Benefits of a fixed lens?

[Normann Photo]

One way to try before you buy is to rent a lens. Many places rent lenses really cheap and ship right to you. Not a bad way to test drive a new piece of equipment. Oh and I shoot mostly with a 70-200 f2.8 and a 50 f1.4. I have lots of other zoom and prime's but always end up with one of these on my camera more than any other. If I had to pick just one lens to own it would be tough, but I would have to go with the 50, (its faster and sharper)

 

[AndrewG]

A good choice would be a 50mm f1.8 prime; this focal length was usually sold with manual SLR's before the digital age and the Nikkor 50 f1.8Ai is still one of the finest, sharpest lenses you can buy. Also 50mm is closest to what your eye sees.
I did a photography course years ago when we were not allowed to use anything but a 50 on assignments; this really forced you to think creatively and there's something very pure about one body/one lens as opposed to either a zoom or a bagful of lenses.
I frequently take only one lens out with me; either the 50 or a 28.