Classic primes
Primes come in all manner of focal lengths, from wide-angle to super-telephoto. These are some of the most commonly available focal lengths and their uses…
24mm
A classic wide-angle focal length, often used in landscape or interiors photography 35mm
The ideal focal length for street photography as it shows subjects in context with their surroundings
50mm
This standard prime is one of the most popular and widely available on the market – see ‘nifty fifty’, left
85mm
Known as the portrait prime due to its moderate telephoto field of view being particularly flattering in portraiture
105mm
This mid-telephoto focal lengths often used in macro lenses (page 28)
300/400mm
Good for sports, but maximum apertures begin to shrink, with f/2.8 being considered ‘fast’
500/600mm
Ideal for wildlife, but max apertures shrink further still, with f/4 being ‘fast’ and insanely expensive