What are the two main types of lenses commonly used in photography?

The choice of prime lenses and zoom lenses as the two main types of lenses used in photography is correct because these types encompass the fundamental options that photographers frequently utilize for various shooting scenarios.

Prime lenses have a fixed focal length, meaning they cannot zoom in or out. This characteristic often results in sharper images and better performance in low-light conditions due to their wider maximum apertures. Photographers who favor prime lenses typically enjoy the creative constraints they impose, which encourage a more thoughtful approach to composition and framing.

On the other hand, zoom lenses offer a range of focal lengths, allowing for versatile framing without the need to change lenses. This flexibility is incredibly beneficial in dynamic shooting environments, such as events or wildlife photography, where the subject's distance might vary.

While wide-angle and telephoto lenses serve specific purposes—focusing on expansive landscapes or distant subjects—they can fall under the broader categories of prime or zoom. Macro and fisheye lenses are specialized and cater to niche photography styles, making them less common in general use. Standard and panoramic lenses offer distinct functionalities but aren't recognized as the main types of lenses like prime and zoom. Thus, prime and zoom lenses represent the foundational lens types that effectively cover a wide range of photography needs.