Probably a stupid question

[nickcowen]

But I'm still learning and am new to photography.

I was trying to understand why a fixed 50mm lens is better and different then the kit lens that came with my camera if it where set to 50mm?? Be kind I'm sure it's a stupid question with a simple answer.

[g3org3y]

nickcowen said:

But I'm still learning and am new to photography.

I was trying to understand why a fixed 50mm lens is better and different then the kit lens that came with my camera if it where set to 50mm?? Be kind I'm sure it's a stupid question with a simple answer.

I'm assuming you are talking about a 50mm f/1.8 versus the typical 18-55. The advantage comes from the fact it is a 'faster' lens, that is to say the aperture can be opened all the way up to 1.8, much more than the kit lens. This allows much creative potential in terms of shallow depth of field shots (lots of background blur).

A couple of examples I took ages ago with the 50mm prime:





In addition, being a prime it is generally considered sharper than an equivalent zoom at the same focal distance.

[nickcowen]

Thankyou. That was what I was thinking it was.

[Major Bloodnok]

Another reason is that prime lenses have fewer glass elements inside than zoom lenses. That means fewer internal reflections and possibilities for image degradation. Basically, they're much simpler designs.

[Simpo Two]

nickcowen said:

I was trying to understand why a fixed 50mm lens is better and different then the kit lens that came with my camera if it where set to 50mm?? Be kind I'm sure it's a stupid question with a simple answer.

You may have been influenced by the 'nify-fifty' brigade. A 50mm is faster and sharper than yer average kit lens, but useless for anything remotely wide angle. The need for wide angle is generally more frequent than speed IMHO. Ideally have both, but if you haven't identified a need for a 50mm I wouldn't worry about it.

[nickcowen]

i do like to have a small aperture on most of my shots so i am considering a 50mm, ether that of a telephoto as my first lens purchase

[Simpo Two]

nickcowen said:

i do like to have a small aperture on most of my shots

I think you may mean large aperture, if shallow depth of field is what you're after

[nickcowen]

you would be right there yes haha