Focusing Zoom Lens
Knowing Which Digital Slr Camera Lens is Right for You?
When shopping for a Digital SLR Camera people often overlook or skimp on the camera’s lenses. Camera Lenses serve as the digital SLR cameras “eye,†the lens determines what and how your camera will see your subject and how well that view is transmitted to the camera’s sensor chip for recording. The way I like to look at camera lenses is as painter’s brushes, broad strokes, medium stokes, all purpose brushes, and small detail brushes. There is a lot to learn about digital slr camera lenses and this article will serve as a basic outline to understanding them. The following sections explain the basic types of digital SLR camera lenses, how they work, and how to select them.
Focal Length
On a digital SLR camera the focal length of the lenses measures the distance between the lens and the image sensor, measured in millimeters. Lenses can be classified into subgroups like prime, macro, wide angle, normal, telephoto, and zoom lenses. They are also rated in regards to f-stop or speed an example would be a F2.0 50mm lens or a 1.4F 80 mm lens. We will explain this later in this article.
Prime Lenses:
Prime lenses are fixed focal length lenses like a 50mm 1.4f lens. To zoom with these types of lenses you need to use your feet and to get closer or farther away from the subject. Traditionally prime lenses are sharper and faster then zoom lenses. If you’re on a budget you can pick up some amazing used older prime lenses off eBay or your local camera store.
Macro Lenses:
Marco Lenses are your detail brushes they enable you to get up close and personal with your subject. These types of lenses are used for extreme close ups on small objects like daisies, pennies, and food but not limited to these types of subjects. Examples of macro lenses are 50mm and 100 mm macros. These lenses are also great for selective focus types of photos.
Wide-angle Lenses:
Wide-angle lenses are your broad stroke brushes; these types of lenses have short focal lengths. The short focal length has the visual effect of “pushing†the subject away from you and making it appear smaller. The beauty of wide-angle lenses is you can be relatively close to your subject and fit a broad stroke of the background into the scene.
One problem with wide-angle lenses is known as convergence, a distortion that makes vertical structures appear to lean toward the center of the frame. A way to check if the wide-angle lenses you are interested in has convergence is to take test pictures before buying the lens. With high quality wide angles lenses like Canon “L†series lenses address this convergence issue well. Examples of wide-angle lenses are 15MM, 17mm, 24mm and 28mm lenses.
Normal Lenses:
Normal Lenses try to mimic how the human eye sees and are some of the most versatile lenses you can use. These are my all purpose brushes, and are somewhere between a wide angle and a telephoto lenses. If you buy just one lens try and buy the fastest normal lenses you can like a 50mm 1.4f lenses. Some examples of normal lenses are 35mm; 50mm, 65mm and some consider a 80mm a normal lens.
Telephoto Lenses:
Lenses with long focal lengths 100mm and higher are called telephoto lenses. A long focal length seems to bring the subject closer to you and increases the subject's size in the frame. Telephoto lenses also give your subjects a graphic look and flatten out your subject. These lenses are my short stroke brushes.
Zoom Lenses:
Zoom lenses are special because they can be very versatile. These types of lenses vary in their focal lengths and come in many in wide-angle, telephoto, and wide-angle to telephoto. In my bag I carry a 17mm to 35mm my wide–angle broad brush, 24mm to 70mm my medium brush, and a 80mm to 200mm my short brush. With these three lenses I get a very board range of focal lengths for any situation. All of my zooms are at least f2.8 through out the lenses range, which means my f-stop can stay constant while I am zooming in and out. These types of lenses are very expensive but so get what you pay for. When shopping for a zoom lenses check out the f-stop range rating. An example is a 24mm to 300mm f3.5-f5.6 lenses meaning the lowest f-stop you can shoot is at the 24mm range of the lenses and when you zoom to 200mm the lowest you can go is f5.6. Zoom lenses can give you flexibility and versatility all in one lenses. When buying a zoom lens try and get one that is made of glass and is the fastest you can afford, you will not regret it.
