The question is not mine but was posed to me by Joan Robillard @joansmor during a discussion on one of my shots - http://365project.org/vignouse/365/2014-01-26 - I'm posting my reply here so that I can do her question justice and so that others can give their opinion too. Here goes...
Well Joan, that's a 10c question with a 10$ answer!
Should you buy a prime lens? Well if you're going to remain serious about your photography, at some stage, yes, you'll want a prime lens... or lenses! You won't need one to take the sort of shot in question however. I actually have a D90 like yours with the 18-105mm kit lens and it's a competent piece of kit that would have produced exactly the same result. In fact, the zoom lens would have made it easier probably to have framed this shot than the 50mm prime that I actually used.
A prime lens with a fixed focal length is obviously less versatile than a zoom lens, so why would you choose to use one? There are three main advantages:
- A prime lens is easier to manufacture than a zoom so the quality can be higher for the same or a lower price.
- Prime lenses usually have a wider maximum aperture (down to F1.2 for the best... and dearest) allowing them to be used in lower light conditions and/or with a lower ISO.
- The wider maximum aperture allows you to take shots with a restricted depth of field, creating lots of lovely background bokeh.
If those things appeal then you might want to invest in a prime lens... but which focal length should you choose?
Prime lenses are available in a range of focal lengths:
- Wide/very wide (24mm, 28mm and 35mm principally.
- Standard 50mm - the so-called 'nifty fifty'.
- Medium telephoto 85mm - the ideal portrait lens.
- Macro lens 40mm, 60mm, 90mm and 105mm - also great for portraits.
A word of caution however; all these focal lengths refer to the field of view they will produce when used on a full-frame camera. When used on an APS-C sized sensor camera like the Nikon D90, you need to multiply the focal length by the crop factor of 1.5 (1.6 for Canon cameras due to the slightly smaller sensor size).
This means that the so called 'nifty-fifty' becomes a 75mm medium telephoto, which may be too restrictive for general shooting. If you're looking for a lens with a 'standard' field of view, then you'll want something shorter. Standard is said to be the same field of view as the human eye - often quoted as 50mm but in fact it's technically 43mm (the diagonal measurement of a standard 24mm x 36mm 35mm film frame). If you want a 'nifty-fifty' for your D90, you could choose either a 28mm (42mm on an APS-C sensor) or a 35mm (52.5mm on an APS-C sensor). A 35mm F1.8 lens would make a fine general purpose prime and can be bought for a very modest price - much less than the 28mm. For extra versaltility, you could add a set of close-up lenses (available reasonably cheaply) which would enable you to try some macro type work as well without the significant investment of a dedicated macro lens.
There you are Joan - I hope this helps and I'm sure there will also be other useful comments.
I think prime lenses are a very good addition to your camera bag. I had a 50 mm F1.4 for my canon and now that I've switched to sony nex7, I have a 35mm f1.8. It's a great every day street photography lens. It is very good in low light and I love it for family shots.
I also helps you to think about composition. You have to move to get your shot, not zoom the lens.
It is a very sharp lens ... I really enjoy using it.
Interesting discussion. I agree with Kathleen that a prime lens makes you think--and move--more. My favorite lens is my Pentax 35mm f/2.8 macro limited--which as you said is similar to the nifty 50 I started with in film photography. It's small, light and sharp but took some getting used to. I also have a 50 mm f/1.4 and am saving for a 15mm.
However, when I travel I usually take one zoom lens as it's more flexible.
Wow Richard I think you covered about everything, great thread. I agree with everything you said of course :)
In my opinion lenses are the most important investment in photography. The quality of your lens effects the quality of your image more than the camera itself does. It's also important to consider what focal length you shoot in most when considering what lenses to buy.
My two favorite go to lenses are my Canon EF 50mm 1:1.8 and my old manual 135mm. I have a Canon EF 28-135mm 1:3.5-5.6 IS that is nice but I don't really use it that much unless I can't use my feet to get shot I want from my subject.
I don't know if I'm totally reading into this wrong but I've read your photo comments and feel a bit bad for @joansmor seems she was only asking how you did it so she can learn for herself.
@joansmor You don't need any fancy lights or anything for set up shots, normal house lights will do..I take most of my shots in my kitchen using my standard kitchen lights...or a little desk lamp.
Do you need a prime lens? No, not really. I adore mine, but if you're wanting do to macro shots, maybe it's not your best option. I'm sure there are people who can advise you on macro lenses better than I can.
(I have a Sigma 70-300 lens that I use for Macro shots, you can pick them up for less than £150)
I have a 50mm but find, whilst I love the look of a 1.4 aperture (so a really blurry background), sometimes the focal distance doesn't really work for indoor set ups because my kitchen isn't wide enough..and so I'll use my kit lens (an 18-55mm) because I don't have to be as far away from an object to make it focus.
Also, when you do set up shots, it's often easier to be able to zoom into a bit, rather than have to move yourself. For example, when I shoot in my kitchen, my lights are over head and if I shoot with a prime lens, the angle I have to get at means I cast a shadow. Waaayyy easier to be stood back and zoom in a bit.
@amyamoeba Amy, I agree entirely with what you say and I too often use a little desk lamp for small set-up shots but what I described in my post was a particular set-up for objects placed on a mirror where you can't light directly in order to avoid unwanted reflections. This particular discussion topic here is in reply to Joan's comment, "If you want to chime in on lens purchase I would love it."
Just chiming in that I loved my 50 in 35mm film days, but I'm not as enamored on an APS sized sensor. I still use it some because it is fast, but would probably go for something in a 28-35mm range if I was looking now.
With the D90 go for the 35mm f1.8 with he crop factor same as FOV as 50mm I have both and some days just go out with those in my pocket!
