Questions about lenses that have a fixed focal length.
1
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2answers
34 views
Second Lens: 35mm for Nikon D3100 - considerations for making the purchase [closed]
I'm currently considering buying the Nikon 35mm f/1.8G AF-S DX Lens as a second lens for my Nikon D3100. A lot of people suggest that I go with a telephoto zoom lens as my second, but I disagree ...
4
votes
3answers
205 views
Would it be better to use a 35mm prime instead of a 50mm prime on a cropped sensor body?
It's said that 50mm is close to what the human eye sees and is a very versatile focal length in general, especially good for street photography which is what I'm most interested in. That being the ...
4
votes
3answers
305 views
Are modern telephoto zooms so improved that they're not a big tradeoff vs primes? [duplicate]
I am looking for a good amateur telephoto lens for Nikon DSLR. It's main purpose will be sport shots.
Back when I learned photography with film SLR, a fixed focal lens was significantly better than a ...
2
votes
5answers
273 views
What prime lens for taking portraits of my child with a Canon APS-C DSLR?
I purchased a Canon T4i with a 18-135mm STM lens. I'm interested in getting a prime lens to take portrait photos of my child. My budget is up to $500.
1
vote
3answers
206 views
Will a short focal length cut it for indoor event photography? (Context: It's Crowded, Dark, Has Mixed Lighting, and Requires Walking Around.)
Short version: What primes are good walk-around lenses for an indoor, dark, crowded environment where you'll be taking pictures of individuals or small groups ad-hoc, walking around and stopping in ...
2
votes
1answer
509 views
What is the difference between the Nikon 50mm f/1.8D and Nikon 50mm f/1.8G on a D7000? [duplicate]
Possible Duplicate:
What’s the difference between using a 50mm f/1.8G and a 50mm f/1.8D with a Nikon D80?
I recently got a D7000 and using a 28-200mm f/3.5-5.6 AF-D. Now I'm looking to into ...
1
vote
0answers
51 views
Why most Nikon-mountable prime lens don't have image stabilization? [duplicate]
Possible Duplicate:
Is it true that there are no stabilized prime lenses (and if so, why)?
I've seen that most fixed-focal length lens available for Nikon don't have VR or other image ...
1
vote
3answers
708 views
The ideal prime lens combo in the bag for full frame [closed]
I am moving up to a full-frame DSLR and I am considering the lenses I should have in my bag. I have shot mostly with prime lenses (35mm and 50mm on APS-C) because I absolutely love the quality of the ...
7
votes
2answers
1k views
Canon 50mm f/1.8 vs Canon 28mm f/1.8 (vs Sigma 30mm f/1.4)
I have the nifty-fifty and I am in love with the kinds of images it can produce, particularly when it comes to portraits. I really enjoy the lens, but I have one problem; it is a little bit too tight ...
2
votes
4answers
3k views
Why do some people prefer 50mm to 35mm prime lenses, even for a crop sensor?
Comparing the two lenses for an APS-C sensor:
EF50mm f/1.8
EF35mm f/2
here
Leaving out cost as a factor, EF 35mm has the following advantages:
43 degree while 50mm has 31 degree
Its equally ...
1
vote
3answers
508 views
Best metering mode for m42 prime lens?
Recently, I got some old m42 prime lens from Ebay and started playing with them with my Canon T3i/600d. However, it's difficult to get sharp pictures with these manual focus lens as there is no AF ...
8
votes
6answers
8k views
50mm vs 85mm for portraits on a crop sensor?
I've read several times that a 50mm lens will make features like noses noticeably stand out compared to an 85mm lens. However, I'm never sure if the post/article is describing results on a full frame ...
5
votes
3answers
221 views
Practical speed difference between 1:2.5 and 1:1.7?
I have a 14mm/1:2.5 prime that I got with my GF-1. Does it make sense to invest into a 20mm/1:1.7 lens? I don’t care much about the difference in focal length. I’d like to know if the speed difference ...
4
votes
1answer
745 views
Can my Nikkor 35mm f1.8 be used as a macro lens, with reversing ring?
Can the Nikkor 35mm 1.8G be used as a macro lens, if I use it with a reversing ring ?
3
votes
1answer
488 views
24mm f2.8 vs 24-85 f3.5-f4.5 (Nikon)
I have a 17-50 f2.8 zoom (Tamron) and while it performs admirably, it is heavy. So I was thinking of a 24mm f2.8 prime, when I also read up on the 24-85 f3.5-4.5 (non-VR) AFS lens.
Here's the ...
2
votes
2answers
533 views
Zoom Lens and Prime Lens Photo Comparison
Are there any examples comparing the picture quality of prime lenses and zoom lenses with the same scene and shot at the same focal length? I have not seen anything that shows me why a prime is better ...
6
votes
4answers
298 views
How does one track action with a fast telephoto prime lens?
