Fixed Focal Length Lens Made Simple
Most people who are buying lens are having difficulty choosing between a zoom lens and a fixed focal length lens. Well known lens manufacturers are making both and most people are buying both for many good reasons.
One advantage of a zoom lens is that it has versatility. If you are using a zoom lens, you can easily frame and capture a fleeting moment. The subject can also be captured at different frames within seconds. The fixed focal length lens user will miss those fleeting moments because he still must get the correct distance before he can frame and capture the subject. The proper focal length is important in relation to speed and perspective.
A photographer who is using a fixed focal length lens may alternatively shoot with the framing they are given which will give a bad picture. Often, he will be forced to crop the picture or leave potentially important details outside of the frame. And for a professional photographer this is not impressive. He has to constantly check on the focal length before capturing a subject.
A user of zoom lenses need fewer lens changes and fewer lenses to carry. Changing lens takes time and is very inconvenient. With the fixed focal length lens, the user must bring different lenses with different focal lengths. With zoom lenses there is lesser chances of collecting dust to damage the sensor unlike with fixed focal length lenses where the in and out of air can be the source of dust getting in.
For the past few years, zoom lenses have been more popular than fixed focal length lenses due to its versatility and ease in usage. Most lens manufacturers introduced several models that gave both flexibility and durability to the buying public. However, there are plenty of senior professional photographers who still value the use of the fixed focal length lens. They claim that there is a certain art in the way they take pictures. They do not mind the fixed focal length they have to deal with in capturing a favorite subject.
Fixed focal length lenses are usually faster due to their wider aperture than that of zoom lenses. That is one of the great advantages of this type of lens. Fixed focal length lens allows action stopping shutter speeds to be used in low light situations which is often times the only solution for dark indoor sports photography. A fast lens also allows excellent object isolation by blurring the unwanted background for a beautiful photo.
Fixed focal length lens is oftentimes sharper than the zoom lens. This difference is less noticeable in some brands. Fewer lens elements along with a reduced tendency to contrast rob flare contributes to this feature. Which is better between the zoom lens and the fixed focal length lens? The answer will depend on the perspective of the user. Both lenses have their advantages and disadvantages. If you can afford to have both, then do buy both. But for a person like me who is not technically inclined, I will prefer the zoom lens for easy use.
Lens Focal Length Explained