Prime vs. Zoom Lenses

[blues008]

Hi all,

I'm still looking at lenses since this is the last day for the MSN Holiday Reward

If I'm not blowing up photos past the standard drug store size, can I really tell the difference between photos take with a prime and zoom lens?

If so, what combination of prime lenses should I purchase?

Thanks!
blues

 

[Gunbuster]

??
Lenses for what?

For a SLR Nikon and Canon rock

 

[Lucky]

At 4x6, you wont notice much of a difference with any lense, unless you are using a 28-200 (or god forbid, 28-300). Even those aren't THAT bad for 4x6 size, most people wouldnt notice.

If you want to start out with prime lenses, go with:L

Wide: 28 (or 24 if you can afford it)
Normal: 35 or 50 (I recommend both)
Telephoto: 85, 200

I carry a 20, 24, 35, 50, and a 70-210, but my 70-210 is a constant 2.8 aperture, which is out of the range of most consumers $$$-wise. The problem with zooms isnt so much their quality-because at 4x6 size, like I said, you wont notice the difference. The problem with them is how much light they can let in (aperture). Whereas a normal 70-200 consumer lens is f4-5.6 (perhaps 6.3), a prime 200 will like be f4 (or f/2 or 2.8 if its a pro lens).

Meaning, that nice prime 200mm lens that has a 2.8 (or my 70-200 2.8 pro lens) is going to require 4-6 times less light than that cheapo 70-200 consumer lens.

 

[blues008]

Oops. These are for a Nikon N80

 

[Lucky]

what lenses do you currently have and what is your budget for more lenses?

 

[blues008]

I currently own the 'stock' lens that came with the N80 kit - the 28-80 F-3.3-5.6 G AF Zoom

I would like to replace this with an 'everyday' zoom lens like the Nikon 28-105mm f/3.5-4.5D AF Zoom

But, if prime lenses are really so much better I'm looking at the Nikon - 24MM F/2.8D AF as well.

Together with Nikon double rebates and MSN Holiday award they are both affordable. However, there's also the Nikon Nikon 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6D AF Zoom

I've been told that I can learn about photography more by using prime lenses. Also, getting a zoom lens means I won't have as much to carry around.

 

[todpod]

If you not blowiing up pictures, zooms are the way to go, even if your are zooms if you take your time and learn what your doing you can
get great results. Personally I would even consider third party lenses like Sigma and Tamaron. Such as the Sigma 28-135 or 28-105 f2.8-4.
Unless your are going to sell your images you don't need the best of the best just good quailty. Just my take anyhow, later todd

 

[Lucky]

<< I currently own the 'stock' lens that came with the N80 kit - the 28-80 F-3.3-5.6 G AF Zoom

I would like to replace this with an 'everyday' zoom lens like the Nikon 28-105mm f/3.5-4.5D AF Zoom

But, if prime lenses are really so much better I'm looking at the Nikon - 24MM F/2.8D AF as well.

Together with Nikon double rebates and MSN Holiday award they are both affordable. However, there's also the Nikon Nikon 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6D AF Zoom

I've been told that I can learn about photography more by using prime lenses. Also, getting a zoom lens means I won't have as much to carry around. >>





the stock 28-80 is decent. Its a plastic mount, is it not? They used to make the metal and they were much more durable.

I dont have experience with the 28-105, but I hear it is a decent lens. I took the 24-120 to costa rica with me for a couple months as my only lens and it performed superbly, even with all the heat, humidity, and intense rain.