makane Loc: CLE/Tremont

I'm learning a lot, thanks all!
Maureen

JPL

Many have tried to answer you but I can not see many good answers yet! The question is not dumb, but the answers are not well thought out to say the least.

If we talk about the 50 mm f 1.8 prime lens first. You can adjust the aperture. That is for sure. Usually the aperture range you have on such a lens is from f 1.8 to f 22. If it is a new or not very old lens, then you can adjust the aperture setting with the camera settings. If it is a older lens, it is likely that you can only adjust the aperture with the aperture ring on the lens and only use the lens with the camera in manual mode.

If we talk about prime lenses in general, then very few of them have a fixed aperture, that is you can not change the aperture at all. All lenses of this kind that I can remeber are mirror lenses (also called reflex), like the Nikon 500 mm f8 for example. But all lenses that I can think of at this moment that are not mirror lenses have adjustable aperture where the lower f number is somewhere from 0,9 to 6,3 and the higher f number usually from f22 to f32.

Hope this helps.

Chinaman Loc: Adelaide, South Australia, Australia

I see what you mean now. You are talking about the difference between prime and zoom lenses where changing distances is concerned. A telephoto can also be a prime lens, so it can't be zoomed in or out unless it is a telephoto zoom lens. Thanks.

makane Loc: CLE/Tremont

It helps a lot. Thank you. I just wanted to make sure I was not stuck with only one aperture setting on this kind of lens. I am given to understand that a decent prime lens should be had in addition to the kit lenses. I can't get good portraits with the lens I have.
Thank you again.
Maureen

Chinaman Loc: Adelaide, South Australia, Australia

In the old days, a prime lens was always of a better quality than a zoom because a zoom was more complex and difficult to manufacture, also making them more expensive. They didn't have wide apertures either. They have come a long way since and the difference in price and quality are probably negligible. Shooting habits have changed with the popularity of zoom lenses and most will find it inconvenient not having a zoom lens to change framing. So whether a 'decent prime lens' is useful to you or not depends on what your shooting styles and needs are. For example, I shoot wide views and close ups of architecture on my travels. I would need several different prime lenses instead of one wide-to-medium telephoto zoom lens. On top of that, hassles with weight, bag space & changing lenses and filters.

As for your portrait issue, I suggest you start another thread with that question but with details of camera, lens and downloadable images of what you mean.
Good luck.

davidrb Loc: Half way there on the 45th Parallel

8-) 8-) Maureen, the 50mm is a very difficult lens to use for portraits. You might scare your model if you are not careful. The lens tends to distort towards the center, Big Nose Syndrome! 50mm can be used but there are better focal lengths available. If possible, get a 100mm and see what results you get. Work from there, you may have to experiment before you find the lens you have comfort in. If you have access to other focal lengths try them. Satisfy your comfort level first, then practice with what you have the best results. GL, please let us see your results. :lol: :lol:

joer Loc: Colorado/Illinois

Unless you have a specific need for low light shooting 50mm is already covered by your existing lens. I assume your camera has a flash.

In my opinion you would be better served with a 55-200 extending your shooting range.

makane Loc: CLE/Tremont

Thank you, I will do just that.

carlismycat Loc: united states

Thank you for re explaining this to her. That was very kind. Because even though I understood it, I was thinking that a new person who didnt understand might possibly mistakenly think what he was saying was that you cant change aperture settings on the lens itself. But that also depends on what kind of lens you have too, right ? I have 3 older lenses, bought used off Ebay. They all have a manual aperture ring ON the lens that you can manually change if the camera body body is set to all manual , right ?

I thought I would bring this up too, so there was no confusion on that. My 50mm 1.8 that I bought new from best buy has no aperture ring, to manually set aperture, so I have to do it through the camera only, when using that particular lens.

carlismycat Loc: united states

What davidrb and joer said is true. I watched a you tube video where this guy explained how using the specific focal lengths on your zoom lens, and then zooming the rest of the way with your feet can help develope your skills in not just relying on twisting and turning the zoom only. So if you want 50mm, just turn your zoom to 50mm and walk in/out the rest of the way with your feet for the same effect as if you just had a 50mm prime. I have an 85mm prime, and its my personal fave for portraits. Some people will say using over 100mm is even better. I have a 70-300mm and do love how a portrait looks wirh this lens, but hate having to step back so so far away to get it even in focus. I guess that is a plus for taking pictures of people who dont want you very close to them, or taking pictures of kids you dont know real well. But I am just used to be up and close to people and actually dont like being so far away , so thus why the 85 has become my favorite so far, lol.

Sorry I started typing my other reply before the others came in.... and I dont know how to do multi-quote reply on this forum.

Chinaman Loc: Adelaide, South Australia, Australia

Just a clarification about walking compared to zooming.
Let's say you have a 35 -105mm zoom lens. You are walking down your high street and stop to zoom in to 105m of your lens to fill your frame with an interesting building. Now zoom back out to 35mm and walk forwards until you fill the frame with the same building. You will find that what you see on your screen will not be like the first zoomed image, if you can actually capture that building at all. This is because changing your physical distance (by walking forwards or backwards)from the object changes the perspective. However, if you stood in the same spot, zoom out to 35mm, take the same view, go home and crop it to the same size as the 105mm zoomed image, it will look exactly the same.
So keep this in mind when you are out and about. If the object is static, one should always walk about and around it to explore the different viewpoints, perspective and lighting.

boberic Loc: Quiet Corner, Connecticut. Ex long Islander

Don't look at a prime lens with a fixed focal legnth as "inflexable". Although it won't "zoom" you come fully equipt with a built in zoom capability. This natural equipment is called legs. You can usually move closer or further away as the need arises. These lenses are for the most part smaller,lighter.sharper and less expensive than their zoom counterparts.Very few good photographers do not have prime lenses in their bags. Some of the best lenses that have ever been made are fixed focal length.