What is the disadvantage of a zoom?

The disadvantages of a zoom lens, compared to a prime lens (a lens with a fixed focal length), include:

* Calidad de imagen: Zoom lenses often compromise on image quality, particularly at the extreme ends of their zoom range. This can manifest as reduced sharpness, more distortion, and less contrast compared to a prime lens designed for a specific focal length.

* Size and Weight: Zoom lenses are generally larger and heavier than prime lenses offering equivalent focal length ranges. This makes them less portable and can be cumbersome to use.

* Costo: High-quality zoom lenses, especially those with large zoom ranges, can be significantly more expensive than prime lenses.

* Slower Maximum Aperture: Zoom lenses often have slower maximum apertures (smaller f-number) than prime lenses, meaning they let in less light. This can make shooting in low-light conditions more challenging and may require higher ISO settings, which can introduce noise.

* More Complex Mechanics: La mayor complejidad de los elementos internos en movimiento en una lente de zoom puede introducir posibles puntos de falla mecánica y aumentar el riesgo de mal funcionamiento.

It's important to note that these disadvantages are relative. Modern zoom lenses are incredibly sophisticated and often produce excellent image quality. The choice between a zoom and a prime lens depends heavily on the photographer's priorities and shooting style. If portability and versatility are key, a zoom lens is often preferred. If image quality and low-light performance are paramount, prime lenses often win.