Matt Hubert
@matt.hubert20 Jul
Zoom Lenses or Primes
How do we all feel about zooms? I've always gravitated towards primes to keep size down and keep me focused. However, I decided to pick up a 24-50 zoom to be more prepared for events and travel etc. so I can just bring one lens and call it a day. I feel like they can actually be harder to work with but I'm interested to know how many here prefer them over primes.
I had the Sony 24-50 for a year but just sold it last week. I really prefer primes
Yeah that's the one I picked up. We'll see how fare with it.
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It depends on what the intention is I would say. For me, my pref is prime lenses because it forces me to move around and challenge myself which hence I believe develops my visual language in street photography.
I think for events and travel zoom lenses are convenient but I will also argue that you can use a prime lens for any setting depending on your style and intent.
90% of my shots are on the Fuji Kit lens 18-55. I replaced it last month with the updated 16-50 (internal zoom and WR). I don't tend to do portraiture and I shoot closed down aperture mostly. The zoom is so versatile I hate to be in a restricted situation where I could have got the shot if only I had a wider or tighter focal length.
I’m also currently considering getting the Tamron 28-75mm zoom just to experiment with different focal lengths on the streets. I currently shoot with the cheap Sony 50mm which I really enjoy using because it’s compact and produces good quality photos, but sometimes I miss shots because I couldn’t get close quickly enough or the situation doesn’t allow me to walk back for a wider shot. I would like to hear other people’s experiences on using a bulky zoom on the street. I also saw the new Thypoch Voyager 24-50mm f/2.8 which looks like a great option.
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I sold a significant amount of my camera gear a couple of years ago. I did it to clean house, pair down my gear to a minimal and functional kit. The result is four primes and two telephoto lenses. All
My primes and my 28-75 all have a 67mm filter thread. My kit is Sony based. You can see the list in my profile. I can carry all my lenses in my Peak Design messenger bag, except for the 100-400 GM. I take my gear with me on my motorcycle so it has to be minimal and comprehensive. The zooms give me reach in areas that prohibit moving in closer. I ideally have the 28-75, 35mm or 50mm and the 100-400 for reach like Long Beaches, surfers and whale's etc.
If it’s a one camera/one lens situation is usually primes first unless I need versatility.
By the way the 28-75mm 2.8 Tamron II is well worth the investment.
I shoot on Leica M, so, uh… I’ll see myself out. :)
I believe the old sentiment was that primes were better because they honestly were sharper. But I think the zoom/tele lenses these days seem good that it would be silly not to have a 24-50 or 24-70, especially with some of that sweet Sony glass that’s out nowadays.
Same here. Leica M11. AQnd Leica Q3, Q2, M10-R and Fuji x100vi before that.
😂
Don’t be silly. Just don’t put it down and look away…
Just saying…
For me, the flexibility of a zoom is actually a bottleneck. Having to choose a focal length on the fly slows down my reactions, and I end up missing shots.
With street photography, I want zero friction. Shooting a prime means I know my frame before I even raise the camera to my eye. That pre-visualization is everything when split-second timing matters.
That's how I usually feel and why I avoided them, however my zoom starts at 50mm which is my preferred focal outside of events. Makes it easy to just keep it there unless I'm at an event. We'll see how I do.
100%
As I do loads of filming and photos professionally for my clients, I have a couple of zoom lenses that I use quite a lot. If I'm travelling abroad I'll bring my 24-70 for some street/travel photography.
However, I try to use prime lenses when walking around London, as it comes with new challenges.
My default lens on my Sony a6400 and a6600 has been the Sigma 18 - 50mm f 2.8. It’s lightweight and versatile. Great for travel and street photography. I like it so much that I purchased the Fujifilm version for my new X-E5 for those times when I need the zoom over the 23mm prime
I think that it is about having the right tool for the job. Sometimes the bulk of a 24-70 f/2.8 is not the right fit for the work being done. Other times, I want to carry something light and shoot street with a specific prime lens.
Pick the lens that you will use. That's probably the best advice.
You do you. ;-) When I quit journalism, I got rid of all my zooms. Then I used one again and made some great pictures. If I need shots for a paid assignment, a zoom makes a lot of sense. If I'm shooting for myself and can miss a few shots here and there, I prefer primes.
I find my composition is much better when I use primes. I get lazy with a zoom and don't move my positioning enough.
I only use one lens. A prime 28mm. I’ve been out shooting with other photographers who spend more time swapping kit than taking pictures. For me at least, simpler photography with fewer choices makes better pictures. Obviously ymmv…
My 28 arrives tomorrow! Taking it to Coney Island this weekend. So excited!
You’ll have a ball. Just get close and fill the frame…
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My wife and I went to Rome and Florence for Christmas in 2023. I had my Sony a7iv with the 20 mm 1.8 G, the 35mm 1.4 GM, and the Tamron 28-75mm 2.8 II. That 3-lens kit was easy to manage in my Peak Design messenger bag. The 20mm was needed, but the least used. The 35mm was most used, however not by a significant amount over the 28-75mm Tamron.
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Only shoot with Primes now used to use zooms when I started out. I now use 28 (95% of shoots with this one), 50 and 135mm. For the size and weight at F2.8 and below there smaller and lighter and cheaper than the zoom equivalent. Plus the images are more consistent when you put a series together. Changing lens is a pain but still prefer this than a zoom. If I'm walking 10-20k+ with a camera I want it to be a light setup with a small fast lens. The 28mm which is F2.8 I usually shoot at F8 when the lights good and this tends to make a nice sharp image, which is pretty standard.
I abandoned my Canon 6D and a load of lenses years ago in favour of a Fuji X100, and for street photography I’ve found it to be a great solution for what I can afford
It’s light, compact and easy to carry, which makes a big difference when you’re walking miles around the streets.The fixed lens also suits my style perfectly. Its relatively wide field of view lets me include plenty of the environment and makes layering much easier
There’s another advantage to always shooting at the same focal length. The more i use the same setup, the more instinctively I know where I need to be to get the shot. Ive started to develop a feel for the framing and the distance without really thinking about it
For me, it’s a simple, lightweight setup that gets out of the way and lets me concentrate on what’s happening in front of the camera, I can also get close without upsetting anyone, as it’s a pretty unobtrusive set up