The prime lens is a lens with fixed focal length. While zoom lens has a variable focal length, the prime lens is less versatile, but offers superior results and optical quality, in a small and cheaper package.
The fixed focal lens design is much simpler than zoom lens and offers a larger aperture than most zoom lenses, an important feature while shooting in low light conditions.
Take a look at the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G DX lens. This lens produces an angle of view similar to what a 50mm lens would produce on a full-frame/FX camera and thus functions as a "normal" lens. Prior to the digital explosion, most shooters would begin their exploration into the world of photography with a "normal" lens with a large maximum aperture.
A lens of this type is the traditional standby for low light shooting, careful composition, and street shooting. This 35mm f/1.8 Nikkor lens recreates that experience for DX format shooters who have been seeking a comparable "normal" lens.
This lens is highly recommended by dpreview.com for “its winning combination of high image quality, large maximum aperture and low price” and is available at www.photo4less.com