So today I was watching a video from a youtube photographer that I don’t particularly care for. She just seems kind of fake and rubs me the wrong way. Anyway, the video in question was about her selling her prime lenses for a zoom lens.

If you don’t know, a Prime lens is a lens with a fixed focal length. This is opposed to a Zoom lens which can move back and forth from closer to farther away. Many photographers like myself prefer Prime lenses as they are often higher quality than Zoom lenses. That said, I still own the Tamron 28-75 G1 f/2.8. In fact, I will be using it in a couple of hours for an event I’ve been asked to shoot.

And that is a perfect segue way to the point of this post. The photographer I mentioned said that she sold her Canon RF 35 and 50mm lenses in favor of the RF 28-70 f/2.8 and was now considering selling her 85mm lens. Now I have seen the image quality from the RF 28-70 lens. It’s fantastic.

But guess what? So are all the Canon RF lenses. Canon is kind of known for having amazing glass.

In the end though, its a dumb question. Prime lenses and Zoom lenses have different purposes.

As mentioned previously, Prime lenses are purchased for quality or their options. My favorite lens is the Sigma 85mm f/1.4. It’s an incredible lens that offers a unique look.

The image above is shot at f/1.4. You can see how this portrait has a dream-like quality to it. You can’t get that with a Zoom. Other Prime lenses might offer a higher f-stop, but have other features. For instance, Macro lenses might only be an f/2.8, but they allow you to take up close images, like for insect photography.

Zoom lenses are usually not at the same level at Primes and don’t offer those features. However, they do offer versatility that Primes simply do not. Zooms are most often the way to go for any sort of event or sports photography. If I am taking pictures at a Wedding reception, I can’t always move back and forth quickly. I might be stuck in a crown of people and need to suddenly take a wide-angle image. If I’m using an 85mm lens, that shot isn’t going to happen. The appeal here is obvious. But also, event photography doesn’t require high-end lenses. Versatility is much more useful than that elite f-stop.

Use the right tools for the right job. Use Prime lenses in static situations. Use Zooms in situations wherein you would need to move across large distances in seconds.

Of course that isn’t the only reason. Zooms also allow you to travel light. The above image was taken in Helen, Georgia during a photography conference. At the time I just thought it was more prudent to travel with one lens, so I took my Tamron 28-75mm. You can see that its a quality image. Shot at f/2.8, the furthest part of the background is blurred, while the nearer wall is closer to being in focus and the model is tack sharp. It’s a solid image. I am happy with it.

Obviously you can get great images with a decent Zoom lens. I’m not here to criticize them. But if you’re looking to create the best images possible, Primes are the way to go.

The only reason to go exclusively with a Zoom lens over multiple Primes is because your budget is low. If you can only get one lens for the foreseeable future, get a 24-70 f/2.8 (or the rough equivalent). Other than that, spend the money. Get a good Prime.