Filmmaking and photography have advanced further than we could ever have imagined. These days, the standard of lenses that are accessible to the everyday user is astonishing.

As you become a more advanced visual artist, you'll almost certainly run into the term "prime lens". But what exactly are these, and why do photographers use them?

What Is a Prime Lens?

Photo of a camera lens in a person's hand

In simple terms, a prime lens is a lens that has a fixed focal length. These range from tiny add-ons that can fit in your pocket—such as the 28mm "pancake" lens—to bigger ones that you'd struggle to put in a regular backpack.

Standard focal lengths that you'll find for a prime camera lens include:

  • 28mm
  • 35mm
  • 50mm
  • 85mm

Depending on the brand you use, your camera's lenses might vary by a millimeter or two. The actual length will also vary depending on whether your camera has a full-body or crop sensor.

How Are Prime Lenses Different From Other Camera Lenses?

Compared to prime lenses, zoom lenses let you choose a focal length within a particular range. The kit lens you get with your camera is often an 18-55mm zoom lens, or something similar. You can also buy additional zoom lenses.

One thing you'll notice almost instantly after trying a prime lens is that for the most part, the images they produce tend to be sharper. This is because they don't need to have as many moving parts, and the lenses also have less glass.

Another difference between prime lenses and zoom lenses is that when you use a prime lens, you'll often have a wider aperture to work with. Many go as wide as f/1.8 or f/1.4, with some going even lower than that.

Having these apertures can help you take better pictures in low light and they're also useful for creating cool effects with your pictures—such as making the background blurry.

It's worth noting, however, that some longer lenses might not let you get very wide shots.

What Are Prime Lenses Typically Used For?

Lens on Desk

Photographers and filmmakers will use a prime lens in several scenarios. For example, lenses with a fixed focal length are popular in street photography for various reasons, including:

  • A fixed focal length can help eliminate decision fatigue.
  • Their smaller sizes make them easier to carry around and also help the photographer remain discreet.
  • Help photographers hone in on the subject.

Related: The Surprising Benefits of Street Photography

Prime lenses are also commonly used for portrait photography. The main reason for this is that the photographer can focus better on capturing the subject's emotions, and the lower aperture enables them to make the subject stand out.

Food and product photography are two more popular genres that also typically use prime lenses. Since they produce sharper results, a prime camera lens will help the photographer capture more details of dishes, furniture, cutlery, and so on. Moreover, these lenses help them frame their shot with fewer distractions.

Prime lenses are common in landscape photography as well. Their sharper nature can help photographers capture details in mountains, grass, rocks, and so on. And when trying to capture natural phenomena like the Northern Lights, a prime lens' wider aperture will give the photographer more leeway to work in lower light.

Related: Why Your Photos Are Blurry and What You Can Do About It

Prime Lenses Explained in a Nutshell

It's easy to think that not being able to zoom in and out will reduce your options during your photography session, but in reality, prime lenses will force you to think creatively and push your boundaries.

You can use a prime lens in all kinds of situations and genres; if you already know the photography niche you want to specialize in, having a prime lens will help you advance your skills.