Are Prime Lenses REALLY Better Than Zoom Lenses?

Prime Lens VS Zoom Lens... the never-ending discussion. But it's actually not that difficult. In this video, I'll tell you which one's better and I'll also explain what you need to pay attention to if you're planning to buy a new lens...

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00:00 Intro
00:46 Prime Lenses Explained
02:42 Zoom Lenses
03:17 What's the best lens?

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[paulsngh]

“The bigger the hole, the better the low light performance.”

I agree Joris.

[BarunDey]

I've replaced the 18-45 which was the kit lens for Canon R50 with 18-150. Added a variable ND filter. It's a great combo. Very versatile combination for almost all the scenarios!

[alishermoshayi]

"sharpness is overrated" // "use what works for you"

THANK ❤

[shahaf]

I Need to add to the video.
Prime lenses are great for making the videos / photos from the same photoshoot connect while editing or posting.
when you see video with the same focal length Its simply flow better.
same thing when you uploading small album.

Zoom lenses: Sports, Extreme sports, Evemts, Planes and Animals.
Prime lenses: Video Sets, Portraits, Studio, Cars, Models, Macro, and Architecture.
The only option I can see myself taking Both is Street Photography and Travel.
While traveling its amazing to have Zoom all around lens + prime lens for Elite shots while you got the time for it

[Jay-Go]

I love this video, man. Lots of useful, practical information for a camera amateur like myself.

[jimathanasopoulos]

Given equivalent focal range and aperture a photo/video shot by a modern high-end zoom is indistinguishable from one shot by a prime in every way that matters. Thank you, Joris for not feeding into the hype.

* I own and love my prime lenses but almost all my work (paid & personal is with zooms these days).

[timd]

Primes used to be better. The tech on zooms has come a long way in 40 years. Primes were always sharper on film. Nowadays it's a matter of preference. The lense that gets the job done is the best lense.

[InfectedChris]

Pros and cons for each. I personally leave my 50 1.8 on my camera and take a zoom and another longer prime/macro. Sometimes, I have a goal for the day and other times it's just simply "I'm leaving this 50 on for the day and we'll see what happens". I do have a 14-30 for the landscape photos when I'm feeling those as well.

[adityaprakash]

Thanks.. loved how you went into details. Definitely cleared some doubts.

[ScottSalvi]

Great video Joris! I love your point of view...all great points. Use what you like...and use the right tool for the job!

[michaelpoczynek]

Thanks, Joris. Very well said and presented. Have a great day! 😀

[GaryCunninghamyouareenough]

Once again, nothing but honesty (which is greatly appreciated 🙏🏻)
Excellent as always Joris - cheers man 👊✌

[cloudatlasminer]

Ok I’ve been on this topic for so long, that being said, if you’re going to spend the money, long term, invest in the best Zoom that you want the lowest MM. if you want 14mm, get a a 14-24mm. The 14mm will be extremely sharp and you’ll have the option to compress and build your own “trinity” unless you’re a professional and have a set mm in mind, you can then invest in prime. Quality zoom is, imo. The best base. You’re not actually “zooming” with a high quality glass, you’re changing the focal length, that’s why “zoom” lens weigh more, more elements.

[JorisVanDeuneghem]

I also have a 50mm 1.8 and i really love that lens, but it’s indeed not always the best choice to shoot with. Most of the time I shoot landscapes and it’s possible to shoot landscapes with this lens, but I need that versatility of my other zoom lenses to. Most of the time I’m using my sigma 18-55 f2.8 just because I have that wider angle but also that little bit of zoom. Even in landscape photography you don’t always have the time to change lenses 😁 fun vid Joris

[jeffleonard]

My favorite part of using prime is just less hassle with messing with settings. You KNOW what your focal length and just work with that.

Often I forget to compensate my shot if I’m shooting on a 50mm then zoom into 300mm.

Honestly they both rock.

[dmpx]

it's funny for the longest time i had this weird "snobby" train of thought were zoom lenses were for tourists and if i needed to get close, then get close to the subject! buuuut, i realized that is just silly, and now my lumix 12-35mm M4/3 is pretty much my go-to lens when i'm just out having fun, and what's extra funny is will, more times than not, just put it on my BMPCC OG, put a 1/8 black mist filter and a variable ND and it's like what else is there? yeah my 4k and 6k g2 are amazing cameras (and i will put the 12-35 on the 4k as its primary lens) but yeah, having that versatility of having wide-ish angle to pretty tight (allowing for the M4/3 crop) just makes going out and shooting super fun and no rigging, and a camera that fits in a simple satchel and that i can carry around all day and not even think about it! oh yeah dat sensor tho!

[Kenriko]

Prime lenses are better for most things until you get into the telephoto range.. at that point Zoom takes over. I do prime from 11mm to 85mm and everything past that is telephoto zoom. 70-200 GM II. I'm with you on the pixel peeking... I have been using vintage Takumar lenses over my high end Sony G Master stuff because I prefer the imperfections they produce.

[rabindrajayaraj]

Excellent and Nailed the Subject 100%. And I do agree with you, dear,

[GartheKnightReturns]

In recent months I’ve picked up a 22mm lens and a 50mm lens for my Canon M50. I’m liking both for different reasons. But they are greatly improved over the standard kit lens the camera comes with. But not having a zoom does take some getting used to.

[markfreedman]

Yes! It’s the person behind the camera. You’re absolutely right.