If you are tired of being unable to capture those distant views or there is too much background and not enough subject in your photographs, it may be time to invest in a zoom lens. Typically, you will get what you pay for when you purchase a zoom lens, but there are ways to determine the best choice for your needs.
First, understanding the specific function of a zoom lens is very important. The purpose of a zoom lens is to allow you to adjust the focal length within the extent that the lens is constructed to function. When you zoom the lens you are changing this “focal length”. The angle of view is the amount of a scene captured by the film or image sensor, and it is changed when you zoom the lens. Additionally, the amount of magnification changes when you use the zoom function. Zooming in on a subject narrows the angle of view, while increasing the focal length while zooming out achieves the exact opposite effect.
A bit of history to go along with the lesson, zoom lenses were at one time a sort of taboo among professional photographers. They did not offer the sharpness and clarity that a fixed focal length lens did at the time. Advances in technology, however, have progress the zoom lens to a very versatile and reliable piece of equipment and they grow increasingly popular in professional circles. They now offer auto-focusing and the creative ability of composing a piece in picture rather than in the darkroom or on the computer.
Different types of zoom lenses suit different purposes. For instance, some zoom lenses are made to offer a wider range, while others are still limited. Some of the best zoom lenses I have found are as follows:
Konica Minolta 24-105mm:
This is a quality made lens from a very well respected company. The price ranges from $425.00 – $475.00 and is made to fit specifically with a Minolta Maxxum AF SLR. A great product for the price!
Canon Zoom Lens EF 28-90mm:
This lens offers the highest zoom range in it’s class and is a great performer at a very low price. This lens ranges from $125.00 – $150.00. This lens includes and auto-focus feature and has a higher aperture rating than the lens listed above.
Quantaray 70-210mm:
The price tag on this lens is only around $100.00. While it is affordable, it is still effective and ideal for taking photographs of sports images and portraits. This lens is very light (only 12 ounces) and has a manual focus feature.
Pentax SMC P-DA 50-200mm:
Another moderately priced zoom lens is this one from Pentax. This lens sells for around $250.00 and comes with a lens hood which is beneficial in minimizing glare and reducing ghost images. Small and light, this zoom lens is easy to use and extremely versatile.
These are just a few examples of items on the market, though there are many other products available. If you are thinking of purchasing a zoom lens for the first time, always check the aperture. Zoom lenses typically have a lower F-Number, which means the lens is dark and the shutter speed is slow. This may cause some shakiness in your photographs and it may be a good idea to use a tripod. Additionally, some lenses are made to fit certain cameras alone. Make sure you have the correct product for your specific camera, or be sure to find out if a lens adapter is available.
