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Prime vs Zoom Lensequipment

A prime has one fixed focal length; a zoom covers a range.

Primes are usually smaller, sharper, and faster (wider max aperture) for the money, but you 'zoom with your feet'. Zooms trade some speed/sharpness for the convenience of one lens covering many focal lengths.

Use this when

  • Low light, max quality: fast prime
  • Travel, events, flexibility: zoom

Common mistake: Buying a slow superzoom and struggling indoors.