PRIMES vs ZOOMS - Which Lenses are BEST?

[@gordonkako]

One of the smartest comparisons I have seen. Very realistic review.. Thank you so much for this

[@DavidManningvlog]

Absolutely Musoka! Hopefully it helps puts the debate to bed. The right tool for the right job is a much better perspective on it👍

[@gordonkako]

@@DavidManningvlog surely has.. Very objective and unbiased review. Hope to grab my hands on one of the zoom lenses.

[@phucmapvlog]

I still agree with you on the 24-70 choice

[@DavidManningvlog]

It’s just so damn useful!

[@cesarm8811]

As a hobbyist photographer, I mainly use my camera on vacation and family gather( grand kids). I prefer zoom lens, since I only need to carry two lens when going on vacation. I realize prime lens are sharper, but for my use model the zoom lens are just fine. You found your lost drone.

[@otcindustries]

I am a firm believer that everything has its place. I use primes on all my interviews but use my zooms on all my b-roll. The right lens for the right job.

[@DavidManningvlog]

This🙌 The debate is kind of silly. I love my primes, but switch to my zooms when needed👊

[@krystofzajicek]

Great video as always! I really enjoy zoom lenses since photography is just a hobby for me and can't justify buying a lot of lenses. I have the 16-35 F4 an the Tamron 28-200 and with those two lenses I have covered everything from ultrawide to telephoto and it works great for me.

[@careersteer6497]

One huge dealio relating to the recent manufacturing of zoom lenses is how amazing they have become in terms of FASTER and LIGHTER. Primes have basically always been fast and light and there wasn't much room to improve in a huge way, but zooms have made technological leaps and bounds, especially in video. Having worked in motion pictures for a long time in the past, most of our zooms were 4/5.6 WIDE OPEN (Panavision/Zeiss for Arri etc.), so we'd have to light scenes with 12k HMIs etc. just to get a decent image. I am floored by how awesome and cheap new zooms are. But like you say, it's all about choosing the right tool for the job. Yet another Terrific Tip Tuesday...

[@DavidManningvlog]

Wow, I could not agree more Andy! The improvements that I've seen just in the past 12 years of shooting has been crazy! I remember the Canon 16-35 mark 1 and the difference between that lens and the Sony 16-35 is massive! And I haven't been on nearly as many sets as you, but from the few times I have, a 12K is HOT! Crazy working with all that equipment and now we can get nearly as professional results in a small camera and a few small leds. Technology democratizes production!

[@careersteer6497]

@@DavidManningvlog It's truly incredible what technology is now in the palm of our hands. Now we just need to make sure the content is decent quality, right? Right now I have a Canon M50 for my channel interviews and I truly dig your tips - you've helped me to improve the quality of my lighting and definitely the lens choices. Thanks! Always look forward to another great video from you David.

[@FutureBoostedMedia]

No one else I’ve seen has reviewed them like this. Very well done. Loved it

[@shuchi0812]

Thank you for your video!! I am a beginner photographer and really confused which one to choose. Your video cleared every questions that I had.

[@YourStoryStudios]

Very enjoyable video! Thanks for sharing how you use your lenses.

[@hurleygreen927]

Thanks for the video! I have both a 50mm 1.8 and a 24-70mm zoom and BOTH have their uses as a photojournalist...Keep up the great work!

[@willwrigley3167]

Hi love your vids keep up the great work

[@mobilechaosyt]

Yeah this is definitely the debate on the box end wrench vs the adjustable one. Obviously the box end wrench is much better, more accurate. and the tool of choice when working on cars, but not having an adjustable wrench is silly, because when you are walking around the house trying to perform home maintenance you don't always want to have to carry every box end wrench. So adjustable wrenches are good in some situations. I feel that the debate about prime vs zoom is one made by newer photographers. Similar to the kids who go to the local park saying Lamborghini is better than Ferrari (or my dad is better than your dad), or vice versa when they have never driven either of those cars. Or are even old enough to drive yet. Get what you can afford and make the most out of it. When you can afford to get another lens and find one that augments the other lens you have in your kit. Focus on the basics... Aperture and focal length. Don't be afraid of zooms when you are new because learning to shot in different focal lengths will be important to purchasing the prime lenses you like and need.

