new 35mm f1.4 coming out at only $600, and it's very compact.