makane Loc: CLE/Tremont

Hi all!
If you use a prime lens, for instance, a 50mm f1.8, does this mean you cannot adjust that aperture at all, even with the settings on the camera body? ( I mean replacing the kit lens with the prime).

Is that a really dumb question?

Thanks!

davidrb Loc: Half way there on the 45th Parallel

:P :P No such thing as a dumb question. Your 50mm lens has a maximum aperture of f/1.8. That is as wide open as it can get. When you decrease the aperture you are stepping down (closing) the opening. The f/stop goes up from 1.8 to usually 16. Remember that the higher the f/stop the smaller the aperture, and the deeper the field of focus. GL

oldtigger Loc: Roanoke Virginia-USA

Unlike zoom lenses, prime lenses are a fixed focal-length.
Most prime lenses can be focused.
Most prime lenses have adjustable apertures.

Prime lenses often yield better images per dollar invested because it is easier/cheaper to optimise a lens if it is a fixed focal length.

amehta Loc: Boston

The question you didn't ask, but might also misunderstand: if a zoom lens says it's a 70-300mm f/4-5.6, for example, it does not mean the aperture can be adjusted between f/4 and f/5.6. It means that the maximum aperture at the short focal length is f/4 and a the long one it is f/5.6. So at 70mm, the aperture can probably be adjusted between f/4 and f/22, while at 300mm the aperture range is f/5.6 to f/32.

makane Loc: CLE/Tremont

Thank you all. . I get it now. I have read about the wisdom of having a prime lens as well as the 18-55mm that came with the camera. Just wasn't sure if there was flexability with the prime lens.
Thanks again!
Maureen

d2b2 Loc: Catonsville, Maryland, USA

That's the dumbest question I've ever heard! Not really; I'm just jerking your chain. It may be a basic question for a fundamental question, but as the philosopher says, there is no such thing has a dumb question. I've been doing photography as an advanced amateur for more than 40 years, and every time I see one of these basic questions, I tend to read them because there is always something that I find that is new to me, or for which I need to be reminded. Ask away!

makane Loc: CLE/Tremont

Thanks much. I've always taken pictures, always, since I was a little girl with a Brownie, then Instamatic, then an AE1 SLR. Thought it was time to learn the basics on this DSLR I have. I'll keep asking!
Maureen

amehta Loc: Boston

This isn't a dumb question because it's really about the jargon of photography. Every field has shortcuts to describe things, and learning the jargon is not the same as learning the activity itself. Definitely keep asking, about both!

sportyman140 Loc: Juliette, GA

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Hi Makane,
From my understanding, the 50mm is a prime, I shoot with a Sigma 105mm f/2.8 & a Sigma 50mm f/1.4..... That is right you can not adjust the lens Aperture except on the camera you can. If you wish to get closer or further away you need to do your adjustments accordingly to the distance from camera to subject along with the Aperture if you are shooting in Aperture priority mode. I usually shoot with these in Manual Mode instead of Aperture Priority Mode. NOT A DUMB QUESTION, the only dumb question is the question not asked.

makane Loc: CLE/Tremont

Thanks for the encouragement.

Chinaman Loc: Adelaide, South Australia, Australia

Hi sportyman
I've read your reply several times over and I am totally confused by what you are trying to say! Sorry.

Chinaman Loc: Adelaide, South Australia, Australia

Hi makane
Most have answered the first part of your question but not the second part.
I don't have a prime lens now to double check what I am going to say, but no doubt someone will correct me if I am wrong.
If you are using the camera and lens in full auto mode, the camera will adjust the lens aperture(opening or closing of the leaves in the lens), shutter speed and ISO. You don't have to set any of them except to turn the dial on your camera to 'Auto'. It doesn't matter at which aperture number it is on the lens aperture ring. If you are using the camera in semi auto mode (eg. Aperture priority), you select the aperture by turning the aperture ring around the lens to the aperture you want - ie f1.8, f5.6, f16, etc. If you are using the camera in shutter priority mode, you set the shutter speed on your camera and the aperture setting is automatically selected for you. If you are using the camera in full manual mode, you need to set the shutter speed AND the aperture by turning the aperture ring on the lens.
Remember that there are consequences in using any of the aperture, shutter and ISO settings individually and in combination. That is a completely whole topic on its own.
Hope that helps. Good luck.

sportyman140 Loc: Juliette, GA

What I am saying is you can change the Aperture on camera not in the lens it is a fixed distance lens the only adjustment is made by you moving forwards and backwards physically verses visually. the difference of a telephoto lens is you change the distance by zooming in an out with the lens, the prime you only can move yourself physically not the lens.

amehta Loc: Boston

makane, sportyman140 is talking about framing. With the prime lens, you can change the aperture, but not the focal length. With a zoom lens, you an change what you see in the picture by changing the focal length or by changing the distance to the subject. With a prime lens, you can only change what is in the picture by changing the distance to the subject.

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

Makane, Welcome to the Hog.
Yes, when I was a Brownie, I took picture of little girls. No, wait a minute, I wasn't a brownie, I was a Cub Scout, but I still took pictures of little girls. But Instamatics had not yet been invented! :lol:
Have fun with your nifty-fifty.
SS