Understanding what these different groups of lenses can do will help you make more informed decisions on what lenses to purchase and what to put in your camera bag.
About the Author
Get the best deals on Used Digital SLR Cameras at our marketplace. www.useddigitalslrcamera.com
On my 70-200 zoom camera lens when I rotate the focus ring there?
is a "Macro" setting with 1:5, 1:8, etc. How does this work and/or how can I use this feature in taking photos?
So-called 'true' macro is 1:1, which is very close, sometimes referred to as 'life-size'. If you have 1:5, it is one-fifth life-size; if you have 1:8 you have one-eighth life-size,etc. Getting into macro mode is done differently on different zoom lenses. Try taking pictures of flowers; my motto is 'fill the frame'.
Depth of Field - A Visual Guide to the Lens
 Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4.0-5.6 IS Telephoto Zoom Lens for Canon Digital SLR Cameras List Price: Sale Price: Too low to display  Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days  |
 Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III Telephoto Zoom Lens for Canon SLR Cameras List Price: Sale Price: $159.95 You save: $40.04 (20%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours |
 Tamron AF 70-300mm f/4.0-5.6 Di LD Macro Zoom Lens with Built In Motor for Nikon Digital SLR List Price: Sale Price: $199.00 You save: $167.55 (46%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours |
 Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM Standard Zoom Lens for Canon SLR Cameras List Price: Sale Price: $330.00 You save: $430.00 (57%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days |
 Sony 75-300mm f/4.5-5.6 Compact Super Telephoto Zoom Lens for Sony Alpha Digital SLR Camera Sale Price: $248.00 Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours |
 Canon EFS 55-250mm f/4.0-5.6 IS II Telephoto Zoom Lens for Canon Digital SLR Cameras List Price: Sale Price: $171.00 You save: $128.99 (43%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days |
 Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS SLR Lens List Price: Sale Price: $105.00 You save: $175.00 (62%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days |
 SUNWAYFOTO 77mm 77 Adjustable Lens Focus / Focusing /Zoom / Filter Handle / Lever DRH-77 DRH77 Sunway Sale Price: $39.00 Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours |
 Nikon 35mm f/1.8G AF-S DX Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras List Price: Sale Price: $196.95 You save: $23.00 (10%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days |
 Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6 EX DC HSM Lens for Canon Digital SLR Cameras Sale Price: $479.00 Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours |
.
Find cool shopping deals for Focusing Zoom Lens, today.
 |
