A fast lens is one which has a low f-stop rating. In other terms the larger the aperture, the faster the lens. The amount of light that reaches the camera sensor is controlled by the aperture of the lens. And a lens with a smaller f-stop value / larger maximum aperture lets in more light to the camera sensor and as a result the camera could achieve faster shutter speeds for the given lighting conditions and hence called a fast lens.
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| Canon 50mm f/1.2 L IS USM |
Simply put a fast lens is one which has a larger aperture rating and not one that focuses fast.
Generally when we say fast lenses we mention to lenses that have their f-stops in the range of f/1.2, f/1.4 and f/1.8. but depending upon the type of the lens any lens which has an aperture rating of f/2.8 or below could be called a fast lens.
Canon EF 50mm f1.4 USM Standard & Medium Telephoto Lens for Canon SLR Cameras
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II Camera Lens
Some fast lenses from Nikon
Nikon 50mm f/1.2 Nikkor AI-S Manual Focus Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras
Nikon 50mm f/1.4G SIC SW Prime Nikkor Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras
Nikon 35mm f/1.8G AF-S DX Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras
In the next article we will discuss about Photography - Tips For Beginners - Advantages of Using a Fast Lens
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