Consider how well the telephoto lens teams with subjects such as portraiture, architecture, wildlife and action.
Choosing the range of a telephoto zoom lens depends on the magnification needed to create the image. Lenses with a long focal length and high-quality optical glass and other materials will bring distant subjects up close and compress that subject for a pleasing perspective.
Range
Major camera companies produce comprehensive lines of lenses that include standard zoom, wide-angle zoom and telephoto zoom lenses. A medium telephoto zoom with a range from 70 mm to 200 mm offers versatility for travel, sports, landscape and portraiture. This range can make this lens ideal as the one telephoto lens to pack for outdoor photography.
Canon produces four kinds of 70-200 mm lenses that vary according to widest aperture and image stabilization options. Nikon's Nikkor line includes 200-400 mm f/4 lenses, the longest of its high-power zoom series. Sigma offers a 50-500 mm lens with 10x power magnification.
Drawbacks
While the zoom range controls the range of magnification and compression of a subject, the longer focal length and added weight can exaggerate motion blur. A tripod, while often cumbersome to carry and set up, helps stabilize the camera and minimize camera shake.
Decision Process
Product reviews conducted by professional reviewers and online reviews and forums reviews by consumers can alert future buyers to the advantages and disadvantages of specific telephoto zoom lenses. First-time buyers may benefit from renting and testing one or two lenses in the field for optical quality and image quality. Factors include ease in handling and maximum aperture in many different light conditions. Photographers should also compare their old lenses with the new lens to appreciate how the new range can offer a sharper and tighter image.
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