 SUNWAYFOTO 72mm Lens Focusing Focus Zoom Filter Handle Lever DRH 70 Sunway $36.00 Time Remaining: 4d 17h 27m Buy It Now for only: $36.00 |
 Vivitar 35 105mm 132 4 MC Macro Focusing Zoom with Canon FD mount $25.00 Time Remaining: 1h 19m Buy It Now for only: $75.00 |
 VIVITAR 28 105mm 128 38 Macro Focusing Zoom Lens w Caps Case $14.99 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 1d 15h 51m |
 SUNWAYFOTO 77mm 82mm Lens Focusing Focus Zoom Filter Handle Lever DRH 77 Sunway $39.00 Time Remaining: 4d 17h 28m Buy It Now for only: $39.00 |
 Vivitar 75 205 38 Macra Focusing Zoom Camera Lens $42.99 Time Remaining: 2h 18m |
 Vivitar Series 1 Camera Lens 70 210 mm 135 Macro Focusing Auto Zoom 22402540 $40.00 Time Remaining: 28d 13h 34m Buy It Now for only: $40.00 |
 Vivitar Macro Focusing Zoom Lens 70 210mm $39.59 Time Remaining: 1d 10h 56m |
 Vivitar 28 70 mm 135 48 MC Macro Focusing Zoom 52 mm Film Camera Lense $0.99 Time Remaining: 2d 16h 2m |
 Vivitar 70 210mm f35 Series 1 Macro focusing zoom lens Nikon AI fit 37104555 $31.58 Time Remaining: 29d 11h 58m Buy It Now for only: $31.58 |
 VIVITAR 28 70MM F 39 48 MACRO FOCUSING ZOOM LENS $14.99 Time Remaining: 1d 21h 7m |
 Vivitar 28 200mm Lens Macro Focusing Zoom Photography $29.99 Time Remaining: 10d 17h 25m Buy It Now for only: $29.99 |
 Vivitar Macro Focusing Zoom 70 210mm f145 lens with caps and soft case $9.99 Time Remaining: 3d 30m |
 Vivitar 70 200mm 138 Macro Focusing Zoom Camera Lens O OM mount + 58mm Filter $21.75 Time Remaining: 4h 25m Buy It Now for only: $23.99 |
 Vivitar 85 205mm 138 Close Focusing Auto Zoom Lens $19.00 Time Remaining: 15d 14h 4m Buy It Now for only: $19.00 |
 VINTAGE VIVITAR SERIES 1 70 210 MM I35 MACRO FOCUSING AUTO ZOOM LENSE $29.99 Time Remaining: 23h 50m |
 Vivitar M MD 75 205mm Macro Focusing Zoom Lens 138 Fits Minolta $9.95 Time Remaining: 3d 17h 57m Buy It Now for only: $9.95 |
 VIVITAR 70 150mm F38 MACRO FOCUSING zoom for Olympus OM Mount SLR Cameras $15.99 Time Remaining: 2d 13h 1m |
 VIVITAR 75 200MM F38 CLOSE FOCUSING AUTO ZOOM LENS $14.99 Time Remaining: 1d 21h 7m |
 Sears Macro Focusing Zoom Lens For Pentax M42 Screw Mount $32.80 Time Remaining: 17h 13m Buy It Now for only: $32.80 |
 Vivitar 85 205mm 138 Close Focusing Auto Zoom for older Olympus film camera $9.99 Time Remaining: 2d 33m |
 SUNWAYFOTO 58mm 62mm Lens Focusing Focus Zoom Filter Handle Lever DRH 60 Sunway $32.00 Time Remaining: 4d 17h 27m Buy It Now for only: $32.00 |
 Vivitar 100 300mm f 5 Close Focusing Auto Zoom Camera Lens Minolta M SR Mount $15.00 Time Remaining: 5d 22h 31m |
 Soligor 80 200 f45 macro focusing zoom for Canon FD fits Panasonic Micro 4 3 $0.99 Time Remaining: 3d 20h 58m |
 SUNWAYFOTO 67mm Lens Focusing Focus Zoom Filter Handle Lever DRH 65 Sunway $33.00 Time Remaining: 4d 17h 27m Buy It Now for only: $33.00 |
 VIVITAR 70 210MM 145 MC MACRO FOCUSING ZOOM LENS FOR PENTAX $35.00 Time Remaining: 2d 12h 44m |
