Difference between Prime vs Zoom vs Kit Lens ( nikon or canon ) Beginner Lesson / Tutorial

[glubboy08]

Thank you! your tutorials helped me understand lot, I've seen a few of your other tutorials now and really like the fact that you show how it's done on the camera too (as opposed to just talking about concepts theoretically)

[BLACKBOcham]

I'm new to photography. I have two question mate, are all zoom lenses with AF-S? And how can I find whether it is a fixed aperture or variable from the zoom lenses?

[mukees]

Should I get the 35mm lens to achieve the effect of a 50mm lens on D7000?

[PhotographersOnUTube]

@F0ckIranians Start off with 50 1.8 D or 1.8G depending on your budget. Keep in mind it's an entry level portrait lens. Very versatile, sharp and inexpensive. Down the road you can get 85 1.8

[kulafus1]

cool shirt...

[PhotographersOnUTube]

@kulafus1 Thanks! You can buy my Tshirts on my website at photographersonutubedotcom:)

[souravzzz]

f/1.8 = Bokeh Heaven? You seriously have not seen f/1.2 or f/1 lenses. Leica has some great ASPH lenses!

[PhotographersOnUTube]

@souravzzz lol. These T-shirts are for people who can actually relate to it, not for those who've only touched the lens in a store or saw the picture online. I'm not a bokeh fanatic either anyway. Thanks for your comment.

[SkreamFlux]

@PhotographersOnUTube Im new to photography & i want to ask some question about the lens.

1st - Why do some people want to buy those zoom lens when they can use their kit lens to zoom and just change the aperture? Or isit that the zoom lens is just for convinence?

2nd - The number on the lens for example 18mm - 55mm, what does the number means?

Hope that u can reply to me cause im buying a dslr soon and i hope to know more as fast as possible so i know what camera to buy. Thank you! =D

[SkreamFlux]

@PhotographersOnUTube Im new to photography & i want to ask some question about the lens.

1st - Why do some people want to buy those zoom lens when they can use their kit lens to zoom and just change the aperture? Or isit that the zoom lens is just for convinence?

2nd - The number on the lens for example 18mm - 55mm, what does the number means?

Hope that u can reply to me cause im buying a dslr soon and i hope to know more as fast as possible so i know what camera to buy. Thank you! =D

[helladatguy]

beginner question: I wanna take out of focus type pictures with my prime portrait lens without anything to focus on in the foreground. Will manually focusing the lens ruin the motor(if that even make any sense)? I have a sony 50mm f1.4 lens if that matters

[souravzzz]

@helladatguy Manually focusing a lens will not ruin your lens motor or otherwise harm your lens or camera. Most lenses have a button to toggle between manual & auto focus mode, toggle that and you are good to go.

And of course, manual focusing will give you more control over the picture and you can try interesting compositions.

[WhiteboyTrey2]

Ok so if at the end of the lense name is a G it has an af motor. And if it has a D it doesn't?

[PhotographersOnUTube]

@WhiteboyTrey2 Yes, but not every Nikon lens will have a D or G. So another way to find out is to see if it's AF lens or AFS lens. AF len does not have a built in motor and AFS lens does have the built in motor. Hope this helps.

[MeNyouNuss]

whats wrong with manual focusing : /... i say if u dont have the budget for 1.8g then get the 1.8d

[PhotographersOnUTube]

@MeNyouNuss I'd save and pay double for 1.8G instead. I actually own both. In fact pro photographers pay big bucks for fast and accurate auto focus. 70-200 2.8 set me back 2200 bucks.

[MeNyouNuss]

@PhotographersOnUTube some people doesnt make big bucks... i mean people who are just starting... 1.8d is a good start. we all know pro photographerts pay big bucks thats a given. when i wasnt working and just saving my allowance my very first lens was 1.8d.. i really dont mind manual focusing.

