If you already have an everyday lens, you should absolutely buy it. Prime lenses (or fixed focal length) are generally much sharper, faster, and have better glass. You should run to your nearest camera store and strap one on for a test drive. Usually stores don't have a problem with this.

I have a Nikkor 85mm 1.8 prime and love it! The pictures it can produce are fabulous.

Prime lenses are often suited for folks who enjoy portrait photography. For example, if you went on a nature hike, you would probably want a lens with some versatility because you never know when that perfect shot of an animal in the distance will come up and you may not have time to switch lenses.

Also keep in mind the 'zoom factor'. Usually a 50mm lens frames like a 75mm lens on a regular 35mm camera because of the 1.5 zoom factor. This means you will have to stand a bit further back from your subject.
Source(s):
My own experience.

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