Cracking lens and yes get it and enjoy!!
Today's picture was taken with the 35mm at f1.8
@vignouse Richard, you are becoming a dear friend and tell Mrs S I think she is a very lucky lady indeed (though I suspect she already knows that). What all of these replies have convinced me of is that I need to understand more before I make this purchase. I have always been impulsive with my buys and only as I get older can I get hold of myself to wait to make the best decision. I think one of the reasons I was so frustrated with my zoom is not the zoom but the fact that it was set at hi iso. I finally figured out yesterday how to fix that and my depth of field has improved (that is to say I can get blurring in background or foreground). So I'm keeping my money in my piggy bank until I understand just what it is I want and what it will get me. A new lens isn';t going to suddenly make me take great pictures. Half of what is said here is so beyond me. SO first I must learn and the I can purchase. This week I am working on composition. Let me get great pictures with what I have and then move on to more. Thanks, Richard. I probably sound all over the place. But I am writing and thinking about where to go next. It's like my scrapbooking. Learn and your creations become better.
@hinkkd@jetpics@eudora@jenteal@jemez@chippy1402 Thank you all but as I said to Richard above, you have all convinced me that I need to understand the equipment I have before I purchase any more.
@amyamoeba I first asked Richard how he took such a lovely picture. I really only meant was that a mirror he used. But wonderful friend that he's become he explained his whole process. Because he seems so knowledgeable I asked him about my purchase and he has helped me make up my mind about this. I asked the question of many of the people I consider my photo buddies and am anxious to see the information others may have offered.
Everything you have offered I take seriously. I understand that I don't need a lot of fancy equipment to take good pictures. Heck I've seen some here (and have some of my own) that were taken with a point and shot. I have just been a little frustrated with mine lately. But as I said above I found that my ISO was set high and I found how to fix that. I am reading my manual front to back and then plan to read it again. So thank you for your kind advice.
@vignouse I have decided to go simpler in my purchase today. I am going for a new tripod. Mine is 30 years old and big and clunky. Should save a little money too.
@joansmor Hey Joan - I know all about impulsive... when I want something I want it yesterday, today is already too late!
If and when you decide to get yourself a 'standard' lens, one easy way of deciding what focal length to go for (and, indeed, testing if a fixed focal length is for you) is to set your zoom lens at that focal length for a few days and see how that works out for you.
Joan, I've just checked the Exif information for some of your recent shots and see that indeed the ISO is often high but the value varies a lot. I suspect that you may have had the ISO set to auto which can be useful, but can also lead to you chasing your tail. I find with my D90 that 800 is as high as I would normally want to go and 1600 if conditions are really difficult. Any higher and noise becomes a problem - your new tripod will help enormously to keep ISO values reasonable. (I've just realised that, with the exception of the blue-tits and the washing machine, all my posted shots have been taken using a tripod!)
@joansmor I think buying a new tripod is a good idea. I hated mine so seldom used it. For Christmas my husband gave me a new one and I'm getting used to it. Good luck!
@eudora I brought a expensive one (well I think expensive) and it has levels on it. But guess what it has a broken lock and I will need to return it. But used it last night and it was wonderful. My old one weighs more and if I had a carrying bag I've misplaced it in a move.
Write a Reply
Sign up for a free account or Sign in to post a comment.
Tweets ahoy!
Join the Group
Pin With Me
I also helps you to think about composition. You have to move to get your shot, not zoom the lens.
It is a very sharp lens ... I really enjoy using it.
However, when I travel I usually take one zoom lens as it's more flexible.
In my opinion lenses are the most important investment in photography. The quality of your lens effects the quality of your image more than the camera itself does. It's also important to consider what focal length you shoot in most when considering what lenses to buy.
My two favorite go to lenses are my Canon EF 50mm 1:1.8 and my old manual 135mm. I have a Canon EF 28-135mm 1:3.5-5.6 IS that is nice but I don't really use it that much unless I can't use my feet to get shot I want from my subject.
@joansmor You don't need any fancy lights or anything for set up shots, normal house lights will do..I take most of my shots in my kitchen using my standard kitchen lights...or a little desk lamp.
Do you need a prime lens? No, not really. I adore mine, but if you're wanting do to macro shots, maybe it's not your best option. I'm sure there are people who can advise you on macro lenses better than I can.
(I have a Sigma 70-300 lens that I use for Macro shots, you can pick them up for less than £150)
I have a 50mm but find, whilst I love the look of a 1.4 aperture (so a really blurry background), sometimes the focal distance doesn't really work for indoor set ups because my kitchen isn't wide enough..and so I'll use my kit lens (an 18-55mm) because I don't have to be as far away from an object to make it focus.
Also, when you do set up shots, it's often easier to be able to zoom into a bit, rather than have to move yourself. For example, when I shoot in my kitchen, my lights are over head and if I shoot with a prime lens, the angle I have to get at means I cast a shadow. Waaayyy easier to be stood back and zoom in a bit.
I hope that makes sense!
Cracking lens and yes get it and enjoy!!
Today's picture was taken with the 35mm at f1.8
Everything you have offered I take seriously. I understand that I don't need a lot of fancy equipment to take good pictures. Heck I've seen some here (and have some of my own) that were taken with a point and shot. I have just been a little frustrated with mine lately. But as I said above I found that my ISO was set high and I found how to fix that. I am reading my manual front to back and then plan to read it again. So thank you for your kind advice.
If and when you decide to get yourself a 'standard' lens, one easy way of deciding what focal length to go for (and, indeed, testing if a fixed focal length is for you) is to set your zoom lens at that focal length for a few days and see how that works out for you.
Good Luck!