An optical 'zoom' or 'variable focal length' lens is one that has a range of focal lengths at which it can operate. "Digital zoom" is a technology which simulates optical zoom by cropping the image.
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1answer
49 views
How does the image quality compare between these lenses? [duplicate]
Want to buy a zoom lens for Nikon D5100 [now only have the kit lens 18-55mm].
I've selected these options
AF Zoom-NIKK0R 70-300mm f/4-5.6G
Tamron AF 70-300mm F/4-5.6 Di LD Macro
Sigma 70-300mm ...
0
votes
2answers
89 views
How is zoom measured? [duplicate]
Zoom meaning the ability to make something distant appear closer. Consumer cameras are sold with a maximum zoom which is supposed to define how much closer. For example a camera might be 40x zoom, ...
1
vote
1answer
49 views
How to fix a zoom lens that is sticky at a particular focal length?
I have the Canon 18-55mm lens. When I zoom out from 55mm to 18mm, the lens works fine until 22mm, where it seems to be stuck and you must then use a bit more force. I saw in many sites that this is ...
3
votes
2answers
194 views
How do you choose among different 70-300mm lens for Nikon DSLRs?
I have a Nikon D5100 and it's my first dSLR. I've played with the kit lens for a while and now want to explore the zoom category. I've shortlisted these 70-300mm lenses:
Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor ...
1
vote
0answers
37 views
Canon 16-35 f/2.8L II zoom ring noise
I just bought this lens. Out of the box, it makes a little noise while turning the zoom ring left and right (different from the other lenses I have, almost a metallic kind of noise).
It looks like ...
3
votes
2answers
298 views
Why prefer the 18-55mm and 55-250mm lenses vs 18-200mm?
There seems to be a preference for to have the
18 mm - 55 mm
55 mm - 250 mm
lenses, but no mention of why they're better than a single 18-200mm. Could someone please explain why the two separate ...
0
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0answers
7 views
Digital video cameras optical zoom vs lenses [migrated]
If you read at digital video cameras specifications, you will probably read that camera has 20x optical zoom or even greater.
If you compare this camera with my Nikor 18-200 lens, the lens itself is ...
2
votes
2answers
203 views
How close can a Nikon 1 J1 with 30-110mm lens “zoom in” to a shot?
I am trying to decide which camera to buy. Have looked into both the Nikon Coolpix P100 and 1 J1, and feel that the 1J1 is more adaptable, and has many features that I'd like to enjoy. But, I'm ...
6
votes
1answer
191 views
When focusing at max zoom, focus is lost after zooming out. Is that normal?
On my Canon kit lens, I could completely zoom in, focus on the object and then zoom out to take the picture with the object still in focus.
Now I have a Sigma 18-200mm (with a Canon 600D) and that ...
4
votes
1answer
150 views
Do all telephoto zoom lenses backfocus on the wide angle end?
I’ve just gone through a round of testing with two telephoto zooms, on two different cameras, and both appear to have significant back focus issues at the 70mm end.
I just had the Nikon 70-200 f/2.8 ...
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votes
2answers
201 views
How does the Tamron AF 28-75mm f2.8 compare to Canon EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM?
I am looking to buy a good walk around lens for t3i to finally upgrade from my kit lens. My current preference is Canon 15-85. however I am wondering if I should get Tamron AF 28-75mm f2.8.
I am ...
2
votes
2answers
257 views
What is the best Canon Telephoto Zoom Lens for $600-650?
I intend to expand my lens arsenal for my Canon 650D. Already have the kit lens 18-55mm and the UWA Tokina 11-16mm 2.8.
My next objective is to get a telephoto zoom lens in the range $600-650.
...
4
votes
3answers
309 views
Are modern telephoto zooms so improved that they're not a big tradeoff vs primes? [duplicate]
I am looking for a good amateur telephoto lens for Nikon DSLR. It's main purpose will be sport shots.
Back when I learned photography with film SLR, a fixed focal lens was significantly better than a ...
2
votes
3answers
187 views
Is a small amount of play on the Fujifilm X-E1 mount normal?
I have a brand new Fuji X-E1 with the 18-55 zoom. The lens has the barest amount of play once mounted, rotating back and forth less than a half millimeter if I twist it firmly. I've had old Nikon film ...
5
votes
3answers
214 views
What differentiates a Canon standard zoom from an ultra-wide angle zoom?
I was checking the Canon website and found that the EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM lens is a "standard" zoom lens, whereas the EF 17-40mm f/4L USM is described as an "ultra-wide" Zoom.
Is there ...
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votes
2answers
92 views
slr 100mm to 300mm vs 10x 20x [duplicate]
SLR zoom capacity is described in term of mm instead of x like 4x, 8x etc. What is the difference? How can we convert mm into x.
