What is the difference between a 35 and a 18-55?

I want to get a nikon 35mm1.8d but i already have the 18-55mm and my dad thinks i shouldn't because the 18-55 has 35 in it can anyone explain the difference. I have a nikon d90 and i want the 35mm for party and family shots.

WRONG!
An 18-55mm @35mm is a minimum f-stop of f/4.5!
The 35mm is special and different from the 18-55mm by:
-Steady min.f-stop (doesn't change while shooting)
-Doesn't zoom
- f/1.8 is a bright, and fast lens. Gives your a shallower depth of field.

The 18-55mm lens is a consumer grade lens whose aperture changes as you zoom. Because the aperture changes your ability to shoot in lower light is very limited and your settings are wacked every time you zoom in or out. Very easy to miss shots because of it. Because it is a consumer grade lens it's not the sharpest out there. It's not a BAD lens, but there are a WHOLE LOT better out there.
The 35mm is a prime lens. NO zoom to it. It is also f/1.8.It can shoot in much lower light. Because it's a fixed lens your aperture never changes never affecting your settings and screwing everything up as you zoom. A prime lens is the sharpest lens on the market. The quality of shots from a prime lens will be EXTREMELY better than that of the consumer grade kit lens.
Tell him the 35mm prime or a flash so you can shoot at 35mm inside with your kit lens. THe flash is the 580EX II at $500.

Well your dad is right… Obviously your zoom has a 35mm in it, but the max aperture in your zoom all be likely f4 at 35, whereas your standalone 35 is much faster f1.8
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