Fixed vs. Variable Aperture: Which Lens Do You Need?
After buying a decent camera, lenses are the next best tools you should pay attention to. When it comes to lenses, you have plenty of options. From lens type to focal length and aperture, there are many things to choose from when buying a lens.
Once you zero in on the lens type and focal length range, you have to pick the aperture. That’s where it gets tricky. You usually get a kit lens along with our camera. If you’re a newbie photographer, you may not have paid close attention to the type of aperture your lens has.
This article will discuss the difference between fixed and variable aperture lenses and why they matter.
What Is the Difference Between a Fixed and Variable Aperture Lens?
If you’re a keen photographer, you probably know there are two types of lenses—prime and zoom lenses. A prime lens has a fixed focal length like 50mm, 85mm, or 600mm. On the other hand, a zoom lens has a variable focal length. For example, 18-55mm, 24-120mm, or 200-500mm.
it’s possible to see another important marking on your lens besides the focal length. That is the aperture, which shows how wide your lens can open and let in light. For instance, your lens may show 50mm 1:1.8 or 18-55mm 1:3.5-5.6.
Notice how the aperture remains constant in a prime lens and varies in a zoom lens? It is because the maximum aperture value changes for different focal lengths. In the case of the 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 lens, the maximum aperture is f/3.5 at 18mm and f/5.6 at 55mm.
As a general rule, the maximum aperture value remains constant for prime lenses. So, what about zoom lenses? It can be variable (18-55mm f/3.5-5.6) or constant (17-55mm f/2.8). The aperture remains constant throughout the focal length range in the latter case.
A variable aperture lens has the maximum aperture at its widest focal length. For example, the widest focal length for an 18-55mm lens is 18mm. When you zoom the lens to a different focal length, say 35mm, the elements inside your lens move along to focus at the new focal length. Hence, the change in maximum aperture.
With fixed aperture lenses, the aperture is not affected by the zooming mechanism of the lens, and it stays constant throughout the focal length range. These lenses are made of higher-quality materials and are often expensive compared to variable aperture lenses.
Now that you know the difference between fixed and variable aperture lenses, let’s discuss when you need one over the other.
When Do You Need a Variable Aperture Lens?
If you’re a beginner photographer trying to test the waters of photography, you could choose a variable aperture zoom lens. Chances are, your kit lens is the same, so you will be just getting a lens in a different focal length range.
Are you looking to improve your photography? Then, we strongly recommend going for aprime lens rather than a zoom lensbecause it is faster with wider apertures. And your image quality will be better because a prime lens has no moving elements.
Longer Reach Without the Expense
If you enjoy taking wildlife photography, you want the reach and flexibility to zoom in and out. So it makes sense to go for a zoom lens in this case.
One of the major selling points for a variable aperture lens is that it is inexpensive. As a new photographer, you don’t have to invest a lot of money in expensive equipment. Instead, you can start with affordable options and then upgrade after you’ve reached a certain skill level.
Lightweight for Travel
Variable aperture lenses are also lightweight due to their lower-quality components. So it is easy to shoot handheld with them; you don’t have to lug around a tripod. Are you a hobby photographer who likes to hike in the mountains and forests to take animal pictures? Then you need a variable aperture lens in your camera bag.
Also, due to the average optics, your images may not be as sharp, and you may see artifacts likechromatic aberrationandlens distortion.
When Do You Need a Fixed Aperture Lens?
Fixed aperture lenses are made with high-quality optics and mechanisms. However, they are generally heavier and are considered premium lenses. That means they are not exactly in the affordable category.
Get Quality Images
Investing in a fixed aperture lens is a good idea if you’re working towards becoming a professional photographer or frequently participating innature and wildlife photography competitions.
As the lenses are made with better optics, like extra-low dispersion glass and nano crystal coating, you will get sharp images and fewer issues like distortion. Remember,you do need a sturdy tripodbecause the lens can be heavy.
Shoot in Low-Light
Another advantage of fixed aperture lenses is that they often have a wider aperture, usually f/4 or lower. Wide aperture lenses can let in more light, so astrophotographers and others who often work in low-light situations can opt for a fixed aperture lens.
Great for Videos
Imagine watching a video where the depth of field changes when you zoom the lens. However, when you use a fixed aperture lens, the depth of field remains the same when you zoom in or out. This will make the video look seamless.
Enjoy Buttery Bokeh
The wide aperture of a fixed aperture lens is perfect for producing lovely blurred backgrounds. If you want to isolate your subject or enjoy ashallow depth of fieldin your photos, you will appreciate having a wide fixed aperture.
Choose a Fixed or Variable Aperture Lens Based on Your Needs
When it comes to lenses, you have a variety of options. If you enjoy the versatility of a zoom lens, you can buy either a fixed or variable aperture lens. While the image quality from a fixed aperture lens is impressive, it can break your wallet.
Are you new to photography? Then, a variable aperture lens will do just fine for you. However, intermediate and advanced photographers can go for the more expensive fixed aperture lenses to get top-quality images.
If you’re tired of lugging around multiple lenses, consider a superzoom. It will have you covered in a wide range of scenarios.
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