 VIVITAR MC macro focusing zoom 135 45 75 205mm CAMERA LENS for Konica $9.95 Time Remaining: 2d 22h 7m Buy It Now for only: $9.95 |
 Olympus OM Vivitar 28 135mm f 35 45 MC Macro Focusing Zoom In Box Needs Help $5.00 Time Remaining: 4d 17h 50m Buy It Now for only: $9.95 |
 VIVITAR 70 210MM 145 MC MACRO FOCUSING ZOOM LENS P K A $35.00 Time Remaining: 2d 16h 55m |
 VIVITAR 52mm 156 67 100 300mm Macro Focusing Zoom Lens SLR Camera Canon FD $39.99 Time Remaining: 10d 23h 52m Buy It Now for only: $39.99 |
 Vivitar Macro Focusing Zoom 70 205mm 138 Camera Lens $24.99 Time Remaining: 23h 56m |
 Vivitar 70 150mm 138 MC Macro Focusing Zoom Lens Olympus OM Mount $29.00 Time Remaining: 3d 22h 42m Buy It Now for only: $29.00 |
 Vivitar 28 85mm Macro Focusing Zoom Lens $0.99 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 5d 15h 34m |
 VIVITAR 28 135MM 135 45 MC MACRO FOCUSING ZOOM LENS $9.99 Time Remaining: 1d 21h 24m |
 VTG VIVITAR MACRO FOCUSING ZOOM LENS MC 70 210MM 45 $24.56 Time Remaining: 7d 16h 44m Buy It Now for only: $24.56 |
 Clean VIVITAR 70 210mm F 45 MC Macro Focusing ZOOM LENS In Box $9.99 Time Remaining: 4d 5m |
 Nikon Mount Vivitar 35 70mm MC Macro Focusing Zoom 128 38 $30.00 Time Remaining: 24d 1h 33m Buy It Now for only: $30.00 |
 Vivitar SMS 35 200mm f30 45 Macro Focusing Zoom for Olympus OM $15.23 Time Remaining: 3d 22h 41m |
 Vivitar 35 105mm 132 4 MC Macro Focusing Zoom Lens $19.99 Time Remaining: 19h 21m Buy It Now for only: $29.99 |
 VIVITAR ZOOM LENS AUTO 100 200 MM 14 TELEPHOTO LENS CLOSE FOCUSING 58MM $18.00 Time Remaining: 8d 10h 13m Buy It Now for only: $18.00 |
 QUANTARAY AUTOMATIC COMPACT ZOOM LENS MACRO FOCUSING 85 210MM F38 $9.95 Time Remaining: 1d 13h 44m |
 SUNWAYFOTO 86mm Lens Focusing Focus Zoom Filter Handle Lever DRH 88 Sunway $44.00 Time Remaining: 4d 17h 28m Buy It Now for only: $44.00 |
 VIVITAR 75 205MM F38 CLOSE FOCUSING AUTO ZOOM LENS NO RESERVE $4.99 Time Remaining: 1d 17h 46m |
 Vivitar Macro Focusing Zoom Lens $10.00 Time Remaining: 3d 4h 10m |
 rare NIKON AI fit TOKINA 28 70mm F 28 43 lens Macro focusing zoom AI S $93.70 Time Remaining: 8d 16h 14m Buy It Now for only: $93.70 |
 Vintage Vivitar Nikon 28 135mm 35 45 MC Micro Focusing Zoom inst $75.00 Time Remaining: 4d 23h 9m |
 Vivitar 28 85mm 135 45 Macro Focusing Zoom Lens Nikon AI Mount N AI w Caps $49.95 Time Remaining: 14h 7m Buy It Now for only: $49.95 |
 Vivitar V4000 35mm Film Camera + Macro Focusing Zoom Lens 35 70mm 135 48 $69.99 Time Remaining: 3d 22h 42m Buy It Now for only: $84.99 |
 Vivitar 75 300mm 145 56 MC MACRO FOCUSING ZOOM LENS $25.00 Time Remaining: 1d 13h 39m |
 Vivitar SMS 70 210MM 145 MC Macro Focusing Zoom 52MM Lens $15.00 Time Remaining: 5d 18h 13m Buy It Now for only: $15.00 |
 Vintage Vivitar Close Focusing Auto Zoom Lens Digital Conversion 75 205mm 138 $19.95 Time Remaining: 4d 21h 46m |
