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Zoom lenses or Prime?
#1
Posted 22 November 2017 - 01:27 PM
#2
Posted 23 November 2017 - 04:12 AM
A zoom lens is convenient and the higher quality models are very good these days. I suppose your kit lens is one of the 18-55 models. In that case, you might enjoy the 16-80 or 16-85. The extra 2 mm at the wide end makes a lot of difference, and the extra reach at the long end can be very nice both for details in a landscape setting and for photographing your kids.
Image quality is better using primes but the beginner usually finds the zoom more userfriendly. When you have shot with your zoom for some months, analyzing what focal lengths you use the most will help you find the best first prime for how you see the world through your lens.
#3
Posted 23 November 2017 - 10:24 AM
#4
Posted 23 November 2017 - 10:29 PM
The first time anyone puts a prime lens on their camera they are blown away by how much of a better photographer they just became. Simple as that. Everything gets better with primes. And that includes your ability to take photos as you are now concentrating more on your composition because you can't just be lazy and turn that zoom ring.
- Ron likes this
#5
Posted 24 November 2017 - 09:53 AM
I think that Scott asked an important question that could provide the ultimate answer...What is it about your images that has you considering another lens?
You don't indicate what lens you got as a kit lens which would be helpful information as well.
I can pretty well guarantee that MOST folks won't be able to look at an image and tell you whether it was show with a prime or a zoom. Most wont be able to tell if an image is shot with a kit zoom vs. a higher quality zoom. That said, there is a difference between these categories. One of the big differences is the capabilities of the higher end lenses in less than optimal conditions.
That is part of the reason for the question...the better we can understand what you feel is missing or lacking in your current gear, the better we can recommend other options.
Edit as I forgot to add: If you don't want to worry with changing lenses, DO NOT consider prime lenses...they are great, but to be effective, you will want multiple primes at different lengths which means carrying additional lenses and changing as required to get the right image.
#6
Posted 25 November 2017 - 11:30 AM
Hi guys, I am new to this forum. I recently bought a d3400 with kit lense. I am very happy with it although would like to buy I higher quality lens. My dilemma is whether to buy my first prime lens or get a better zoom lens. I am leaning towards a zoom lens as I really don’t want to be changing lenses. I do a lot of landscape photography but also enjoy taking pictures of my kids. Would image quality be better with a prime? Thanks
what lens did you get with your camera. that will help us out. also what length of prime lens do you want. also is going to be for portrait or landscapes or something else. that will give more info to give. also what is your price range too.
#7
Posted 08 January 2018 - 05:35 PM
I personally favor the 35mm 1.8G DX Prime lines from Nikkor, With the D3400 having a 1.5x crop sensor you effectively have a 52mm lens on it...this is as close as your are going to get to a 50mm lens on the d3400.
#8
Posted 09 January 2018 - 04:16 PM
It is more satisfying to use primes, especially fast primes. When you have time to compose your image, adjust depth of field - prime is the king. You cannot beat a fast prime lens for low light photography.
Chasing kids with a prime might be a bit frustrating though... For family photos I would personally stick with a kit lens and don't bother.
For landscapes either AF-P DX NIKKOR 10-20mm f/4.5-5.6G VR or Sigma 10-20mm f/3.5 EX DC HSM zooms are worth a look. Sigma is a bit better built and faster but has no VR and is a bit bigger.
The 16-80 or 16-85 are both much bigger and more expensive than the kit lens. They are good though and very versatile.
- Jerry_ likes this