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4answers
284 views
Nikon DSLR and optical Zooming [duplicate]
I want to buy a professional camera like Nikon D300. I googled a lot but did not overcome the following dubs.
1) I want a high optical zooming camera. In DSRL specification no zooming is specified.
...
2
votes
2answers
166 views
Why is depth of field minimised at the max focal length of a zoom lens?
I am using Nikon D7000 with 18-105. I have read people saying to get images with the minimum depth of field, the lens should be at its maximumum focal length, in this case at 105mm. However at 105mm ...
3
votes
2answers
315 views
Should a Nikon 18-55 lens zoom automatically?
I have purchased a Nikon D5000 camera with 18-55 from eBay.
The lens focuses automatically, but should the lens also zoom automatically or is this controlled manually by the zoom ring.
3
votes
4answers
576 views
Canon 24-105 vs 70-200 within the same range
I'm interested about shooting within the ~70-100mm range. I found out on google shop that these two lenses are priced $750[24-105mm, new] and $550 [70-200mm, new], respectively.
Which one do you ...
2
votes
2answers
136 views
What is zoom multiplication based on?
When a camera says that it has, for example, a 10x optical zoom, what exactly is that 10x based on? Is it the angle of view of the human eye, the focal length of the camera, or what?
4
votes
1answer
110 views
Is it normal for the zoom to be loose on a Sony 18-250 lens?
I have the Sony 18-250mm lens.
The lens is so loose that it doesn't keep a focal length, but slides down to the fullest extension with minimal downward slope. Is this standard or should I see a ...
1
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3answers
205 views
How to get focal length from a camera specification which gives a value like “4.5-22.5”?
I am using a Sony W520 camera. The specifications mention
Focal Length (f= mm) 4.5-22.5. What number should I take? The lower value or the higher? And if not both of them, then how to calculate actual ...
9
votes
2answers
858 views
What is the meaning of W and T on a camera's zoom buttons?
On every conventional digital camera (excluding the models with detachable lenses), there are buttons to zoom in and out with W side and T side.
When you press W, the lens zooms out. The lens zooms ...
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2answers
398 views
What level of zoom lens comes with a new Canon EOS 1100D?
I am a complete newbie to DSLRs.
I am planning on buying a Canon EOS 1100D SLR with Kit (EF S18-55 IS II). (It's also known as the Canon Rebel T3.)
I have a 10x optical zoom in my Point and Shoot ...
2
votes
1answer
123 views
Is the zoom (18-55mm) of my Nikon D3000 broken?
I've been having troubles with the zoom of the camera. I can only set the level from 18 to 24 when I used to be able to choose what ever value I wanted (between 18 and 55mm of course!!). The 'zoom ...
6
votes
1answer
158 views
How many moving elements in a Canon A490?
I got mugged a few days ago, but got my camera back in the end. Bonus: I got some sand too. I now have the camera in pieces, cleaning them as I go along, and the lens barrel extends and retracts ...
4
votes
2answers
361 views
Why does calculated distance of an object in an image vary when zooming?
I would like to calculate the distance of an object from my camera, so i used the formula given in this question and I got a very good answer, but I've found that when I zoom and take the picture and ...
2
votes
1answer
231 views
Is it normal for the Fujifilm HS25 to have high resistance to zoom?
I bought the 35mm "dslr emulator" on a trial basis. Attracted to hand-zoom lens as motorized zoom is the "weak link" (in terms of camera mean time between failure) on motorized non-dslrs (where entire ...
3
votes
1answer
125 views
Can I make my Canon dslr instantly zoom to 1:1 after shooting a picture?
When you shoot a photo, your picture is displayed onscreen. It's said to be possible to zoom in the picture, but pressing the zoom buttons do not zoom but activate their second function. So is it ...
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vote
1answer
88 views
Macro mode: Should I make sure the lens is all zoomed out?
It appears that on most compact digital cameras, the macro mode (flower symbol) works best (or only) when the zoom lens is at the widest setting (comparable to e.g. 35 mm).
What is the reason? ...
3
votes
2answers
528 views
What is the conversion between focal length and times zoom? [duplicate]
Possible Duplicate:
How do I convert lens mm to optical zoom times?
What is the conversion between focal length in mm (e.g. 50mm) and x zoom (e.g. 20x) commonly used in compact cameras? Is ...
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2answers
3k views
Best all round zoom lens for D3100?
New to DSLR photography and would like some advice. What would be a good all round lens for the Nikon D3100? I have got the 18-55 one from the kit, any recommendations?
Also are there any other items ...
5
votes
1answer
390 views
Should my flash zoom match my lens focal length or its 35mm equivalent?
