Plain-English guides to fixed focal length lenses: what each focal length does, how aperture and optics work, and how to choose, buy and care for your glass. No hype, and no invented test results.
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What a 50mm lens is good for
The classic first prime, its uses and its limits.
35mm vs 50mm
Choose between the two most popular focal lengths.
Fixed vs zoom lens
Which type suits each kind of shoot.
How to get bokeh
Four steps to a blurry background.
What a fast lens is
What each stop adds in low light.
Buying used lenses
A checklist to avoid hidden faults.
Latest guides
- 35mm vs 50mm: Which Prime Lens Fits the Way You Shoot?
The short answer to 35mm vs 50mm: pick 35mm if you want the place to matter as much … - What Is a 50mm Lens Good For? The Nifty Fifty Explained
What is a 50mm lens good for? Mainly portraits, low-light scenes, everyday photos and learning composition. Its nickname, … - Compact Prime Lens Guide for Vlogging and Everyday Video
A compact prime lens keeps a camera small enough to hold at arm’s length for a long take, … - Wide Angle Prime Lens Guide for Landscape and Astrophotography
A wide angle prime lens does two different jobs for outdoor photographers. In landscape work, you usually stop … - How to Choose a Portrait Prime Lens: 35mm to 135mm Compared
The best portrait prime lens for most people is an 85mm on full frame, because it gives flattering … - Benefits of a Prime Lens: Why Zooming With Your Feet Works
The main benefits of a prime lens are a wider aperture for the money, a smaller and lighter … - How to Get Bokeh: 4 Steps to a Blurry Background
To learn how to get bokeh, remember four things that work together: open the aperture, use a longer … - How to Clean Camera Lens Glass Safely, Step by Step
Here is how to clean camera lens glass without scratching it: blow off loose dust first, brush away … - Macro Prime Lens Guide: Magnification, Focal Length and Depth
A macro prime lens is a fixed lens designed to focus very close and project a subject onto …
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