[PhotographersOnUTube]

@MeNyouNuss I just did an entire shoot with 1.8D lens. You'll see those pics in the next video. It's a great lens and everyone should own one. Having said that if the camera body does not AF then it's highly recommended that you use a lens that can auto focus for you. It's accurate and much faster than us trying to focus. 1.8G doesn't cost 5 times more. It doesn't even cost twice the amount of 1.8D actually. 98% of the beginners don't know if the picture is blurry or not. I didn't know it either

[MeNyouNuss]

@PhotographersOnUTube well i started the beginning of last year, and i got my 50mm 1.8d at the end of that year, im using a d3100, and ive been fine with it.. i dont see the reason just yet to upgrade, i do a lot of portrait and videos with 1.8d, and they look amazing, i have tried 1.8g(my friend owns 1) there not much of a difference : /. anyways what lens is the 2.8 zoom lens that u use?

[PhotographersOnUTube]

@MeNyouNuss That's good if you're able to mange manual focus. Any pictures of kids or events by any chance? Post some of your manual focus pictures on the facebook page. We have over 5K users. I use 24-70 2.8 70-200 2.8 and Tokina 16-28 2.8 but these are mostly used for weddings and other events. I use 50 and 85 mil for portraits and all my outdoor shoots. I love prime lenses. Have your friend check his 1.8G copy. My copy has a pretty decent difference. Samples are posted on my FB page.

[jeffabalos16]

thumbs up if your newbie and watching this video!

[hajeh]

i love your t-shirt lol

[appygirl970]

Yes i can watch on my Android the fact that I can take on the rd and go thanks J

[waqarvish]

Hello jibraan, this is Vishal again. As i askd u regarding the prime lenses i require for my d5100. Can i use NIKKOR Lens - 50 mm - f/1.4D -AF on my D5100. is that compatible? Please let me know. Thanks

[PhotographersOnUTube]

@waqarvish No, it won't auto focus this lens. You need AF motor in your lens. You can only use AFS lenses so 50mm AFS 1.8G would work.

[hardyhm]

Your videos are very informative. I just got done watching "The Diff Between Prime vs. Zoom....". I'm looking for the second part where you recommend which types of lenses to purchase for various situations. Im looking to purchase a great lense for photography but also something that can be multifunctional. I have a D3000 so of course I have the kit lens which Ive grown to hate. Im looking for a fixed aperature. Thoughts? And can you link me to the second part of that video? Thanks so much!

[PhotographersOnUTube]

@hardyhm Thank you much! I haven't done the second part yet. Maybe after 6 months I'll have that one up. You can check out my website in the mean time. The lens will depend on what you want to photograph. You can also try my facebook page for extra help.

[waqarvish]

Hey Jibraan,

This is Vish. I just love your tutorials and believe me I learnt a lot form your videos. I have a question.......i own a d5100 with its kits lens i.e, 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AF-S DX VR lens and I also got one 55-300 mm range lens. It was a package. Can prime lens with low f # ie, f/2 or f/1.4 be compatible with my camera? I am not sure about this. But Im interested in portrait photgraphy where you really blur the backgroud and have the subject stand out. Can you suggest me anything? Thx

[PhotographersOnUTube]

@waqarvish Thanks, Vish. Your only option with in a reasonable price range is 50mm AFS 1.8G lens. There are other factors to maximize the blur as well. They're all explained in my portrait videos.

[rguy2001]

Thanks for your input.. Most of my lens are afs and i think im gonna get the d5100.. I just coudnt decide which one to get... Btw im upgrading frm d5k

[PhotographersOnUTube]

@rguy2001 You'll like the colors and ISO performance. It has the same sensor as D7K. May not be as great as D7K in ISO but contrast is beautiful.

[rguy2001]

U sound like u really know ur stuff. Question im thinking about getting cam body... Shud i get the d5100 or the d90????