With my normal-range prime lenses, I tend to shoot with both eyes open — what I see in the viewfinder has a high correspondence to what I see with my other eye. With my 70mm (105mm in 35mm-equivalent ...
4
votes
8answers
4k views
Do I need a filter for my prime lens in order to protect it from dust, splashes, etc?
From here: http://photo.stackexchange.com/a/569/5205
UV Filters:
Many photographers feel that it is worthwhile to put a UV filter on the front of every lens, on the basis that this will protect ...
8
votes
3answers
1k views
Does a 35mm prime lens show the same bokeh as a 50mm prime lens on a cropped sensor?
I came to know that a 50mm prime lens on a cropped sensor behaves like an 75mm prime lens.
So, does the 35mm prime lens behave like a 50mm prime lens on a cropped sensor?
If yes, then will it show ...
0
votes
1answer
746 views
How can one use a reversing ring with Nikon G lenses?
So, this blog (credit to mattdm for pointing it out) says:
Firstly, when you turn the lens around you obviously lose the CPU connection between the lens and the camera, so say goodbye to ...
6
votes
4answers
2k views
Is it difficult to focus on 1.4F prime lens, and if it is how to counter that?
Does difficulty in focusing have anything to do with 1.4F (Nikon G)?
Will it be still difficult if I use manual focus?
Is auto focus too slow?
Is there a way to counter it?
This example photo (from ...
1
vote
3answers
539 views
How to compare the focal length of a 50mm prime lens with the default lens of a point and shoot camera?
To imagine the 50mm focal length of a prime lens 1.4F, can I simply zoom the lens of my point and shoot camera up to 50mm?
Will both the focal lengths be same?
Any other way to imagine the focal ...
2
votes
3answers
5k views
Nikkor f/1.8G 35mm or 50mm?
I'm new to photography. I got Nikon D3100 with 18-55 KIT.
I was looking to buy 1.8f prime lens.
I found two options.
AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G and AF-S DX NIKKOR 55mm f/1.8G
Which one you guys ...
6
votes
3answers
2k views
How can I accurately focus manually on an APS-C DSLR?
My favorite portrait lens is the Nikon 50mm 1.4G. I love the light and what it is capable of. My problem with it is that on my D90 the AF is sometimes horribly slow, and in many cases (mainly low ...
3
votes
3answers
708 views
Are prime lenses sharper than normal or telephoto zoom lenses?
Example:
The prime lens Nikon 1.4F G is said to be very sharp at F3.5.
So, if I compare that with the normal or telephoto zoom lens's F3.5, will the level of sharpness be same?
If no, then will the ...
4
votes
3answers
996 views
What is the meaning of single focal length?
The Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G is described as a single focal length lens: http://www.nikon.co.in/products.php?categoryid=1014.
What does that mean?
What are its disadvantages as compared to ...
3
votes
2answers
1k views
Will a prime lens help me get better portraits at a wedding?
I have a Canon 600D with the EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens. I have a friend's wedding coming soon, and I'm not sure if my zoom lens will do a good job or not. I was thinking of buying a prime lens so ...
12
votes
2answers
1k views
Why do wide angle prime lenses have relatively small apertures?
I've noticed that many of the wide angle prime lenses (at least for Canon) have somewhat smaller apertures than their normal or telephoto counterparts. E.g. the regular Canon 24mm prime is f/2.8 while ...
16
votes
4answers
2k views
Is it true that there are no stabilized prime lenses (and if so, why)?
Fast prime lenses like the Canon 50mm f/1.4 lens work nicely in low-light situations. But I'm quite sure they would work even more nicely if they had optical image stabilizers. It seems to me that no ...
10
votes
4answers
242 views
Does it make sense to get a non-macro and a macro of similar focal lengths?
I recently asked a question on which prime lens to get after the kit lenses, and in my shortlist of lenses there was quite a lot of overlap of focal lengths along with macro & non-macro versions ...
6
votes
3answers
322 views
Would a fixed or zoom telephoto lens be better for learning?
My daughter has a Nikon D-90 camera body and two prime f1.4 lenses 50mm and 35mm. She is interested in learning more, and I am curious which of a zoom or fixed telephoto lens would help her best? Is ...
9
votes
6answers
2k views
Which prime lens to get after the 18-55mm & 55-250mm?
I started out with the 18-55mm IS kit lens on my Canon EOS 550D over a year ago, and added the 55-250mm IS a couple of months back to augment my telephoto reach (based on the recommendations in one of ...
11
votes
4answers
4k views
What's the advantage of buying a fixed 50mm f/1.8 lens when my camera has an 18-55mm zoom lens?
I've got a Nikon D3100 with an 18-55mm zoom lens. I'm keen to experiment with some other lenses and a friend of mine recently reccommended I purchase a fixed 50mm f/1.8 lens as he said it's good for ...