[@sudarshanmaharjan5849]

I came in here to save money, and buy few best lenses, thanks to David now im convinced I need them all.

[@DavidManningvlog]

Hahaha! Makes sense🤣

[@MeAMuse]

Everyone should have both. I have pretty much always had a 50/50 split (and choose what I take each time I go out). I try to focus primes on my favorite focal lengths and things I shoot all the time that I want to optimize. Maybe if you only do landscapes you might want just zooms... but even then I think I would do a wide, a long, and a 50mm ish prime.

[@DavidManningvlog]

You're speaking my language here Dean! I'm always a massive fan of a three lens setup to capture a scene 👍

[@RockWILK]

Right... it's a matter of preference, and what you get used to. It's not really all that hard to just switch a lens real quick, but on the other hand, it's definitely convenient to have all that focal length right there without the need to do that, and to not have to carry anything extra around with you. That's true, too. Also, it's kinda cool to have all the focal length in between, like you can be a bit more creative/flexible with a zoom, but primes work well, too, if you just get used to unscrewing a lens real quick and putting the other one on. It's an art form unto itself. ;) Also, if you are making a movie, or a doc, you are probably planning out each shot, so primes are fine in that scenario, but if you are at a wedding, or some kind of sporting event, or birding, street shooting, then zoom is probably more flexible for you, maybe a bit better, but at the end of the day, like you said, what do you do? How do you shoot? What are you trying to accomplish? And move from there. For me, I like prime lenses, but.... I keep the kit lens around for just having fun, because it's so convenient, and I'll probably suck it up and grab that Tamron 17-70 or the Sony 18-105 at some point to go with my primes, on my a6400, just to have more tools. Why not? For me, I'm a filmmaker, I don't take still photos, and so, sharpness is not ruling me, and so, it's all good. I'm assuming primes are probably the best for still photographers, just because of sharpness....... but who knows? Tools are tools. Some people like Coltrane. Some people like Metallica. It's all good. First world problems. lol. Great review, thank you. This is probably the most asked question for camera users, for sure. Keep making art!!!

[@NimTV]

I just recently bought my first camera and so far I only have one lens. It is an 18-135 zoom lens which is a very large range. So far it has served me very well!

[@bunmeng007]

Great point. Prime mainly for photography, zoom videography

[@jeison69]

omg this was sooo helpfull thank you

[@DavidManningvlog]

Absolutely! So stoked it was helpful!

[@sidehustlers336]

I used to be a premuim zoom guy (2.8 zooms). now I mostly shoot primes for people. The 3d pop is amazing. Those are premium zooms of course like the GM series or sigma art series. Down side is the size and weight, but the images are unmatched. My zooms still have their place like for birds, or dogs running on the beach.

[@jauzon22]

As always, such a complete discussion!! Thanks for all of the great info David!!

[@Wayzik]

The only prime i have, is my nifty 50mm 1.8... it has been my favourite so far as it is my only prime🤣 However, the convenience of a zoom, which is my 24-105mm f4, is great in so many situation. I totally agree with you that there is a situation for a specific lens. There shouldnt be a lens which is the best, but a lens that is the best for that situation.

[@DavidManningvlog]

50mm is my FAVORITE focal length to be at! Are you on a full frame camera or crop sensor?

[@Wayzik]

@@DavidManningvlog i am on a full frame, using the EOS R.

[@janislewis5597]

I shoot barrel racing photography. And you are right about zoom lens. No time to change.

[@DavidManningvlog]

Yup, that's a perfect instance where a zoom lens is perfect!

[@82guru]

Loving your videos! They feel like I'm having a conversation with a friend.

[@PaulFeinberg]

The update on your drone is DJI sent you a Mavic Air 2 to replace the old one.....Great video my favorite lens right now is my 17-28mm (16-35 would be my jam). I find I shoot at 24mm a lot.....I would like the 24mm 1.4...one day! I started with Zooms because they are so versatile and I mainly shoot video, so I would agree with you on that as well. Now I am starting to build up my prime collection.

