My Cart
 

Samy's Camera Credit Card
6 Months
Promotional Financing*
On purchases of $199 or more with your Samy's Camera Credit Card.
OR
12 Months
Promotional Financing*
On purchases of $599 or more with your Samy's Camera Credit Card.
Add to Cart to Pay or Apply Today!
Samy's Credit Card
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Where can I use my Samy's Camera Credit Card?
Your Samy's Camera Credit Card can be used to make purchases online, at samys.com, or at any of our Retail Locations.

What are the current special financing offers?
6 Month Special Financing* on orders totaling $199 and above.
12 Month Special Financing* available on orders totaling $599 or more.
Order minimum excludes sales tax, shipping fees, and discounts. To receive special financing, simply pay with the Samy's Camera Credit Card and select the financing option during checkout.

How will I receive my Samy's Camera Credit Card Information?
Applying for an Samy's Camera Credit Card is fast and easy. The application is subject to approval by Synchrony Bank. If approved, we'll automatically add your Samy's Camera Credit Card to your account at checkout. Select the Samy's Camera Credit Card under the payment information to pull up your available account information. You will receive your Samy's Camera Credit Card in the mail within 7-10 business days after applying.

How can I manage my account?
For Samy's Camera Credit Card accounts, you can pay your bill online or modify your account settings by clicking here:
My Account

Can I ship to an alternate address?
All orders must be shipped to the billing address on file for final approval of transaction. We can not ship to an alternate address.

Pay By Phone:
Contact Synchrony Customer Service 24/7 at (866) 396-8254.

Pay By Mail:
To ensure your payment is on time, mail in advance of the payment due date. Send payment to:
Synchrony Bank
P.O. Box 960061
Orlando, FL 32896-0061

Categories & Filters
Shop By Category
Filter

Zoom Lenses

Showing 0 of 0
MFG# 576954
Samy's Part# S-050807
Availability: In Stock
Check In-Store Availability

The Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM Art Lens for Canon EF is a premium workhorse zoom lens designed for the latest high megapixel DSLRs. A constant aperture of 2.8 through the zoom range makes this a highly versatile tool and a brand new Optical Stabilization (OS) system helps compensate for camera shake....
Quick Ship
Eligible for FREE 1-3 Day Shipping
Compare
$1,299.00
$109/mo suggested payments w/12 month special financing* Learn More
Quick Ship
Eligible for FREE 1-3 Day Shipping
MFG# AFA071S700
Samy's Part# S-066726
Availability: In Stock
Check In-Store Availability

The Tamron 28-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III RXD Lens for Sony E is the world's first all-in-one-zoom to achieve a maximum aperture of F2.8 at the 28mm wide-angle end. The new lens takes the convenience of an all-in-one zoom and adds a fast-maximum aperture of F2.8 and remarkable image quality to enhance
...
Quick Ship
Eligible for FREE 1-3 Day Shipping
Compare
$799.00
$67/mo suggested payments w/12 month special financing* Learn More
Quick Ship
Eligible for FREE 1-3 Day Shipping
MFG# 578969
Samy's Part# S-065078
Availability: In Stock
Check In-Store Availability

The 
Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art Lens for Leica L is a large-aperture standard zoom for full-frame mirrorless camera systems and is available in Sony E-mount and L-mount. The Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 offers best-in-class performance due to a sophisticated optical design that delivers high resolution...
Quick Ship
Eligible for FREE 1-3 Day Shipping
Compare
$1,099.00
$92/mo suggested payments w/12 month special financing* Learn More
Quick Ship
Eligible for FREE 1-3 Day Shipping
MFG# 745101
Samy's Part# S-034458
Availability: In Stock
Check In-Store Availability

The Sigma 150-600mm 5-6.3 DG HSM OS Contemporary Lens for Canon EF was created around the concept of maximum portability meets utmost image quality in a variable aperture hyper-telephoto zoom lens. Lightweight and compact, this zoom can handle any long-reach photographic situation one may encounter....
Quick Ship
Eligible for FREE 1-3 Day Shipping
Compare
$939.00
$1,089 - $150 Instant rebate(s)
$91/mo suggested payments w/12 month special financing* Learn More
Quick Ship
Eligible for FREE 1-3 Day Shipping
MFG# 9520B002
Samy's Part# S-036825
Availability: In Stock
Check In-Store Availability