 Smart design focusing good quality 8X Optical F11 Zoom Lens Telescope +Tripod $22.79 Time Remaining: 12d 1h 27m Buy It Now for only: $22.79 |
 Vivitar 70 210 f45 macro focusing zoom for Canon FD fits Panasonic Micro 4 3 $0.99 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 3d 19h 54m |
 Vintage Vivitar 62MM 75 250 1 38 45 Macro Focusing Zoom Camera Lenses $19.80 Time Remaining: 23h 55m |
 Vivitar 28 210mm 135 56 Macro Focusing Zoom Lens in Olympus OM Mount $24.95 Time Remaining: 24d 21h 51m Buy It Now for only: $24.95 |
 SEARS 60 300mm f 4 AUTO ZOOM MACRO FOCUSING LENS FOR MINOLTA $25.00 Time Remaining: 3d 18h 2m Buy It Now for only: $40.00 |
 Pentax ME Super with Vivitar 28 80mm macro focusing zoom lens strap and manual $89.99 Time Remaining: 2d 13h 17m Buy It Now for only: $89.99 |
 Vivitar 35 105 mm Zoom lens f 35 Close focusing $30.00 Time Remaining: 2d 18h 35m |
 Vivitar 75 205mm f 38 MC Macro Focusing Zoom lens for Canon Excellent $0.99 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 1d 20h 9m |
 Vivitar Zoom Lens Macro Focusing Owner Manual 1982 $6.00 Time Remaining: 17d 16h 42m Buy It Now for only: $6.00 |
 Vivitar 70 210mm f45 MC Macro Focusing Zoom Lens for Pentax K Mount PK $32.99 Time Remaining: 4d 23h 46m Buy It Now for only: $39.99 |
 Vivitar Series 1 Macro Focusing Auto Zoom 70 210mm f 35 Canon FD Mount $18.95 Time Remaining: 1d 15h 29m Buy It Now for only: $18.95 |
 Vivitar 85 205mm 138 Close Focusing Auto Zoom Lens $29.99 Time Remaining: 1d 12h 43m |
 Vivitar close focusing automatic fixed mount zoom lens 85mm 205mm f3 8 $5.00 Time Remaining: 1d 18h 21m |
 VIVITAR 100 300MM 15 AUTO ZOOM CLOSE FOCUSING LENSE $64.50 Time Remaining: 9d 14h 50m Buy It Now for only: $64.50 |
 Vivitar Series 1 70mm 210mm 135 Macro Focusing Auto Zoom Lens $69.99 Time Remaining: 4d 15h 59m |
 VIVITAR RL Edition 80 200mm 140 MACRO FOCUSING ZOOM MC 55 mm Camera Lens $19.99 Time Remaining: 27d 1h 6m Buy It Now for only: $19.99 |
 VIVITAR 75 205mm 138 Close Focusing Auto Zoom Lens O OM Fit in Case L07 $7.88 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 3d 18h 37m |
 Vivitar 70 mm 150 mm F 38 Lens Macro Focusing Zoom For Minolta $9.99 Time Remaining: 1d 17h 7m |
 Vivitar Close Focusing Auto Zoom 75 205mm f 38 Konica Mount $19.95 Time Remaining: 8d 16h 24m Buy It Now for only: $19.95 |
 VIVITAR 62mm 138 75 205mm Macro Focusing Zoom Lens Canon w uv filter $20.00 Time Remaining: 3d 18h 33m Buy It Now for only: $40.00 |
 VIVITAR 75 200MM f45 Macro FOCUSING ZOOM LENS W case and accessories $29.99 Time Remaining: 6d 1h 11m Buy It Now for only: $29.99 |
 Vivitar Series 1 VMC 70 mm 210 mm 135 macro focusing auto zoom Lens $40.00 Time Remaining: 3d 20h 50m |
 Vivitar 85 205 mm 138 Macro Focusing Auto Zoom Lens $45.00 Time Remaining: 5d 11h 46m |
 Vivitar Series 1 28 90MM 128 35 VMC Micro Focusing Zoom Camera Lens 28610297 $69.99 Time Remaining: 14d 15h 52m Buy It Now for only: $69.99 |
