Shooting with prime lenses

Most cameras come with zoom lenses and many photographers are happy to stick with a zoom any time they take photos. After all, zoom lenses are versatile – it's convenient to have a range of focal lengths in a single lens so you don't need to change lenses.

But sometimes a prime (single focal length) lens is the only option. Prime lenses also have some advantages zooms can't provide.

In the past, many people thought prime lenses were for only professional photographers but in recent times they have become much more affordable with major camera manufacturers and specialist companies like Tamron, Sigma and Tokina vastly increasing the options available. Across the most popular range of sensor sizes, prime lenses can be found in focal lengths ranging from extreme wide-angle (including 'fish-eye) to extreme telephoto. Prices vary widely across this range, depending mainly on the amount of glass required. The fastest, heaviest lenses are the most expensive.

In this feature we'll