[@amadeaweber993]

I find that if I am working with a solo subject (adult person, flower, etc.) primes work well because I can zoom with my feet and get a good picture. If I am working with a dynamic group (2+ people, especially one with children) or animals, the 24-70 f/2.8 zoom makes my life way easier. Small children move so quickly and lose patience with being the subject fast and changing a lens to get closer to them would equal missing the shot. This is also true of animals (bar my one cat who is totally fine with the camera in her face). But an 85mm is definitely the next lens I need/want. Just debating the f/1.8 vs f/1.4.

[@swancoffeehouse5983]

Essentially, it all comes down to what the user needs. I don't know what I need haha.

[@harold2522]

Your vid was awesomeeeeee! I wish you video about telelens vs zoom lens as well! As im struggling to whick to equip next.

[@mohamedamine7888]

thank you sir very informative

[@CharlieAshman]

Hows the house cleaning David!!! Morgans avoiding it I hear!!!🤣🤣😊😊👍🏼👍🏼

[@swifted]

The only thing I dislike about David’s videos is every time he says “in the next video” I get so impatient and can’t sleep at night because I’m so eager to watch the next one lol

[@DavidManningvlog]

Hahaha! It's a big plot twist too! Weekend vid tomorrow👍

[@fy08chief]

Since I’m only an amateur photographer/videographer and have a limited budget I’m shooting almost everything with a Sigma 18-300 f/3.5-6.3 on my D7500. I’d love to learn more about sharpness and how what lenses do what.

[@DavidManningvlog]

WIth the 1.5x crop factor of the D7500, if I were you, the next lens I would buy is the Nikon 35mm 1.8. It will act like a 52mm on your camera, but you will be blown away at the images that you're able to capture with that lens!

[@fy08chief]

David Manning interesting enough, that’s a lens I had from my old days shooting with a D50. I guess I’ll have to try some more stuff out with it.

[@yusriplanner4666]

Great info thanks

[@blueyed_gemini6420]

If you can only pick one, I'm just starting out. For photography of landscapes ( mountains, lakes, sunsets, buildings) and wildlife. Which would you recommend as my first one?

[@marqueswofford6716]

Great video

[@christopherconkright1317]

Prime when I stream or record at home zoom when I record on the go that’s what I’m working toward

[@dialedinboxing2453]

Im going for a zoom 24 to 70 for weddings since I don't have 2 camera bodies. 2.8 is good 👍 but I do understand why people need the 1.8

[@DavidManningvlog]

I think that's the right move man! That lens gives you a ton of options in shooting!

[@FILAPHILPDR]

On your drone. I think when it lost connection the drone flew back, or tried to fly back to its last home point. Maybe the home point did not update so it attempted to fly to a previous home point set. That or one of your followers noticed you say you lost your drone and was in that area and found one.

[@hirundii_]

Well said💯

[@Corman911]

Nothing like hitting a controversial topic head on. I agree the argument is silly, it is all about the tool you need at the time. Frankly, both types of lenses shoot better than my current skill, so crappy photos is not the lenses fault right now.

[@silviocaravelli3567]

Great review! Thanks

[@danieljakubik3428]

Fixed focal length lens for the best and brightest image quality. Zoom lenses for their on the go practical convenience. Zoom lenses have improved much over the years in terms of sharpness and brightness, however, fixed focal length lenses still offer the ultimate in sharpness and brightness.

[@riley_oneill]

I am new to interchangeable lenses with my first purchase of a Nikon Z50 2 lens kit. Even though its a crop sensor camera I think I want the next lens I buy to be a prime of some sort but probably not for another year or so. There are no DX lenses for the Nikon Z mount but I figure I will just get the full-frame anyway and when should I buy a full-frame camera years into the future I will already have lenses for it. Here is the issue I run into, maybe you can make a future video about this since I think it would help others as well. If you were only going to buy one prime lens? What would be the reason to buy one over the others? What would be the most useful prime lens if you only had one? You mention that 98% of your work involves the prime lenses, would you say that its fairly even between them though or do you use one of the primes a majority of the time?