I have a camera with an APS-C sized sensor. Should my flash zoom match my lens's actual focal length or its 35mm equivalent?
I am hoping that someone can shed some scientific light to this matter.
3
votes
1answer
491 views
24mm f2.8 vs 24-85 f3.5-f4.5 (Nikon)
I have a 17-50 f2.8 zoom (Tamron) and while it performs admirably, it is heavy. So I was thinking of a 24mm f2.8 prime, when I also read up on the 24-85 f3.5-4.5 (non-VR) AFS lens.
Here's the ...
3
votes
1answer
151 views
What do I need in order to mount my zoom lens onto a tripod?
I just purchased a cheap Opteka zoom lens and it is super long -- over two feet when fully elongated. It has built-in a tripod mount and I have no idea how to use it.
I currently own a Vanguard ...
0
votes
1answer
394 views
What is cheapest way to get a 10-20× zoom range on a Nikon D5100? [duplicate]
Possible Duplicate:
How do I decide on a camera/lens with high zoom range?
There are a lot of relatively cheap ~ 300$ (with body) consumer cameras with mega-zoom features — i.e. lenses with ...
10
votes
2answers
288 views
Max aperture on zoom lenses - stepwise or linear?
When zooming with lenses without a fixed max aperture, the change in aperture* that the camera displays is stepwise, usually in steps of thirds. But, is the max aperture really the same all the way as ...
1
vote
2answers
1k views
What are the differences between the Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM lens and the one that isn't IS II?
On Amazon, the Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM Telephoto Zoom Lens for Canon SLR Cameras is $2500 whereas the Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L USM Telephoto Zoom Lens for Canon SLR Cameras is a mere $1400. ...
7
votes
1answer
357 views
Why is the Canon MP-E 65mm F/2.8 Macro Lens not called a zoom?
The Canon MP-E 65mm works differently than my other macro lenses. Compare:
With a standard 35mm macro, I can frame first and then adjust focus which only changes framing very slightly with.
With the ...
4
votes
5answers
2k views
Canon EF-S 15-85mm IS USM or Canon EF-S 18-135mm IS to replace a broken kit lens?
I'm looking to upgrade the 18-55 kit lens I got with my 450D. I finally settled choosing between these two.
Which one would you get and why?
I do mostly amateur photography on my spare time, trips ...
1
vote
2answers
229 views
Does image quality on compact cameras degrade when zooming in?
I have a Panasonic Lumix LX5 which I find generally produces good photos. However I have noticed on numerous occasions that the image quality when at the limit of the optical zoom (not using the ...
0
votes
1answer
223 views
How does the Tamron 55-200mm LD macro lens compare to the Canon 55-250mm IS?
I have a Canon 1100d, the standard 18-55mm lens kit, and the 50mm f1.8 lens. I want to buy a zoom lens as I would like to be able to get closer to far away subjects.
I have been looking at both the ...
3
votes
3answers
708 views
Are prime lenses sharper than normal or telephoto zoom lenses?
Example:
The prime lens Nikon 1.4F G is said to be very sharp at F3.5.
So, if I compare that with the normal or telephoto zoom lens's F3.5, will the level of sharpness be same?
If no, then will the ...
2
votes
3answers
2k views
What is the technical difference between focus and zooming?
This may look like a silly question but I don't know what the difference between zooming and focusing is. Zooming in will usually let me have fewer subjects in the scene while zooming out will allow ...
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vote
1answer
2k views
Why does my aperture setting change as I zoom the lens on my Nikon D90?
I am new to the photography field and this something which I am not able to understand. I am playing around with my Nikon D90 along with its kit lens (18-105mm).
While reading about Depth of preview, ...
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vote
2answers
638 views
How good is Sigma 70-300mm F/4-5.6 DG Macro Lens
Planning to buy this lens for my D-90, but not sure how good it is, though i have narrow down my search based on budget constraint.
But i have read that it has given good results for wildlife ...
3
votes
4answers
385 views
What is the technical name of the lens which has a fixed aperture but zooms?
What is the technical name for a lens which has the same maximum aperture throughout the entire zoom range?
11
votes
2answers
1k views
Why push/pull zoom is not widespread?
The Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 L IS USM has a push/pull zoom mechanism instead of a zoom ring. Other lenses, like the Nikon 80-200mm f/2.8 AF released in 1988 use this type of zoom too, but the ...
19
votes
3answers
1k views
When you zoom in with a lens on an SLR why does the lens go in then out?
I guess this is more a question of optics than photography but I just got an SLR with a basic 18-55 lens. I noticed that when going from 18 to 55 or 55 to 18 the lens physically comes back in and ...
