Prime Lens vs Zoom Lens, What's the difference?
  A
prime lens is one that has a single focal length. A
zoom lens is one that has a range of focal lengths. The each have their proper place in the camera bag and on the camera. But the prime has always been, and will continue to be, a favorite among seasoned
photographers using interchangeable-lens cameras.
I have two favorite prime lenses, a (28mm f/1.8 Sigma), and over the course of time I’ve grown to consider this lens as my favorite. And
my other favorite prime lens is a Nikon 50mm f/1.8 (Most of the time, I hardly
put a zoom lens on my camera) and I’m absolutely in love with both of these
lenses. Here’s the reasons:
1. Fewer Lens Distortions
Zooms are designed to work well at most focal lengths in their range, but the all display some type of lens
distortion at some point — usually at the extremes. Primes, on the other hand, are designed to work great at a single
focal length. The distortions have been minimized by design.
2. Sharper Images
Similar to the argument for lens distortions, primes have been optimized for sharpness and clarity while zooms must sacrifice these things in order to offer up the convenience of multiple focal lengths.
3. Better Depth of Field Control
Again, for the same price point, prime lenses are capable of a wider array of
f-numbers. They’re faster, and they offer more options at the low end of the f-number scale.
4. Nicer Bokeh
Generally, as you lower your f-number your bokeh becomes more apparent. Primes are notorious for producing crazy bokeh on spectacular highlights when shot wide open. Primes will also generally have better and/or more aperture blades, As a result giving you a better bokeh.
5. Better Low Light Capabilities
If you’ve never shot with a f/1.8 (or faster) lens, you have no idea what you’re missing. Indoor shots — no flash
in available light, no problem. Concerts — fast lenses are a must.
6. Fast Lenses Make You Think
My favorite thing about prime lenses is the fact that you have to use your head.
Composition becomes a thinking game. You have to move your feet to get that shot you had in mind, so you really start to evaluate what’s important in the scene.
Fast primes also make you think a little harder about your f-number. The
DOF can be
very shallow; sometimes too shallow to produce an effective shot. Not only that, but on bright sunny days, you actually can’t use the lens wide open without an
ND filter because too much light
will get in and maximize your shutter speed.
7. Lower Cost
For the same quality, prime lenses cost less than zoom lenses. They contain fewer elements, less moving parts, and their design is simpler. For the same cost, you can purchase up a half-decent zoom lens or you can
get an outstanding prime lens.
If you don’t have a good prime lens, you’re missing out. Zooms are fine, and they have their place, but a prime will open your eyes to a new level of
photography you didn't know was there.
Canon Prime Lenses
Nikon Prime Lenses
Sigma Prime Lenses
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