Originally posted by elf photo still waiting for feedback on fixed verses variable lenses , any information will be helpful. which is really better ?
Hmm high level view..
Fixed (called "Prime") lenses generally have less optical flaws and thus provide better image quality. This is due to the less complicated formulas (number of elements used internally in the camera lens) versus those used with zoom lenses.
That's the common name for variable focal length lenses... zoom lenses. Those of course give the photographer a range of focal lengths from which to chose, but then potentially suffer from more optical flaws (Distortion, Chromatic Aberration, softness) than primes.
These days zoom lenses can be very nice yet if you still want the absolute best image quality, primes are generally the way to go.
It is up to you what you use though.. I prefer the utility of zoom lenses over any potential flaws (most of which are correctable in camera or on the computer). Others prefer the sheer quality of a prime.
I didn't mention size, weight, aperture speed, or price yet those are all factors too.