Prime?

[Harpua]

Sorry for the very novice type questions today (but alas I am a novice ). I have been reading a lot on this site and learning tons, but I keep seeing the term prime in reference to lenses. What exactly does this mean?

 

[Hertz van Rental]

A prime lens is one that has a fixed focal length - as opposed to a zoom lens that has a variable focal length.

 

[Harpua]

Gotchya, thanks!