What is a zoom lens and why do I need one?

A zoom lens is a type of camera lens that allows you to change the focal length, making it possible to get a variety of effects in your photos. Focal length is the distance between the camera lens and the image sensor, and it affects the field of view and how things look in your photo. For example, a wide-angle lens has a short focal length and can capture more of the scene in front of you, while a telephoto lens has a long focal length and can make things look closer than they really are.

Why use a zoom lens?

Zoom lenses are versatile because they offer a range of focal lengths in one lens. This means that you can shoot wide-angle photos or zoom in for close-ups without having to change lenses. Zoom lenses are also great for travel photography because they allow you to pack light without sacrificing shooting flexibility.

What are the different types of zoom lenses?

There are three main types of zoom lenses: standard zooms, wide-angle zooms, and telephoto zooms.

Standard zooms have focal lengths that range from around 35mm to 70mm on a full-frame camera. This is a good general-purpose range that can be used for everything from landscape photography to portraits.

Wide-angle zooms have shorter focal lengths that start at around 24mm on a full-frame camera. These lenses are great for landscape photography and capturing large groups of people.

Telephoto zooms have longer focal lengths that start at around 70mm on a full-frame camera. These lenses are perfect for sports and wildlife photography because they allow you to get close to the action without being too close.

If you're new to photography, then you might be wondering what all the fuss is about when it comes to zoom lenses. In short, zoom lenses offer photographers a lot of flexibility because they allow you to change the focal length, which affects the field of view in your photo. So, if you're looking for a versatile lens that can be used for everything from landscape photography to portraits, then a zoom lens is probably right for you.