The Canon EF 11-24mm f/4L USM Lens is the ultimate lens for wide-angle photography and brings L-series construction and optics to the widest zoom lens Canon has ever made. With an expansive wide angle range of 11–24mm, this is an ideal lens for landscapes, interior shots, and unique perspectives on subjects close...
Quick Ship
Eligible for FREE 1-3 Day Shipping
Compare
$2,999.00
$250/mo suggested payments w/12 month special financing* Learn More
Quick Ship
Eligible for FREE 1-3 Day Shipping
Compare
$2,645.99
$2,945.99 - $300 Instant rebate(s)
$246/mo suggested payments w/12 month special financing* Learn More
Quick Ship
Eligible for FREE 1-3 Day Shipping
MFG# AFA063S700
Samy's Part# S-071624
Availability: In Stock
Check In-Store Availability

The Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 Lens for Sony E is the successor of the 28-75mm F/2.8 Di III RXD (Model A036), a popular zoom lens that has earned high evaluation worldwide. It reflects the fruits of continuous evolution and customer-focused refinement. Retaining the well-received compact size of its...
Quick Ship
Eligible for FREE 1-3 Day Shipping
Compare
$899.00
$75/mo suggested payments w/12 month special financing* Learn More
Quick Ship
Eligible for FREE 1-3 Day Shipping
MFG# 3684C002
Samy's Part# S-063320
Availability: In Stock
Check In-Store Availability

The Canon, RF 24-240mm f/4-6.3 IS USM Lens is the perfect walk-around lens for EOS R series camera owners. This compact and lightweight 10x zoom lens is ideal for travel and everyday photography. With a 24-240mm range, the RF 24-240mm F4-6.3 IS USM can cover a variety of subjects at impressive ranges from
...
Quick Ship
Eligible for FREE 1-3 Day Shipping
Compare
$899.00
$75/mo suggested payments w/12 month special financing* Learn More
Quick Ship
Eligible for FREE 1-3 Day Shipping
MFG# S-E70200
Samy's Part# S-064929
Includes 3-Year Extended Warranty with completed form! See rebate tab for more info.
Availability: In Stock
Check In-Store Availability


The Panasonic Lumix S PRO 70-200mm f/2.8 O.I.S. Lens is a large-aperture telephoto zoom lens that boasts high descriptive performance across the entire zoom range. It is designed and developed for professional field photography. Astigmatism is corrected with an aspherical lens, achieving high

...
Quick Ship
Eligible for FREE 1-3 Day Shipping
Compare
$2,297.99
$192/mo suggested payments w/12 month special financing* Learn More
Quick Ship
Eligible for FREE 1-3 Day Shipping
MFG# AFA032N700
Samy's Part# S-052852
Availability: In Stock
Check In-Store Availability

The Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 G2 DI VC USD Lens for Nikon is designed to maximize the potential of the latest high-pixel-density cameras while delivering best-in-class image quality. Our proprietary eBAND Coating resists ghosting and flare, making this lens ideal for backlit photography. In addition...
Quick Ship
Eligible for FREE 1-3 Day Shipping
Compare
$1,199.00
$100/mo suggested payments w/12 month special financing* Learn More
Quick Ship
Eligible for FREE 1-3 Day Shipping
MFG# 0573C002
Samy's Part# S-047485

Come in to Samy's stores or call 800-321-4726 for even bigger savings!
Availability: In Stock
Check In-Store Availability

The Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM Lens is an indispensable ultra wide-angle zoom lens for professional and enthusiast photographers who demand superlative operation and performance, in virtually any condition. Its 16-35mm focal range provides superb control of perspective, helping you capture...
Quick Ship
Eligible for FREE 1-3 Day Shipping
Compare
$2,199.00
$184/mo suggested payments w/12 month special financing* Learn More
Quick Ship
Eligible for FREE 1-3 Day Shipping
MFG# 585975
Samy's Part# S-076084
Availability: In Stock
Check In-Store Availability


The Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary Lens for Fujifilm X is Sigma's first APS-C size mirrorless zoom lens that has a versatile full-frame equivalent zoom range of 27-75mm, which makes it ideal for a wide range of photo and video applications including landscapes, portraits, street

...
Quick Ship
Eligible for FREE 1-3 Day Shipping
Compare
$549.00
$92/mo suggested payments w/6 month special financing* Learn More
Quick Ship
Eligible for FREE 1-3 Day Shipping
MFG# 11191
Samy's Part# S-077341
Availability: In Stock
Check In-Store Availability


The Leica Vario-Elmar-SL 100-400mm f/5-6.3 Lens offers the widest and longest zoom range in the SL-System and combines high-end technology with all the advantages of a particularly compact and lightweight design.

