Prime Lenses: The Essential Tool for Every Content Creator

Esteban Carriazo
May 21
3 min read

Updated: Jun 4

Whether you're just starting your journey in content creation or are already deep into storytelling with your camera, there’s one lens you should absolutely consider owning: a prime lens, especially the 50mm or 35mm. These fixed focal length lenses are often overlooked in favor of zoom lenses, but they deliver results that can dramatically elevate your visuals.

What Is a Prime Lens?

A prime lens has a fixed focal length, meaning it doesn’t zoom in or out. Unlike variable zoom lenses (e.g., 24-70mm), a 50mm or 35mm prime offers just one field of view. While that may seem like a limitation, it’s actually one of its greatest strengths.

Why 50mm and 35mm Prime Lenses?

These two focal lengths are among the most versatile for both photography and videography:

50mm: The "Nifty Fifty"

Natural Perspective: On full-frame cameras, it closely matches what the human eye sees.
Beautiful Bokeh: Its wide aperture (often f/1.8, f/1.4, or even f/1.2) gives you creamy, cinematic background blur.
Great for Portraits, Street, and Low Light: Ideal for storytelling and interviews in videography.

35mm: The Documentary King

Wider Frame: Captures more context—great for storytelling, environmental portraits, and wide cinematic scenes.
Balanced Look: Doesn’t distort like wider lenses and feels intimate without crowding the frame.
Preferred by Film Directors: Many iconic films are predominantly shot on a 35mm lens.

Benefits of Prime Lenses

Superior Image Quality

Fewer moving parts result in fewer compromises. Prime lenses are sharper and offer better optical performance than zoom lenses at similar price points.

Better Low-Light Performance

Wider apertures (f/1.8 or lower) let in more light, reducing the need for high ISO settings and keeping noise levels low.

Cinematic Depth of Field

The shallow depth of field allows for subject separation and creamy bokeh. This feature is critical for interviews, portraits, and mood shots.

Compact and Lightweight

Prime lenses are perfect for gimbal use, travel shoots, or keeping your rig nimble for run-and-gun shooting.

Forces Creativity

Not being able to zoom means you have to move your feet and compose more intentionally. This is great for learning and refining your eye.

Downsides to Consider

Lack of Versatility: You’ll need to physically move closer or farther from subjects to reframe.
No Zoom: A prime lens may not be ideal for fast-paced events where speed is key.
May Need Multiple Primes: To cover a wide focal range, you might end up buying several fixed lenses.

Brand	Model	Approx. Price (USD)	Best For
Canon	RF 50mm f/1.8 STM	$150	Budget Canon mirrorless users
	RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS	$500	Great hybrid lens w/ macro
Sony	FE 50mm f/1.8	$250	Light and affordable
	FE 35mm f/1.8	$750	Compact and sharp
Nikon	Z 50mm f/1.8 S	$600	Excellent sharpness
	Z 35mm f/1.8 S	$850	Great for Nikon mirrorless
Sigma	50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art	$850	Third-party high quality option
	35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art	$700	Widely respected in the industry
Fujifilm	XF 35mm f/1.4 R	$599	Beloved for its rendering

Pro Tip: For videographers, look for lenses with smooth, silent autofocus and minimal focus breathing.

Use Cases in Real Life

Prime lenses shine in various real-life scenarios:

Wedding Shoots

Use a 50mm on a gimbal to capture cinematic B-roll. This focal length provides a pleasing depth of field and natural perspective.

Street Photography

The 35mm lens is ideal for capturing candid moments. Its wider frame allows you to include surrounding context, making your photos more narrative.

YouTube or Interviews

The 50mm lens delivers a creamy depth of field, enhancing the visual appeal of your videos. This is especially useful for keeping the audience focused on the subject.

Travel & Vlogging

Consider the lightweight 35mm for versatility in travel and vlogging. It allows for narrative shots that blend scenery and storytelling.

Final Thoughts

Investing in a prime lens, especially the 50mm or 35mm, is a game-changer. These lenses sharpen your skills and enhance your content's professionalism. They add depth, clarity, and mood to your visuals. Whether you're filming a short, shooting a wedding, or creating social content, these are tools you’ll never regret owning.

In summary, the benefits of adding a prime lens to your kit far outweigh the downsides. They encourage creativity and help you find new perspectives in your photography. Don't hesitate to explore these essential lenses. You may just discover a new passion in content creation.