SUMMARY
Your first prime lens, usually the classic 50mm f/1.8 "nifty fifty," is one of the best teaching tools in photography. Thinking the Lens Is "Soft" When It Is Missed FocusA very common complaint about a first prime is that it seems soft, when in reality the focus simply landed in the wrong place. On APS-C, a 50mm is really more of a portrait lens than a walkaround lens, since you have to back up to fit much in, which is hard in a small room. A prime does not let you do that, and beginners often respond by simply shooting whatever the lens happens to frame from where they are standing, producing flat, samey compositions.
TAKEAWAYS
Your first prime lens, usually the classic 50mm f/1.8 "nifty fifty," is one of the best teaching tools in photography.
Thinking the Lens Is "Soft" When It Is Missed FocusA very common complaint about a first prime is that it seems soft, when in reality the focus simply landed in the wrong place.
On APS-C, a 50mm is really more of a portrait lens than a walkaround lens, since you have to back up to fit much in, which is hard in a small room.
A prime does not let you do that, and beginners often respond by simply shooting whatever the lens happens to frame from where they are standing, producing flat, samey compositions