[@DavidManningvlog]

If I were to choose only one prime lens, it would be the 50mm. It's INCREDIBLE and by far my favorite focal length to be at for my photography! For my work, I use the 50mm and 85mm the most. So for you on the crop sensor, you're actually looking for a 35mm prime. WIth the 1.5 crop factor, that will act like a 52mm on your camera, which I think you'll love!

[@ArcanePath360]

I'll just get one 24mm prime and zoom in and crop in post and add DOF manually with the blur tool. :D

[@gmsa1211]

Could you do a video on concert photography?

[@MorganLeighMusicNow]

You’re so smart 😍

[@DavidManningvlog]

You’re so pretty 😍

[@gitchgear7581]

OMG, get a room🙂

[@MorganLeighMusicNow]

Gitch Gear 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@felixcova5272]

Show some respect, lady. The guy has a beautiful wife.

[@Topher2024]

What about using a prime with optical zoom...? I don't see many tubers talking about this... You almost get 2 lens with the optical zoom? Or is it neglected because its downsampling from 6k to 4k(I don't know the science but I heard something about it)? Thoughts? Thanks for the vids David! Im going to guess you got a new drone. Cheers!

[@averettsm]

Good stuff, gotta say though, modern zooms are pretty much just as sharp as their prime counterparts. The sony 16-35 and 24-70, in particular, are stupid sharp.

[@FrostMonolith]

Ultrawide zooms makes me truly believe that zooms are not for just mere convenience. The instant change of perspective from one single flick makes *more* opportunities of creativity than a prime where you know exactly what kind of perspective and framing you're stuck with.

[@ElBoyoElectronico]

Hmmm... I personally was really shocked by the difference. My Sigma 16mm 1.4 on my rather cheap APS-C camera Canon M50 was producing way better images and videos than a Sigma Art 24-70 at 24mm on a fullframe Sony A7III. The vignetting, distortion and corner sharpness was a joke on the Sigma zoom. I will be buying a fullframe Sony camera this year, and just because of the cost-factor and flexibility I will be getting a 24-70 lens though.

[@DavidManningvlog]

In that case, checkout the Sony 24-70 2.8. It’s bananas good👍

[@ElBoyoElectronico]

@@DavidManningvlog Thanks for the advice! I only heard good things about it besides its high price. I guess the Sony 24-70 GM is like a buy it, and never worry about any other 24-70 lenses type of deal.

[@antoinernb9398]

Thank u

[@liampixels3864]

Another great video I guess the mavic air 2 Also have you had any experience with a sigma 14-24 or a 14mm thanks

[@DavidManningvlog]

I haven't played with either of those, but did just get my hands on the Sony 12-24 for a little testing!

[@liampixels3864]

David Manning can’t wait to see a video of it

[@sacraa77]

What about extender rings?

[@DavidManningvlog]

I’ll get into those in another video 👍

[@CraigRBoyle]

Hey Dave, if all your lenses were on the table, what lens do you have on your camera to shot this video?

[@rutterrealtygc]

My question exactly!

[@tedtedsen269]

Sigma has one bright zoom 18-35MM F1.8 i think its for apc sensors and is so sharp it compares to a prime lens on a old nikon d500

[@kellietatum5626]

as far as the 1.4 and the 1.8 goes... I know the obvious difference, but is there a huge difference in quality overall? I have the 35 1.8 and the 50 1.8 (because they were more affordable) and am wondering if it's worth buying the 1.4 in these since I normally don't ever shoot with an f-stop that low.

[@kylethompson7254]

Your sound effects made me think of Michael Saying shatata

[@animatornoble]

Beautiful and confusing at the same time hehehe... nice video

[@katewilkinson3640]

hey man, i just discovered your channel and i am loving it! i was wondering which gopro i should get? the hero 8 or the max (360) - i want to do vlog style videos but also include action shots (skiing/running/biking), what do you think?

