Optical vs.
digital zoom

This web page deals exclusively with optical zoom camera lenses. A digital zoom camera lens is not worth commenting upon except to say that it produces muddled photos. I strongly recommend that you use only optical zoom, which delivers good resolution.

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Zoom vs.
fixed-length lenses

A zoom lens lets you use a range of focal lengths, which are measured in mm (millimeter) units. The higher the number, the greater the magnification and the narrower the angle of view.

A fixed-length lens cannot zoom. It shoots only at its proscribed mm focal length. Fixed-length lenses produce slightly sharper pictures than do zooms. They are also somewhat faster.

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Lens collections

Professionals assemble a set of fixed-length and zoom lenses to suit their every need.

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Popular zoom configurations

Three of the more popular zoom configurations:

28 to 105mm

80 to 200mm

100 to 300mm

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Fixed-length configurations

Popular sizes include:

24mm (wide angle)

28mm (wide angle)

35mm (wide angle)

50mm (standard)

85mm (low telescopic)

100mm (low telescopic)

135mm (mid telescopic)

300mm (high telescopic)

There are also 600mm lenses. They are big and heavy - and costs as much as US$9,000. Professional sports and wildlife photographers use them.

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Click PAGE TWO for more
camera lens pointers

People

Composing

Flash

Using no flash

Landscapes

Other situations

After your trip

SLR or compact?

Battery

Memory

Features

Tripod

Other accessories

Photo tips - home page

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