[PhotographersOnUTube]

@rguy2001 D5100 has better color contrast and ISO performance. D90 has built in AF motor with CLS system which is a plus. It's a tough one. If you don't plan on buying prime lenses then go with D5100. Prime lens with built in AF motor cost more and if you're going to use that with D5100 then you have to have a lens with built in motor. And yes, I know my stuff and that's why you should subscribe :P

[joelv2g]

you said on the fixed aperture lense 2.8 your biggest would be 2.8 unless u change it? where do u change it?, do u change it on the camera settings or the lense? also for budget people like me what would u recommend that would be comparable to the Tokina 16-28 f2.8 lense? thanks

[PhotographersOnUTube]

@joelv2g You'll have to watch my aperture video to learn how to change the aperture from your camera. You can do it in the lens as well but there is no point in doing that. I thought you already knew how to change the f/stop? Tokina is the budget one. Nikkor 14-24 2.8 cost $2,000. Tokina is less than half the price and same picture quality.

[joelv2g]

@PhotographersOnUTube thanks for clarifying. i just got confuse with fixed aperture lens.

[leeaman88]

an external mic would make your video more awesome

[PhotographersOnUTube]

@leeaman88 You're absolutely light except I'm recording on a Sony point and shoot camera and it has no option for any external mic.

[cassey05]

hi J, again, so whats the big difference between zoom lens and kit lens..? only the focal range..? do kit lens only have 18-55mm focal range?

[PhotographersOnUTube]

@cassey05 kit lens is a zoom lens. Zoom lens is any lens that can zoom in/out. A kit lens has a variable aperture and a zoom lens can be both variable aperture or fixed aperture. Kit lens can be 18-105. The point is.. you want to avoid variable aperture lens, not just kit lens. Any lens that changes the aperture automatically when zoom in is not the best choice in low light.

[cassey05]

im planning to buy the Nikon lens that you mentioned here, 50mm 1.8 AF-S for my d3100.. thanks for this vid..i finally have decided.. !

[cassey05]

when it says AF-S (it means it has auto focus motor), so what if AF, what does it mean..?

[PhotographersOnUTube]

@cassey05 AF lens will not work on your camera. All your lenses have to be AFS for D3100.

[cassey05]

thank you very much for this!!!

btw, im into portraits, so a prime lens is good for me..?

for a all around or on the go lens, i will go for a soom lens right?

and now, i need to sell my kit lens, because i feel like im caged, coz i cant produce the image that i want..?

[PhotographersOnUTube]

@cassey05 Don't buy any lens until you check out my website's Useful Info tab. Always take your time when buying a lens.

[Hkandiel]

Thank you so much! u have no idea how much this helped me!

[PhotographersOnUTube]

@Hkandiel I'm glad I was able to help. For any additional help, see me on facebook.

[popacodrin]

If you max your zoom to 55 mm and the aperture is f 5,6 which is max for the kit lens i think, couldn't you compensate with SS and iso for more light? i'm new in the area :)

[PhotographersOnUTube]

@popacodrin On a tripod yes, but hand held no because when the shutter speed drops, your image will be blurry if photographing hand held. The camera has to be totally stable. I just shot an event and f/2.8 wasn't enough because I was falling below the minimum shutter speed. Prime lens came to the rescue at 1.8

[popacodrin]

@PhotographersOnUTube Thank you

[SharmyyBarmyy]

there was no quick fun fact =O

[PhotographersOnUTube]

@SharmyyBarmyy Haha. Too many things going on while editing. Here is one for you. Words with no vowel in them: Myth, Fly, Sky, Dry, Cry, Rhythm, Crypt.

[SharmyyBarmyy]

@PhotographersOnUTube thanks =]

[niceman1959]

thanks for yr useful show but i have a question in my mind

why they are selling these lenses with big f like f4-5.6 ?

why they didnt make all the lens begin with f1.8 ?

so we can use all the lenses in low light

thanks

[PhotographersOnUTube]

@niceman1959 Because it costs more to make zoom lens at 2.8 or 1.8 so to save money and to sell it to masses they make these kit lens so people can afford it. Because most people don't know the technical stuff or don't have the time to do research or don't know what to look for, they end up buying these kit lens.