[@DavidManningvlog]

If you're leaning towards incorporating 360 footage into your videos, you can't go wrong with the Insta360 ONE R Twin Edition. It gives you a 4K lens and a 360 lens so you can do both with one camera system! In 4K mode, the GoPro 8 has a slight edge over the Insta360, but in 360 mode the Insta360 mode has a massive edge over the GoPro MAX. Tough decisions, but if you're only wanting one camera for both things, the ONE R is the right choice!

[@ycfpht7212]

I've a problem idk if it's in only my GoPro hero 8 but sometimes it turns on just by itself so do you know a way to stop that please and can u make a video with night photography long exposure especially with the GoPro and thank you

[@TheFahimalam]

How many body do you use?

[@abhijeetkurup]

Hi Dave, I'm Learning new skills for starting a youtube channel, can you please do a video covering tips for new youtubers. PS:Huge fan from India

[@DavidManningvlog]

Love it! I'll for sure work that into an upcoming video!

[@ExploreTravelTV]

great information, So far I only have zoom lenses (gh5 system) but I do a lot of travel, events, BTS photos, interviews etc. run and gun stuff. but I def need something faster (lower f stop) because I usually don't have any control on lighting. got to get what I get. Also mostly videos but a few photo stuff here and there. but man your lenses are bigger than mine for sure. lol. I have 12-35 2.8 and the 35-100 2.5 so a nice range from wide to tele. but looking at the 10-25 1.7 Panasonic zoom but man it is expensive. but could use the faster f stops. ugh.

[@DavidManningvlog]

That’s a solid setup you have! And man, that 1.7 would be sweet!

[@jvinot60]

Excellent explanation of prime vs zoom, thanks! So did you get a Phantom? LOL

[@vitholkintso7958]

I think he found his drone 😏

[@DavidManningvlog]

Stay tuned. You’re gonna like this!

[@headbang3r519]

I stick to prime lenses. I can move around with my legs but I hate any intrudance and zoom lens make me feel uneasy about my picture quality.

[@jasonschiff1818]

Hi

[@DavidManningvlog]

Hi✋

[@olivercostello6644]

Hi i started photography a year back now and i still have my kit lens i really want to get a new one but I’m only 12 and photography is a bit pricy when you’re on 20 pounds a month😅. I have a Nikon d3200 and i was just wondering if you had any lenses you didn’t want or if you could tell me what the best lenses are for extreme sports photography or budget wildlife photography lenses I always take pictures of the skaters at the skatepark and pictures of any cool animals in the uk that are cool (thats not a lot) 😂 anyway hope you see this and respond to me but if not it doesn’t matter

[@atnaturesgiftdothm1876]

I’m considering 24-70 zoom for wildlife photography, what do you think?

[@photoboothx7810]

Go for a higher focal length. You’ll get some great shots but for that close look 70-200 or higher

[@CharlieAshman]

Hey David. I really have trouble getting good music. I have been looking at Epidemic Sound but I just cant afford it. It would be really kind if you if you could do something with your sponsor where someone could win a year on Epidemic sound or something. Instead of just them month which we could do anyway. If not. Then where is the best place to get free vlog royalty free music???? Tha is man! Great video!!! Cya!👍🏼😊😊🤣🤣🤣

[@DavidManningvlog]

Oh man, that's tough. The main reason I'm such a pusher of ES is that for so long I struggled to find music to use in my videos. I even had a couple copyright strikes on this channel because I used music that I thought was royalty free and then someone claimed my video. So frustrating!!! I'll see if I can do a giveaway coming up soon. That would be rad!

[@CharlieAshman]

Thanks man! Your so awsome!

[@mrfazal619]

you can give me the 90 macro coz you don't use that lens that much love your work

[@miguelprera2670]

Money is missing from my kit, I do have two lenses, non prime, would buy a 16-35mm

[@danieljakubik3428]

It depends on the application and location of photography

[@JakeFosmirePhoto]

Primes until you have an intimate knowledge of focal length and then you can incorporate zooms. They are a bad habit to just rip in and out without knowing how you're changing the image. Especially on a zoom that spans from wide to tele like a 24-70.

[@DavidManningvlog]

That's funny Jake, because I have the opposite perspective. I recommend zooms at first and then primes. While I think you're right that training with primes is better for a newer photographer, I also think they're usually less versed at framing/composition and the utility of a zoom helps get them solid images faster. Both are probably right!