The lens provides creators with weather sealing and the AquaDura® coating on the

...
Quick Ship
Eligible for FREE 1-3 Day Shipping
Compare
$2,195.00
$183/mo suggested payments w/12 month special financing* Learn More
Quick Ship
Eligible for FREE 1-3 Day Shipping
MFG# 16276479
Samy's Part# S-020776
Availability: In Stock
Check In-Store Availability

The Fuji XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4.0 OIS Zoom Lens for the X-E1 is a single versatile zoom featuring a maximum aperture of F2.8 and a broad focal length range from 27mm* wide angle to 84mm* telephoto, the photographer can respond to a variety of scenes. Superbly portable thanks to its compact size,...
Quick Ship
Eligible for FREE 1-3 Day Shipping
Compare
$699.00
$59/mo suggested payments w/12 month special financing* Learn More
Quick Ship
Eligible for FREE 1-3 Day Shipping
MFG# 5824C002
Samy's Part# S-076994
Availability: In Stock
Check In-Store Availability

The Canon RF-S 55-210mm f/5-7.1 IS STM Lens is a superb choice for photographers and videographers looking to add versatility and range to their lens collection. Compact and lightweight with Optical Image Stabilization for up to 4.5 equivalent stops of shake correction, Up to 7.0 equivalent stops
...
Quick Ship
Eligible for FREE 1-3 Day Shipping
Compare
$349.00
$59/mo suggested payments w/6 month special financing* Learn More
Quick Ship
Eligible for FREE 1-3 Day Shipping
MFG# 732969
Samy's Part# S-076711
Availability: In Stock
Check In-Store Availability

The Sigma 60-600mm f/4.5-6.3 DG DN OS Sports Lens for Leica L is a high-power ultra-telephoto zoom lens exclusively for full-frame mirrorless cameras with a unique 10x focal length. The latest optical design delivers high optical performance throughout the entire zoom range, even with 10x zoom,
...
Quick Ship
Eligible for FREE 1-3 Day Shipping
Compare
$1,999.00
$167/mo suggested payments w/12 month special financing* Learn More
Quick Ship
Eligible for FREE 1-3 Day Shipping
MFG# SEL70200GM
Samy's Part# S-043839
Availability: In Stock
Check In-Store Availability

G Master design and technology in a new constant F2.8 telephoto zoom that offers unsurpassed rendering, blazing AF, and extraordinary image stabilization performance. The new Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS E-Mount NEX Camera Lens offers extremely high rendering, AF performance and image stabilization,...
Quick Ship
Eligible for FREE 1-3 Day Shipping
Compare
$1,998.00
$167/mo suggested payments w/12 month special financing* Learn More
Quick Ship
Eligible for FREE 1-3 Day Shipping
MFG# 16666753
Samy's Part# S-067773
Availability: In Stock
Check In-Store Availability

Bring creative visions into reality and make photos that evoke feeling like never before with Fujifilm XF 10-24mm f/4 R OIS WR Lens, a compact wide-angle zoom, with a 35mm equivalent focal range of 15-36mm, that lets you access all the most popular 35mm wide-angle focal lengths in one lens. With...
Quick Ship
Eligible for FREE 1-3 Day Shipping
Compare
$999.00
$84/mo suggested payments w/12 month special financing* Learn More
Quick Ship
Eligible for FREE 1-3 Day Shipping
MFG# AFB028N700
Samy's Part# S-052854
Availability: In Stock
Check In-Store Availability

The power of ultra-telephoto. The versatility of all-in-one. 

Powerful performance that exceeds your imagination. Introducing the world's first ultra-telephoto all-in-one zoom with a 22.2X zoom range, the Tamron 18-400mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC HLD Lens for Nikon. Now you can shoot everything

...
Quick Ship
Eligible for FREE 1-3 Day Shipping
Compare
$699.00
$59/mo suggested payments w/12 month special financing* Learn More
Quick Ship
Eligible for FREE 1-3 Day Shipping
MFG# AFB028C700
Samy's Part# S-052853
Availability: In Stock
Check In-Store Availability

The power of ultra-telephoto. The versatility of all-in-one. 

