Newb lens question.

[Danny_Two]

If a lens is say 14-45 that's its focal range right? But if a lens is a set number, say a 45mm, does that mean it will only focus at that range?

Are there any advantages to this type of lens?

 

[mrtoad]

If a lens is say 14-45 that's its focal range right? But if a lens is a set number, say a 45mm, does that mean it will only focus at that range?
Are there any advantages to this type of lens?

yes to 45mm only lens
lots of advantages of the fixed focal lens...for the purists and pro's
most can get by with a zoom...not fixed focal length... which is several lenses in one and you dont need a big bag

 

[ST Colin]

If a lens states a range, like 14-45, it seems it will zoom within that range at at those limits.

If the focal range is a fixed number, this means the lens cannot be zoomed. Fixed focal length lens, or primes, as they are commonly known, generally have better image quality. They can many specific uses, such as portraits or bird photography.

A zoom lens gives you much more flexibility.