I have not gone looking for any statistics, but was thinking today that we have more prime/fixed lens photos being made than ever before in history.

Back in the early days of photography, everything was prime lens. Early 1900’s saw the zoom gradually introduce itself, and work into mainstream from the 50’s to current day. In general (but not always) the prime lens has offered superior optics and faster lenses – yet the usability and all-rounded-ness of the zoom makes it the amazing all in one package!

Yet, with the massive growth of smartphones this last decade, we have seen again the popularised mass use of the prime lens. I don’t think this is so much to do with supplying a quality prime lens matched to the sensor as it is technology limitations. Likely its only time until this changes and the zoom again regains the crown, but for now the prime is here, and possibly making individuals better photographers whilst its at it!

I say better because a fixed focal length makes you think. You need to move with you feet for the better angle or closer/wider shot. That makes you (ok, it ‘could’ make one) think more about your framing of composition.

I could go on, but perhaps another day…

Todays images shot on the Sony Nex with 50mm Jupiter-8 Lens (which makes it 75mm).