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  • By the same token, zooms also have some advantages for learning. A simple exercise such as photographing the same subject and foreground/background using a zoom set at different focal lengths from different distances to frame the subject the same size can teach a LOT about how shooting distance relates to perspective, as well as about focal length selection based on what you want the image to look like. It's much more economical to do this with a "kit" zoom than with a set of 4-5 primes. – Michael C Dec 17 '18 at 19:30
  • Zooms also are an economical way to expose a beginner to using multiple focal lengths and allow them to find which ones they might desire to spend more on for a higher quality prime. – Michael C Dec 17 '18 at 19:32











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  • Modern zooms are a LOT better than their counterparts back when a 50mm f/1.8 (or 1.7) was the standard "kit" lens! – Michael C Dec 17 '18 at 19:25

Would a fixed or zoom telephoto lens be better for learning?



There are other lessons about perspective, field of view, framing, and composition that can best be learned with a zoom lens. A zoom gives you the opportunity, for example, to explore how the same subject looks in relation to the same foreground/background when shot from different distances at different focal lengths using the same framing of the main subject. In such an exercise you are zooming with both your feet and your lens in opposite directions and comparing the results!

The advice many give to learn to "zoom with your feet" before using a zoom lens is primarily a warning not to stand in one place and stop exploring shooting angles and perspectives if you were to have a zoom lens mounted on your camera. But just because you are using a zoom lens doesn't mean you can't still alter the composition of your photographs by using your feet!

Can you learn a lot as a beginner using only primes (or only zooms)? Absolutely. But you won't be as well rounded a photographer. Ultimately, I think to be a well rounded photographer you need to have the skill sets to use both prime lenses and zoom lenses in appropriate situations as well as the ability to assess when each is the better choice. Whether shooting with prime or zoom lenses, the key is to avoid becoming stuck in a rut (or in one spot) but rather to keep exploring new ways of seeing the world through your viewfinder.

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