| Whether you are a professional photographer or | | | | the help of the macro focus option. The |
| enjoy photography as a hobby, you will eventually | | | | reproduction ratio of the lens helps determine the |
| need a fairly comprehensive knowledge of your | | | | range of a close-up focus. For example, a 1:4 |
| camera's technical features, including zoom. Zoom | | | | means that if diameter of the subject is 4 inches, |
| is very basic; it allows you to focus closely on | | | | the outcome in the final picture will be 1 inch. |
| your subject, and the addition of filters to a zoom | | | | 2. Most cameras come with one-touch zoom |
| camera can produce some spectacular special | | | | control which allows you to focus and zoom |
| effects. | | | | simultaneously. |
| In years past, cameras came equipped with a set | | | | Important Considerations Buying a Lens |
| of lenses, each with a different focal length. Every | | | | The most important feature to assess is range of |
| time a close-up or different angle was needed for | | | | focal length. If you plan to use a camera mostly |
| a subject, the photographer had to select the | | | | for vacation or travel purposes, buy a mid-range |
| right lens and make the change to gain a desired | | | | zoom lens. On the other hand, if you are buying |
| result. This was very time-consuming. Any minor | | | | for sports or portrait photography, choose a |
| error in judgment in that selection could easily | | | | telephoto zoom lens. |
| produce a distorted picture. | | | | Consider the weight and size of the lens. |
| With the rapid improvement in photography | | | | Generally, the heavier and larger the lens, the |
| technology, a single integrated lens was | | | | greater its speed. |
| introduced. This lens allowed a photographer to | | | | And speaking of speed, if you plan to use your |
| instantaneously zoom in from different ranges. | | | | camera indoors, buy a faster lens since it allows |
| With each zoom range there was a new focal | | | | more exposure time, which is useful in low light |
| length to the camera lens. | | | | locations. |
| Three common types of zoom lens include | | | | Also, allow your budget to weigh in on the matter |
| mid-range, telephoto and long zoom. A single | | | | as well. More features almost always mean a |
| mid-range zoom lens can easily cover telephoto, | | | | higher expense lens. |
| normal and wide-angle focal lengths. To capture | | | | Having a zoom lens allows you to take some |
| wildlife or any sports-related moment, typically | | | | stunning pictures. Before making an expensive |
| long zooms are used. Portrait, sports, scenic and | | | | purchase, decide where you mostly plan to use |
| candid pictures are commonly taken using a | | | | the camera, and let that heavily influence your |
| telephoto lens. | | | | decision making. Over time you can always |
| Common Features of a Zoom Lens | | | | purchase other types of zoom lenses to carry |
| 1. Taking a close-up of a subject is achieved with | | | | along with your other equipment. |