Prime Lenses vs. Zoom Lenses: My Lens Collection and Usage

Prime Lenses vs. Zoom Lenses: My Lens Collection and Usage

As an avid photographer, I've amassed a diverse collection of lenses, including both primes and zooms. My lens collection totals 31 lenses in all, with a preference for prime lenses. Here’s how my lenses are distributed across various camera systems, and a detailed look at how many of these I actually use.

Overview of My Lens Collection

I currently have 31 lenses in total, of which only 4 are zoom lenses. This collection spreads across 7 different camera systems. My full-frame Nikon system, for instance, has the most lenses, 12 in total, with only 2 being zoom lenses. I don't have a strong allegiance to zoom lenses, but there are situations where they offer a practical solution. Specifically, on the occasions when I need a specific focal length, a zoom lens within its range sometimes proves to be the best choice.

Prime lenses, on the other hand, bring a joy and precision to my photography. They are sharp, which means some of the best zoom lenses struggle to match them in terms of critical sharpness. Additionally, prime lenses are typically lighter and faster, although there are some exceptions in both categories. Prime lenses also keep me on my toes, forcing me to adjust my stance rather than relying on a zoom for convenience.

Classifying My Lenses

Upon examining my collection, I found that I possess 29 functional lenses. Among these, I have:

1 old Canon kit lens that isn't functional anymore 1 old Pentax zoom lens for a camera I no longer use 7 different prime lenses for the Pentax system 4 zoom lenses in the Four Thirds system, including an ultra-wide angle 3 zoom lenses in the Four Thirds system, which are primes, including a fisheye and two macro lenses 6 zoom lenses in the Micro Four Thirds system, which also include 2 kit lenses 8 prime lenses in the Micro Four Thirds system, including a fisheye and two macro lenses, with focal lengths of 8, 15, 20, 25, 30, 45, 60, and 75 mm

When considering how many of these lenses I actually use, the list narrows down significantly. Of the Micro Four Thirds (mFT) lenses, I use all but one of the kit lenses and the FT ultra-wide angle zoom. This leaves me with a more selective and engaged approach to my photography.

Favorite Prime Lenses

I particularly cherish my prime lenses, which form the backbone of my kit. For my Canon cameras, I rely on the 100mm, 135mm, and the 'silly pancake' 40mm lenses. My Fujifilm system is equipped with a 23mm fixed lens. The Nikon FM3 sports a 50mm prime, and my Hasselblad 500c utilizes a 85mm prime. Collectively, these primes span a range of focal lengths that I frequently utilize across my camera systems.

Focal Lengths in Use

In addition to my prime lenses, I also use a variety of zoom lenses, including a 17-35mm and a 28-70mm set. These zoom lenses allow me to capture a wide range of scenes without the need for constant lens switching.

My lens collection is rounded off with several pieces of lighting equipment and additional grips for stability, making my setup a comprehensive one for a range of photography needs.

Conclusion

My lens collection is a reflection of my photographic preferences and the diverse tasks I undertake. Whether it's prime lenses for their sharpness and precision or zoom lenses for versatility, each lens serves a unique purpose and contributes to the overall quality of my photographs.