4
votes
4answers
4k views
Will a 35mm lens work for great indoor pictures of my kids?
I just purchased the Nikon D5100 DSLR. The kit lens that came with it (18-55mm vr) is great when shooting outdoors, but once I try to take indoor pictures of my kids, the images aren't that good. Is ...
4
votes
6answers
2k views
Is the Canon 28mm f/2.8 sharp and good compared to the 18-55mm kit lens?
I have a Canon 500D/T1i with the kit 18-55mm IS lens. I need to replace the kit lens with a prime as a work around lens. I usually take photos of streets, people etc., and use the 20-35mm range of ...
9
votes
5answers
5k views
If I have a 18-55mm lens, is there a point in buying a 35mm prime lens?
I have the Nikon kit lens that came with a D5100 — the kit lens is
18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AF-S DX VR Nikkor Zoom. I was thinking of getting a fast lens and I am looking to buy the Nikon 35mm f/1.8G DX.
...
5
votes
2answers
3k views
Is the difference between a good 50mm vs 85mm lens just your distance from the subject?
I was wondering: is the difference between a 50mm f/1.8 lens and a 85mm f/1.8 lens just your distance from the subject? Let's assume that distortion is minimal; both lenses are of high quality. Does ...
13
votes
9answers
17k views
Which prime lens for Pentax?
My girlfriend is buying a Pentax K-5 (I already have a Pentax DSLR so we thought it made sense for us to be able to share lenses), and she's not sure about which lens to get with it, so I've been ...
18
votes
4answers
683 views
How to speed up autofocus on moving subjects under low-light conditions?
Since I am usually taking pictures under low light ambient conditions I have discovered the nifty 1.4 lenses (such as the Sigma 30mm/1.4 or the Canon 50mm/1.4 or also the Canon 85mm/1.8) for my Canon ...
7
votes
2answers
1k views
How can a prime lens focus on more than one plane?
By definition, a prime lens is a fixed lens system with a fixed focal length.
Then, simple physics tells us that it should be able to focus only on one plane (at a fixed distance) in front of it. But ...
15
votes
8answers
683 views
Would a prime be redundant with a fast zoom?
Now that I am finally getting a fast zoom (Tamron 17-50mm 2.8) I've been considering a fast prime to go with it, specifically a Sigma 50mm 1.4. Despite its shortcomings, it still does really nice ...
5
votes
2answers
381 views
Are reverse mounts only for use with prime lenses?
Are reverse lens mounts only for use with prime lenses? I was wondering if I could use my zoom lens with a reverse mount.
4
votes
4answers
657 views
35mm prime lens on a Nikon D50
I'm looking at getting a prime lens for my Nikon D50, I'm looking at the 50mm ƒ1.8 and the 35mm ƒ1.8 DX.
What I understand is that the 50mm will actually give me an equivalent focal length of 75mm, ...
29
votes
8answers
4k views
Why do people recommend 50mm or other prime lenses as starting lenses for learning photography?
I've seen quite a few people recommend the 50mm prime lenses, in particular the sub-$100 50mm/f1.8, as a starting lens for photographers (especially because they're likely to be using cameras with ...
5
votes
7answers
6k views
Why is my Nikon 50mm f/1.8 giving me an fEE error?
I have a AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8. When I have the aperture setting on the lens to 22 I can take photos. But when I change the dial to anything other than 22(lowest f/stop) then I get a flashing fEE ...
4
votes
4answers
3k views
Canon lens equivalent to NIKON AF-S DX 35mm F/1.8G?
A friend of mine has a NIKON AF-S DX 35mm F/1.8G lens and I would like to purchase something (at least) equivalent for my Canon, if possible at a similar price.
As I understand it, while 35mm still ...
19
votes
7answers
5k views
Why there is no Canon 50mm *IS* lens?
Canon's 50mm prime lenses are all non-IS (Image Stabilization) for some reason. Considering the popularity of these range primes, shouldn't Canon be interested in shipping a new, optically improved IS ...
8
votes
6answers
248 views
On smaller prints, will a high-quality zoom lens provide near equal image quality compared to primes?
Let's say I shoot with Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L, Canon EF 50mm f/1.4, and a Canon EF 85mm f/1.8. Can these 3 primes be replaced with a Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 for the convenience of not needing to change ...
9
votes
8answers
3k views
What options do I have for a normal and fast prime lens for a Canon APS-C camera?
I'm looking for a normal prime lens, desirably fast and not too expensive, for my 450D. 50mm seems to be the normal focal length on FF, thus for APS-C, I need about 30mm.
I want it to be fast as I'm ...
6
votes
5answers
585 views
Can you recommend any resources about dance photography?
My main focus area in photography is dance; and at that mostly social dancing.
This usually means:
spontaneous action, no way to stage anything or prepare beyond being "in the moment and very ...