[@fopm008]

I have a 18-400mm lense, pretty much all I use.

[@geraldinecadiente3484]

New subscriber here!🙋‍♀️ I really like to start a new hobby and that is photography, Can you reccomend me an affordable but powerful camera and ofcourse easy to use.😅🥺

[@DavidManningvlog]

So stoked you're here Geraldine! The best camera I'm really liking at the entry level right now is the Sony ZV-1. It's a pocket cam, so you'll always have it with you and great for photos and video! The next step up from there, I think is the Sony a6600, then the Sony A7III👍

[@RadekZielinski.]

I don't need to zoom in that much.... 50m is fine in architecture or nature photography, plus my wide angel at 14m. Micro shots are great to do with phone cameras sometimes, unless you legit want to zoom in to count the hairs a fly has... then go on.

[@georgebowman1060]

👍

[@Rendil420]

David, people asking what lenses are best is always the most asked question and its never a straight forward answer. I like the way you describe your scenario but most people won’t know what they need until they start shooting. People will learn what lenses they need as they start to shoot 👍🏻

[@DavidManningvlog]

Totally agree! The more experience people get, the more they can see through the hype of certain lenses and focus on what they really need👍

[@MauriceMercado]

Someone found your drone looked at the footage and realized they knew who you were because they watch your youtube videos....then it turns out he was your half brother!!!!! dum dum dum!!!!!!! Did I guess it?

[@DavidManningvlog]

Hahhaahah! NAILED IT Maurice!!!🤣

[@Ray_Dacted]

RTH, or rembersed, or got a free new one

[@anewgamerindemand1979]

Love from India🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳

[@alexandrorocca7142]

Prime lenses are obviously better, but you need to carry at least two cameras around if you don't want to change lenses all the time when you can't position yourself at the right distance from your subject.

[@DaniyelFX]

David can i get a shoutout or a tripod

[@DavidManningvlog]

What kind of tripod you looking for?

[@DaniyelFX]

@@DavidManningvlog I use akaso ek7000 its the cheapest on the market but good so akaso tripod and thank you for responding

[@DaniyelFX]

@@DavidManningvlog and its my birtday today i was so happy when you answered

[@DaniyelFX]

first comment

[@zacedindu6982]

me: IT'S WEDNESDAY

[@DavidManningvlog]

Whoop whoop!

[@mellowpatellow5549]

I love prime lenses, makes my photos look pro

[@DavidManningvlog]

That low depth of field for sure gives a professional look!

[@bonzofficial1159]

Can you give me 50mm nikon for my birthday this April. Im big fan of you. Thank you

[@hadiharisimran8758]

Fifth comment

[@danieljakubik3428]

Prime lens = fixed focal length lens

[@thecrowfliescrooked]

Imma gonna give you the thumbs up but this, but man this type of review is beaten to death...plus you don't interact with your posters enough. ok, have a good one.

[@JamalNasir1812]

*Enter Sigma 18-35 f1.8 fans*

[@TerraThink]

It's an aps-c lens so the f1.8 there is pretty equal to f2.8 on full frame.

[@holdenrupp5059]

Someone needs to shave!!!!!

[@donavonurfalian]

You don’t even mention MFT lenses of Olympus and Panasonic, or the NIKKOR Z S line, which is typical hipster Cannon / Sony fanboy. You are dead wrong when you said prime beats zoom because it depends on the lenses being used, focal length, and F stop. IMHO, you didn’t dig deep enough and your conclusions are biased and wrong.

[@bozmundarts2614]

sorry, maybe you can afford to have all those lenses and cameras LOL

[@davidmanning1474]

Why does this come up when I Google my name god dammit

[@DavidManningvlog]

Hahhaaa! Solid name you have there my man!

[@davidmanning1474]

@@DavidManningvlog ikr, there are some good ones! There are also some... Not so good ones 😂 there was one in a town I lived only a year older than me that killed a girl while driving on drugs... I don't have Facebook anymore 😂😂😂