Zoom lenses or prime lenses - a comparison

Every owner of a DSLR camera is at some point faced with the question of whether to buy a zoom lens or a prime lens. We help you with the decision and show all advantages and disadvantages.

Zoom lens: advantages and disadvantages

• The advantage of a zoom lens is that you can set different focal lengths. Depending on the situation, you can bring an object closer without losing time.
• That is why zoom lenses are particularly suitable for photographers and filmmakers who document something and do not want to waste time on spontaneous shots.
• The disadvantage of zoom lenses is the usually lower light intensity compared to the fixed focal length. There are also lenses with zoom that have a high light intensity, but they are many times more expensive.
• Zoom lenses are also heavier and larger, which can be annoying in some situations.

Fixed focal lengths: advantages and disadvantages

• One advantage of fixed focal lengths is the price-performance ratio, because you get good fixed focal lengths for low three-digit amounts.
• High light intensities and a wide-open aperture can often only be achieved with a fixed focal length. So you can display beautiful depth of field and soft backgrounds.
• The disadvantage of prime lenses is their unchangeable shooting angle. This makes it difficult to take pictures of one-off and short-term events, as you may have to change your position to display an object of the desired size.