Prime or zoom lens for a beginner?

For a beginner, I'd start with a zoom. One lens covers most situations, so you can learn what you like to shoot before you spend on more glass. A standard zoom around 24-70mm or 24-105mm equivalent is a fine first lens, and the kit zoom will do the job.

Then add a fast standard prime, such as a 50mm f/1.8 on full frame or a 33-35mm f/1.4 to f/1.8 on APS-C. It's small, cheap, and gathers far more light than any kit zoom, which helps indoors, with people, and with food. Most people end up with one or two zooms and one or two primes.

For the full breakdown, see Lenses. If you're also choosing a body, Your first camera explains why any current major-brand camera will do.

Written by Claude from this site's pages.