[willimp1]

What is the lens you have in the middle and how much does it cost

[PhotographersOnUTube]

@willimp1 That's a AF 50mm 1.8D It goes for $135 but before you buy it make sure it's compatible with your model. You can check out my website for more info under Useful Info tab.

[willimp1]

@PhotographersOnUTube Thanks

[cutieho]

no quick fun fact?

[PhotographersOnUTube]

@cutieho lol. Sometimes I forget the quick fun fact. Most of the time I forget the video intro. Too many things on my mind.

[cutieho]

@PhotographersOnUTube ha thanks for teaching anyway. your videos are very very useful for beginners like me :)

[anasayson]

Hi there... I am learning phoyography I do have Nikon D60... and using aperture setting... but I cant achieved the clarity every time I set it it has a lot of noise... How can I have a shrap picture quality... for wide angle and for focus... pls help... disappointed...

[PhotographersOnUTube]

@anasayson Check your ISO setting. High ISO = a lot of noise. Shoot in better lighting condition so you don't have to increase the ISO. Most of the quality of your image comes from a quality lens. I don't know what lens you're using but if it's a kit lens, you should save to get a better lens. Maybe you're pressing the button too hard which results in blurry image. Use timer or cable release.

[Denso2131]

Hi there, just want some expert advise... Im getting my firsi prime lens and just want to know which one is more better or useful? d 35mm or the 50mm? My body is a nikon d7000

[PhotographersOnUTube]

@Denso2131 Hi! The answer to your question is on my website. Youtube won't let me post the URL here. It's my channel name with dot(com) or you can check out my facebook page where you'll find the URL. Check out useful info tab on the website where you'll find some answers about different lens and if you're still confused, ask me on facebook. I reply to all the inquires on FB. Hope this helps!

[pinoykillah18]

prime lens is the best! i got a d3100 btw and a sigma 50mm 1.4 =)

[ctwebb5]

well right now i have the nikon coolpixs l120 and it takes good photos but there arent any manual modes. i was thinking about nikon d3000 or canon rebel t3

[PhotographersOnUTube]

@ctwebb5 Either camera would do it. Nikon's user interface is more user friendly than Canon sometimes. Because I use Nikon cameras in my videos I guess it would be eaiser to follow that as well. Because D3100 has been out for a while you'll get a good price on the D3000 right now.

[ctwebb5]

@PhotographersOnUTube Well thank you, and I love your videos, they are extremly detailed and informative!

[PhotographersOnUTube]

@ctwebb5 Thank you! Don't forget you can always reach me on facebook as well. :) Same name as the channel, PhotographersOnUTube

[ctwebb5]

Hi Im just starting out with photography and I was wanting to get your recomendation for the best entry level camera under 500 dollars?

[PhotographersOnUTube]

@ctwebb5 Can you give me some choices as I don't know the price range for all the entry level dsrls and I'm not sure if there is one for under $500. 

[tcuk]

What kind of lens would you recommend as a walk about lens from the ones shown in this video?

[PhotographersOnUTube]

@tcuk It all depends on your budget and what you're trying to photograph. There are many different focal range to choose from in prime and fixed aperture zoom lens are very costly unless you go with a third party lens.

[tcuk]

@PhotographersOnUTube I guess I"ll have to decide what I want to do more. In the video you say that you will do another video explaining what type of lenses to get for different types of situations at 7:32 but I don't see any in your playlist. Unless I'm blind. Thanks for your reply.

[PhotographersOnUTube]

@tcuk Yes, I did say that I will do a video on that. It hasn't happened yet lol. You can check back in future or subscribe for automatic updates. I'm working on manual mode (indoor/outdoor) 3 types of light metering in the camera, portraits with no flash, and beginner strobist tutorial for next videos.

