Kiinteäpolttoväliin

Kiinteäpolttoväliin is a Finnish term that translates to "fixed focal length" in English, referring to a type of camera lens. Unlike zoom lenses, which offer a range of focal lengths, a prime lens has a single, fixed focal length. This means the photographer cannot physically change the magnification or angle of view by adjusting the lens itself.

Prime lenses are often characterized by their simplicity in design, having fewer moving parts compared to zoom lenses. This simplicity can lead to several advantages. They are frequently sharper and produce images with higher optical quality, exhibiting less distortion and chromatic aberration. Furthermore, prime lenses often have wider maximum apertures (lower f-numbers) than comparable zoom lenses. This wider aperture allows more light to enter the camera, which is beneficial for shooting in low-light conditions and for achieving a shallow depth of field, resulting in a blurred background that isolates the subject.

Photographers choose prime lenses for specific creative effects or when prioritizing image quality and low-light performance. Because they cannot zoom, users must physically move their position to recompose a shot, which can encourage a more deliberate and thoughtful approach to photography. Common focal lengths for prime lenses include wide-angle (e.g., 28mm, 35mm), standard (e.g., 50mm), and telephoto (e.g., 85mm, 135mm), each suited for different photographic genres like portraiture, street photography, or landscapes.