2006-12-08 20:40:48 · 4 answers · asked by luke chua 1 in Consumer Electronics ➔ Cameras
prime lenses are lenses that cant zoom
35mm prime
50mm prime
85mm prime ext
2006-12-08 20:59:44 · answer #1 · answered by GUNN3R17 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
To take GUNN3R17's answer one step further, I always thought of a "prime" lens as being the non-zoom lens that was also not a wide angle and not a telephoto. It is the lens that gives approximately the same angle of view as the human eye. For 35mm film, this would be about 42-45 mm, but the most accepted lens has always been a 50-55 mm lens. For a digital SLR, you have to consider the lens factor, which is based on sensor size. The "prime" lens for a Nikon DSLR would then be about 28-30 mm.
2006-12-09 05:13:57 · answer #2 · answered by Picture Taker 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depending on the lens, primes are usually sharper and have less flare and ghosting than zooms. One of the finest lenses ever produced (IMHO) is the Nikon 50mm 1.8, and it cost about $100 new!
2006-12-09 09:32:05 · answer #3 · answered by Ara57 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Gunner is correct. Prime is just another way of saying fixed focal length. Sam is thinking about a "normal" prime.
This Wikipedia entry provides half a page of extra information: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prime_lens
2006-12-09 06:42:58 · answer #4 · answered by OMG, I ♥ PONIES!!1 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