 Vivitar Series 1 70 210mm 135 Macro Focusing Auto Zoom Lens For Canon FD $39.28 Time Remaining: 5d 18h 13m |
 Vivitar 35 105mm 132 4 Macro Focusing Zoom Lens with caps $29.95 Time Remaining: 13d 18h 52m Buy It Now for only: $29.95 |
 Vivitar 28 200 135 53 macro focusing zoom 77606476 $49.95 Time Remaining: 5d 14h 28m Buy It Now for only: $55.00 |
 Vivitar 35 105mm MC Macro Focusing Zoom Lens $9.99 Time Remaining: 2d 20h 28m |
 NIKON fit VIVITAR 28 210mm F 35 56 AI S lens with caps Macro focusing zoom $42.99 Time Remaining: 26d 6h 39m Buy It Now for only: $42.99 |
 Olympus OM Phoenix Samyang 35 70mm f 35 45 MC Macro Focusing Zoom Lens NEW $9.95 Time Remaining: 6d 16h 14m |
 MINOLTA SR MACRO FOCUSING AUTO ZOOM LENS 135 70 210m $60.00 Time Remaining: 22d 10h 58m Buy It Now for only: $60.00 |
 Minolta MD Phoenix Samyang 35 70mm f 35 45 MC Macro Focusing Zoom Lens NEW $9.95 Time Remaining: 6d 16h 9m |
 NICE AQUNON 710586 SLR 80 205MM F45 AUTOMATIC FOCUSING ZOOM LENS CANON MINOLTA $0.99 Time Remaining: 4d 15h 17m |
 VIVITAR MACRO FOCUSING ZOOM 70 210MM 145 CANON MNT $24.95 Time Remaining: 3d 22h 34m Buy It Now for only: $24.95 |
 Vintage Vivitar Series 1 70 210 135 Macro Focusing Auto Zoom lens No 22401266 $49.99 Time Remaining: 6d 22h 47m |
 VIVITAR 62mm 138 75 205mm Macro Focusing Zoom Lens Minolta MD w 2X Multiplier $79.99 Time Remaining: 10d 23h 52m Buy It Now for only: $79.99 |
 NICE VIVITAR 77370658 SLR 70 205MM 145 MACRO FOCUSING ZOOM LENS CANON MINOLTA $0.99 Time Remaining: 4d 15h 17m |
 VIVITAR 85 205 mm 138 CLOSE FOCUSING AUTO ZOOM LENS $29.99 Time Remaining: 6d 35m |
 VIVITAR MC Macro Focusing Zoom 28 70mm 135 48 CAMERA LENS for Olympus $28.00 Time Remaining: 28d 18h 48m Buy It Now for only: $28.00 |
 Vivitar 75 205mm 138 Close Focusing Auto Zoom No 22937644 58mm $19.99 Time Remaining: 6d 38m |
 VIVITAR 75 205MM f38 CANON FD MOUNT MC MACRO FOCUSING ZOOM LENS $24.95 Time Remaining: 19h 19m Buy It Now for only: $24.95 |
 Vivitar 70 150mm 138 Close Focusing Auto Zoom Lens Fits Minolta $9.99 Time Remaining: 4d 23h 42m |
 Vivitar Macro Focusing Zoom 70 200mm 138 Pentax $20.00 Time Remaining: 4d 14h 10m |
 NIKON AI fit TOKINA SD 35 200mm F 4 56 lens Macro focusing zoom Please READ $46.99 Time Remaining: 18d 3h 22m Buy It Now for only: $46.99 |
 VIVITAR 70 150mm 138 MC MACRO FOCUSING ZOOM $15.95 Time Remaining: 6d 22h 20m |
 Vivitar 70 210mm MC Macro Focusing Zoom 45 56 $19.00 Time Remaining: 25d 2h 20m Buy It Now for only: $19.00 |
 Vivitar 85 205 mm macro focusing auto zoom lens $19.99 Time Remaining: 5d 20h 30m |
 Vivatar 75 205mm Close Focusing Auto Zoom Lens $30.00 Time Remaining: 5d 23h 52m Buy It Now for only: $33.00 |
 28 85 mm MINOLTA MAXXUM AF Macro Focusing Zoom Lens Sony Alpha Digital Cameras $74.95 Time Remaining: 26d 22h 37m Buy It Now for only: $74.95 |
