Lenses & focus / Learn by doing
Prime Lens explained simply
What is “Prime Lens”?
A lens with one fixed focal length. To change the framing, you move the camera or crop later.
- 01One focal length
- 02Move to reframe
- 03Check perspective
How do you use Prime Lens practically?
A small exercise
Use a fixed lens to make a wide, medium and close portrait by changing your distance. Notice how the perspective changes.
- Make a starting version and keep it so you can compare fairly.
- Try the change in the exercise. Keep unrelated choices steady where the exercise allows.
- Compare the result at the size your viewer will actually see. Write down what changed and whether it helped.
How does Prime Lens solve a problem?
It encourages deliberate positioning and can provide a compact lens or a wide maximum aperture.
What can go wrong?
Not every prime is faster or sharper than every zoom. Pick the lens for the task.
How do you turn the idea into a useful solution?
Start with the specific problem in your image or brief, try the exercise, and keep the version that meets that need. If the result is worse, return to the starting version and change one choice at a time.
Quick check: can you explain the three ideas in the diagram?
One focal length → Move to reframe → Check perspective. Explain how each relates to the exercise. Then compare the starting version with your result and choose the one that meets your brief.
Related video lesson
Lens basics — Canon
This related lesson gives wider context for the topic. Camera menus and software versions may differ from yours.
Loading the player connects to YouTube. You can also watch the lesson on YouTube.Keep exploring
Try the idea in a studio shoot
Planning a portrait or product session? Use the glossary with our practical shoot guides, then check the studio facilities and send your confirmed requirements with an availability enquiry.