Powerful performance that exceeds your imagination. Introducing the world's first ultra-telephoto all-in-one zoom with a 22.2X zoom range, the Tamron 18-400mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC HLD Lens for Canon. Now you can shoot everything

...
Quick Ship
Eligible for FREE 1-3 Day Shipping
Compare
$699.00
$59/mo suggested payments w/12 month special financing* Learn More
Quick Ship
Eligible for FREE 1-3 Day Shipping
MFG# 16780224
Samy's Part# S-074312
Availability: In Stock
Check In-Store Availability

Developed in collaboration with the engineers and experts responsible for the design of Fujifilm's FUJINON Broadcast and Cinema Lenses, the Fujifilm XF 18-120mm f/4 R LM PZ WR Lens brings video-centric features to a compact, weather-resistant lens that is ideal for smaller, independent crews and
...
Quick Ship
Eligible for FREE 1-3 Day Shipping
Compare
$899.95
$75/mo suggested payments w/12 month special financing* Learn More
Quick Ship
Eligible for FREE 1-3 Day Shipping
MFG# AFA046S700
Samy's Part# S-062899
Availability: In Stock
Check In-Store Availability

The Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD Lens for Sony E (Model A046) is a large aperture, ultra wide-angle lens for Sony E-mount full-frame mirrorless cameras. Model A046 features a filter diameter of 67mm (astonishingly small for a full-frame, large aperture, ultra wide-angle zoom lens) as well as
...
Quick Ship
Eligible for FREE 1-3 Day Shipping
Compare
$799.00
$899 - $100 Instant rebate(s)
$75/mo suggested payments w/12 month special financing* Learn More
Quick Ship
Eligible for FREE 1-3 Day Shipping
MFG# SEL2470Z
Samy's Part# S-028465
Availability: In Stock
Check In-Store Availability

The compact, high-performance Sony Vario-Tessar T* FE 24-70mm f/4 ZA OSS Lens has been specifically designed bring out the full performance potential of the a7-series full frame E-mount bodies. True to the “Tessar” concept, the SEL2470Z offers superior sharpness and contrast in a ultra-compact...
Quick Ship
Eligible for FREE 1-3 Day Shipping
Compare
$898.00
$75/mo suggested payments w/12 month special financing* Learn More
Quick Ship
Eligible for FREE 1-3 Day Shipping
MFG# 8546B002
Samy's Part# S-027623
Availability: In Stock
Check In-Store Availability

For photographers and videographers looking to add versatility and range to their lens collection, the new Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM Telephoto Zoom Lens is a dream come true. Compact and lightweight with Optical Image Stabilizer for up to 3.5 equivalent stops of shake correction, it extends...
Quick Ship
Eligible for FREE 1-3 Day Shipping
Compare
$299.00
$50/mo suggested payments w/6 month special financing* Learn More
Quick Ship
Eligible for FREE 1-3 Day Shipping
MFG# HES50200
Samy's Part# S-056278
Includes 3-Year Extended Warranty with completed form! See rebate tab for more info.
Availability: In Stock
Check In-Store Availability

The Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 50-200mm f/2.8-4 ASPH. POWER O.I.S. Lens offers the range and versatility needed for a wide variety of shooting situations, and because it's a LEICA DG LENS it's the kind of lens you have always wanted. With LEICA being the watchword for quality optics among
...
Quick Ship
Eligible for FREE 1-3 Day Shipping
Compare
$1,397.99
$1,697.99 - $300 Instant rebate(s)
$142/mo suggested payments w/12 month special financing* Learn More
Quick Ship
Eligible for FREE 1-3 Day Shipping
MFG# SR70200
Samy's Part# S-060599
Includes 3-Year Extended Warranty with completed form! See rebate tab for more info.
Availability: In Stock
Check In-Store Availability

The Panasonic Lumix S PRO 70-200mm f/4 O.I.S. Lens provides high-resolution, high-contrast images across the entire zoom range making it perfect for portraits to sports. The Panasonic LUMIX 5-Axis Dual I.S. (Image Stabilizer) 2 system can be used with the LUMIX S PRO as a lens for a full-frame mirrorless...
Quick Ship
Eligible for FREE 1-3 Day Shipping
Compare
$1,497.99
$125/mo suggested payments w/12 month special financing* Learn More
Quick Ship
Eligible for FREE 1-3 Day Shipping
MFG# V315040BU000
Samy's Part# S-024414
Availability: In Stock
Check In-Store Availability

The Olympus M.ZUIKO Digital ED 75-300mm f/4.8-6.7 II Lens is a telephoto zoom lens that is compatible with the Micro Four Thirds standard. The 75-300mm focal length gives a 35mm-equivalent zoom range of 150-600mm for a standard to super-telephoto reach.

