Disadvantages of a Zoom Lens
Single-lens reflex cameras (SLRs) allow photographers to change the camera lens that is attached to suit the photographer's needs. Camera lenses fall into two categories: zoom lenses and prime lenses. Prime lenses have just one, fixed focal length while zoom lenses can be adjusted to cover a range of focal lengths. Though zoom lenses have the advantage of flexibility, they also have a number of disadvantages.
Image Quality
Prime lenses have slightly higher image quality than zoom lenses because the lens does not have to adjust as the focal length changes. According to Cambridge in Colour, even though the gap between zoom lens image quality and prime lens image quality has been closed significantly since zoom lenses were first offered, most less expensive primes can generate as high quality an image as a more expensive zoom lens.
Size
Zoom lenses are generally much larger and heavier than prime lenses. Even though zoom lenses offer additional versatility, their weight may prohibit them from being used if you have to carry around the camera around the entire day.
Small Aperture
Prime lenses are generally capable of a wider aperture than zoom lenses. Aperture refers to how much light the lens allows to reach the camera; the smaller the number the more light the camera lens is capable of allowing in. For example, many zoom lenses have a maximum aperture of only 3.5, and that quickly rises as you zoom in. To get a zoom lenses with an aperture of 2.8 through the entire focal length requires shelling out the cash--often $1,000 or more--for a luxury lens. Prime lenses can have aperture of 1.2, which allows much better pictures in dark spots or of action photos.
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