Zoom Lenses page 8

Everything you need to know about zoom lenses

What is a zoom lens?

Using a zoom lens you can quickly and easily switch focal distances, in order to capture your subject in ultra definition. You switch focal distance simply by turning the lens: just zoom in or out. This change is achieved by shifting or turning the individual lenses of the lens. These types of lenses are ideal if you want to zoom in a lot and keep the focus and sharpness in your photo. A zoom lens' specs are indicated by the ratio between the shortest and longest focal length and the aperture (e.g. 18-55mm f/2.8-4.0 or 55-250mm f/4.0-5.6).

Functionality of zoom lenses

The diversity in zoom lenses on the market has been huge for many years now. This lens type is still highly valued by both amateur and professional photographers. The options and functionality of these lenses form a key factor in their popularity. With just a few zoom lenses you can capture a range of images. Whether you are looking to capture athletes in action or take stunning nature shots.

Nowadays, many zoom lenses feature a good macro range which enables you to quickly and effectively take a clear close-up. For optical image stabilisation zoom lenses feature reduction technology that lessens movement blur which is ideal for when you're working with longer shutter speed times and focal distances. The adjustment ring on the lens lets you zoom and focus.

Super zoom lens

Super or hyper zoom lenses feature a whopping optical zoom range of up to 100x. This ensures objects are brought several times closer and that you can go from a broad overview to minute detail in no time at all. This switch-over from wide-angle to telephoto makes this lens type ideal for pretty much any situation, so considerably reducing the number of lenses you'll need to take on your trip. Of course, whether this type of lens is suitable depends entirely on the composition style you're after. Indeed, prime lenses with a fixed focal distance yield enhanced depth and clearer pictures than the super zoom lens.

Which brand will you choose?

Do you have a particular brand in mind? We have various top brands:

Sigma | Tamron | Canon | Sony | Nikon