Prime vs. zoom lenses: try it yourself
This is the practical for the lesson. Work through it in order. Nothing here is a test of memory. Keep the lesson open if you need it and check the instructions as often as you like.
Aim
You should understand the practical difference rather than trying to decide that one lens type is universally better.
What you need
Your own camera or phone, enough battery power to complete the exercise, and a memory card or free storage space where your equipment requires it. You do not need to buy anything specially for this practical.
Do this step by step
- Choose one focal length on your zoom, such as 35 mm, and leave it there for fifteen photographs.
- Move your position to change the composition rather than touching the zoom ring.
- Then photograph a changing subject or scene using the full zoom range.
- Compare which approach made you think more and which helped you react faster.
What should happen
You should understand the practical difference rather than trying to decide that one lens type is universally better.
If it does not work
Stop rather than changing lots of things at once. Check that the camera is switched on, the battery has charge and the card or storage is available. Then return to the last step that definitely worked. If a named control is missing, your camera may use a different name or menu location. Check the manual for your exact model. Never force a card, battery, lens, door or control.
Before you finish
Explain out loud, or in one sentence on paper, what you changed and what happened. If you can explain the result in your own words, you have understood the exercise. If you cannot, repeat the part that was unclear.
One more check before moving on
Repeat the exercise on a different subject or with a different set of photographs. The aim is to make sure you understood the principle rather than remembering one successful sequence. If you can get the expected result a second time and explain why it happened, you are ready to continue.