Lenses
Most digital cameras these days come with a zoom lens of some kind, a lens that can go from seeing the whole scene to "zooming in" on a person's face or a specific detail. Professional cameras offer a variety of zoom lenses but also have what is called a Telephoto lens. The difference between the two types is marginal but important for the aspiring photographer.
Zoom Lenses
A zoom lens
A point and shoot digital camera comes with a zoom lens. It allows you to get that closeup of your friends or your dog. The amount of zoom is measured in "times"; for instance, a digital point and shoot camera has a "4x" zoom that allows you to make the image four times bigger and closer. More professional cameras measure this magnification in millimeters; a lens that zooms to 300 millimeters is a large magnification.
Telephoto Lenses
A telephoto lens
A telephoto lens typically does not "zoom" in and is measured in the more professional sounding millimeters. Eight-five millimeters is the standard measurement for a telephoto lens, and they are produced in 90 millimeters, 105 millimeters, 120 millimeters, 200 millimeters, 300 millimeters, 400 millimeters and beyond. Lenses that do not zoom are referred to as "prime lenses," though this title is not solely for the telephotos but also for lenses with shorter measurements. Telephoto lenses are usually priced much higher because of the quality of the optics, explained in the next section.
Optics
The glass and optics in most zoom lenses are typically of a lower quality than those in a telephoto lens. This is because the glass in a zoom lens moves and will experience more wear than a telephoto lens. There are higher end, higher quality zoom lenses, but most professionals prefer the quality glass and optics of a telephoto lens.
Uses
Professionally, telephoto lenses typically are used in more formal settings. Making portraits, shooting ads and generally controlled environments are best for telephoto lenses. Zoom lenses are used where there is less control. Photojournalism, nature photography, wedding photography are all examples of when a photographer will have to act quickly to get the shot. So rather than running closer to the subject, the photographer simply can zoom in.
Overall
Depending on what kind of photography you wish to do will have an impact on your decision. Many photographers have both telephoto and zoom lenses, so they can be prepared to shoot in any situation. In the end it all comes down to what you are comfortable and confident with.
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