If there’s one thing I loathe about photography, it’s spying an image with great potential, but not quite having the right tools for the job. As much as it’s the photographer that makes the biggest difference, there are some photographic opportunities that simply cannot be maximized without having the right kit. And more often than not, it’s a specific lens.
That’s why everyday zooms are so popular. They afford photographers incredible versatility, so why am I still left wanting? Well, there has to be a compromise. Everyday standard zoom lenses tend to be small and affordable, and while image quality has skyrocketed in the mirrorless era, you still have to pay a price: speed and handling.
The cost of convenience
Speed is the most important factor when using a zoom lens. If you follow the reciprocal rule and beyond, even relatively short telephoto focal lengths can require fast shutter speeds, especially if you’re using a high-resolution camera. This means that if you’re not shooting in bright conditions, you’re often forced to boost your ISO so you can increase your shutter speed. And because these lenses are designed to be light and compact, they tend not to balance as well in the hand, making them even more prone to camera shake at the telephoto end.
The whole point of an everyday zoom is versatility, but that doesn’t mean you won’t find yourself compromising. Now, that’s not to say everyday zooms are bad. They are hugely popular and for good reason. If I’m out and about on holiday and I have no idea what I’m going to encounter, they’re fantastic. But when my goal is to capture the best images possible, I find myself gravitating towards prime lenses.
Embracing limitations
A prime is unforgiving. Sure, it’s versatile in the right hands, but it’s not as versatile as a zoom. And yet, that’s part of the charm. If I identify a scene with photographic potential and I’m using an everyday zoom, I’ll probably go for it, even if I can’t quite get close enough, or I have to boost my ISO sky high or wrestle with camera shake. I might also be less decisive, zooming in and out, moving around, taking picture after picture and struggling to move on.
But if I’m out and about with a prime lens and I see something off in the distance that I can’t reach or the angle of view isn’t right, I’ll simply move onto the next thing. It’s really liberating!
Maybe it’s just me, but something I struggle with when I’m out and about with my camera is the urge to photograph everything and spend less time actually thinking about what I’m doing. I find myself far less likely to slow down and consider each shot when I’m working with a zoom than I am with a prime. Prime lenses make me a more methodical photographer and a calmer photographer. Sure, I miss things, but I’m okay with that.
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