[hykugan]

ok a prime len can't zoom and does not have variable aperture. A zoom len obviously can zoom and does not have variable aperture either.

so does it mean that a len that has variable aperture and zoom function is a kit len??? thanks.

sorry for asking silly question, i'm really new to photography.

[PhotographersOnUTube]

@hykugan Important questions are never silly. :) You almost got it. A prime lens cannot zoom and has a fixed aperture. You got this one. A zoom lens can zoom and can have both, "fixed and variable" aperture. A kit lens is something you get with your camera body. The manufacture normally has 2 different kit lens for you to choose from. Sometimes they include 2 kit lens with your camera. Any lens the manufacture is giving you with the body it a kit lens.

[PhotographersOnUTube]

@hykugan Take Sigma 17-70 f/2.8-4 for example. This is a zoom lens and has a variable aperture BUT it's not a kit lens because you won't get this lens when you purchase your camera. But just because it's not a kit lens that does not mean it won't give you problem in low light. In the end, it's a variable aperture which means, the more you zoom in, the more it will block the light, like the kit lens. Kit lens have the aperture of f/3.5-5.6 which is worse than f/2.8-4 aperture. Hope this helps. :)

[ZlleH]

Very helpful video. It didn't even cross my mind that the f stop changes when you zoom with my kit lens. I think I will use more energy to walk close to my subject rather then zooming in and losing the boca that I was wanting. Hopefully I can get a better zoom lens later on ;)

[PhotographersOnUTube]

@ZlleH Just remember when you're doing portraits, you have to be at 50mm at least so there is no distortion in the picture. Meaning, you cannot use 35mm and physically get close to the subject to avoid the f/stop from increasing. This will result in distortion in your pictures. So, stay around 50mm if you're in a low light situation.

[kslim1997]

I have a d3100 what prime lens would u recommend...

[marionserrano214]

@kslim1997 35mm f/1.8 or the NEW 50mm f/1.8

[Jepraw]

Good Video! For me 15-20mins video is good :)

[myiphonerocks3gS]

Thank u! You are so easy to understand. Ur the best!

[vishwa1985]

thanks

[louis1990828]

Thank you for explaining the differences between these types of lens. I learnt.

[ahmedragheb007]

Great videos thanks for your response towards the request on facebook! (-:

[video90018]

Sometimes ten minutes isn't long enough. Some people sit through a whole semester or two and still need to watch every minute of info you are kind enough to post.

thanx again

[NguyenTaylor]

"3. Some prime lenses may have a built in motor for entry level dslr. " How is this a con?

[PhotographersOnUTube]

@NguyenTaylor My fault, Nguyen! I forgot to write "not" by mistake. I just fixed it. Good looking out. :)

[NguyenTaylor]

@PhotographersOnUTube Thanks, I was wondering about it.

[video90018]

You teach advanced things at a really good beginners pace. It makes learning more comfortable. I LIKE THAT!!!

[PhotographersOnUTube]

@video90018 Thanks! That's why sometimes my videos are lengthy which always concerns me because I don't know if people are willing to sit through 10 minutes but I always try not to leave any useful information.

[D3XsiBry914]

i like your shirt :)) where you bought it??? buy me some im gonna pay you when we meet :P

[PhotographersOnUTube]

@D3XsiBry914 lol. You can buy photography Tshirts from my website. So when we meet you can show off for the video haha. You can do custom color for free as well.

[D3XsiBry914]

@PhotographersOnUTube aiyt cool!! btw ill message you on facebook my number just txt me when we will meet

[mike3648]

great video thanks :)

[iMacMan77]

This is a great series of videos, very informative. Thanks.

[PhotographersOnUTube]

@iMacMan77 Thanks! Just shot the second part of outdoor portrait series. Hopefully I'll put that up in a few days.

[pwjayson]

2nd!!! thanks for the upload!

[popes0505]

1st one to like

[PhotographersOnUTube]

@popes0505 :)