Prime or Zoom – What’s The Best Choice? [POLL]

It’s one of the never ending battles in the photography world. Do you go with a collection of high quality prime lenses or get one that does it all?

First Let’s Weigh The Options.

Prime Lenses

• Are typically cheaper, lighter and smaller than zooms of similar quality.
• However, they are fixed at one focal length, so zoom with your feet – or change your lens.

Zoom Lenses

• Typically more expensive for similar quality
• Will often weigh more than a single prime (but does the work of many)
• Can cover just about every photo you’ll want to take

So What’s My Choice?

Well seeing as I’m asking the question maybe my answer might sway the voters, but I’ll give you my opinion anyways.

I currently own one prime a 50mm f/1.8G and three zooms: Tokina 11-16mm, Nikon 18-105mm, and Nikon 55-300mm. Of the three… the 18-105mm is probably the best to compare with the 50mm as it works in the same range and is closest in retail value.

Now, it’s no question that the 50mm produces sharper photographs. It’s also undeniably better in low light with the wide 1.8 aperture. Not to mention it barely feels like I’m carrying anything extra on my camera! However, it’s a prime and that means I can’t take anything other than take very standard looking photographs so the 18-105mm, although lower quality, is probably the better option for me when I’m out walking around.

That being said, I love my 50mm, and have put it too good use, so it truly is a tough choice and that’s why I thought it’d be an interesting poll question.

So Now It’s Your Turn – Prime or Zoom?

Please feel free to tell us what you picked and why in the comments section below!