What is a prime lens characterized by?

A prime lens is specifically characterized by its fixed focal length, meaning it does not have the ability to zoom in or out. Instead, a prime lens offers a single, specific perspective that typically results in high-quality images due to fewer optical elements compared to zoom lenses. This fixed design often allows for larger apertures, enabling better low-light performance and creating a shallower depth of field for artistic effects like background blur.

In contrast to prime lenses, zoom lenses provide the flexibility of varying focal lengths, which can be convenient in dynamic shooting environments but may compromise image quality at certain focal ranges. Prime lenses are also independent of automatic focus systems, as they can be used with various focus mechanisms, including manual focus, which gives photographers precise control over their shots. The construction quality of prime lenses varies, but they are often built with performance in mind, not low quality as suggested in one of the alternatives.