An Introduction to Prime Lenses
Prime Lenses – an Introduction digital Photography School has a nice primer out on the basic differences between prime and zoom lenses. For those of you who are unfamiliar with what the differences are, this is a good place to start.
I shoot primarily with prime lenses. I’m frequently asked which lenses are my favorites and I’d have to say that in general (even as expensive as it is) I’d recommend Canon L Series lenses. My favorite is the 135mm f/2. I also like the 24 f/1.4 quite a bit as well. I’d concur also with this article that the Canon EF100 is a great (relatively) attractively priced macro.
Here is a link to an excellent database of lens performance information. The data is a compilation of user input over many years that the database has been in existence. It covers all major makes and models of lenses for SLR’s http://www.photozone.de/active/survey/surveyform.jsp
On the same site, there are a series of very comprehensive reviews of lenses for both Canon & Nikon SLR’s. http://www.photozone.de/8Reviews/index.html
I find these sites quite useful when shopping for lenses.
Jeff H thanks for the good links.
Thomas- Nice to know what you like. I have my eye on the Nikkor AF 85mm f/1.4D. Works out to 127mm on my D80.
I currently have the Nikon 50mm f/1.8 and the 18-200mm. Both nice lenses for different uses.
My favorite is the Canon 70.200IS L. Love it.
Thanks for the LinkedIn contact.
How are you liking the 50 f/1.2 L Thomas?
i like prime lenses also! i am now a happy canon 400d owner, and i decided to forgo the kit lens and buy the 50mm f/1.4 lens.
anyway when i still had my point and shoot canon A520 i hardly “zoomed in” anyway. it got too blurry unless it was really bright. i always just shot normally and just cropped if i wanted to.
so i figured i really wanted to go nearer, i’ll just walk closer (like i did when i had a point and shoot). it’s like exercise. exercise legs as well as arms.
I have a D70, and I own the stock lens which is good, but Very average 18-70mm, a Nikkor 50mm 1.8/f <- Very Nice Quick and Light, and a Tamron 70-300mm Also very nice, but a little noisy (physically) during Autofocus, But it does nice Zoom and Macro also.
How are you liking the 50 f/1.2 L Thomas?
Ok, I just reviewed the 50mm here: http://thomashawk.com/2007/04/canon-ef-50mm-f12-pretty-nice-lens-but.html