The lens construction integrates one Super...
Quick Ship
Eligible for FREE 1-3 Day Shipping
Compare
$549.99
$92/mo suggested payments w/6 month special financing* Learn More
Quick Ship
Eligible for FREE 1-3 Day Shipping
MFG# 20067
Samy's Part# S-052290
Availability: In Stock
Check In-Store Availability

To truly capture the feeling of a place, you need a lens wide enough to see the entire scene. Enter the Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 10-20mm f/4.5-5.6G VR Lens—an ultra-wide-angle zoom lens that's ideal for sprawling landscapes and cityscapes, architecture, interiors or just beautiful group photos....
Quick Ship
Eligible for FREE 1-3 Day Shipping
Compare
$306.95
$52/mo suggested payments w/6 month special financing* Learn More
Quick Ship
Eligible for FREE 1-3 Day Shipping
MFG# V315070BU000
Samy's Part# S-067174
Availability: In Stock
Check In-Store Availability

The Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 100-400mm f/5-6.3 IS Lens lets you get incredibly close from wherever you are. A perfect tele-macro choice, enjoy a working distance of 1.3m across the entire zoom range with a magnification of 0.57x (35mm equivalent). Four easy-to-access controls - including Focus
...
Quick Ship
Eligible for FREE 1-3 Day Shipping
Compare
$1,499.99
$125/mo suggested payments w/12 month special financing* Learn More
Quick Ship
Eligible for FREE 1-3 Day Shipping
MFG# AFA047N700
Samy's Part# S-075684
Availability: In Stock
Check In-Store Availability


The Tamron 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD Lens for Nikon Z is a telephoto zoom lens designed and created so photographers of all skill levels can enjoy high quality images comfortably. The 70-300mm F4.5-6.3 covers a broad telephoto zoom range yet is the world's smallest size and lightest weight,

...
Quick Ship
Eligible for FREE 1-3 Day Shipping
Compare
$599.00
$699 - $100 Instant rebate(s)
$59/mo suggested payments w/12 month special financing* Learn More
Quick Ship
Eligible for FREE 1-3 Day Shipping
MFG# 16384941
Samy's Part# S-024773
Availability: In Stock
Check In-Store Availability

The new Fujifilm FUJINON XF 55-200mm F3.5-4.8 R LM OIS lens for the FUJIFILM X-Pro1 and X-E1 compact system cameras.

FUJINON XF lenses feature advanced lens engineering, capable of drawing the maximum performance out of the highly-descriptive "X-Trans CMOS Sensor" in the FUJIFILM X-Pro1 and X-E1...
Quick Ship
Eligible for FREE 1-3 Day Shipping
Compare
$699.00
$59/mo suggested payments w/12 month special financing* Learn More
Quick Ship
Eligible for FREE 1-3 Day Shipping
MFG# 576955
Samy's Part# S-050808
Availability: In Stock
Check In-Store Availability

The Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM Art Lens for Nikon F is a premium workhorse zoom lens designed for the latest high megapixel DSLRs. A constant aperture of 2.8 through the zoom range makes this a highly versatile tool and a brand new Optical Stabilization (OS) system helps compensate for camera shake....
Quick Ship
Eligible for FREE 1-3 Day Shipping
Compare
$1,299.00
$109/mo suggested payments w/12 month special financing* Learn More
Quick Ship
Eligible for FREE 1-3 Day Shipping
MFG# HFSA100300
Samy's Part# S-049888
Includes 3-Year Extended Warranty with completed form! See rebate tab for more info.
Availability: In Stock
Check In-Store Availability

Panasonic LUMIX Mirrorless Micro Four Thirds lenses deliver a no-compromise approach to optical performance for modern interchangeable camera enthusiasts. This *100-300mm F4.0-5.6 classic enhanced lens has been updated for the outdoors with a splashproof and dustproof design (when mounted on a

...
Quick Ship
Eligible for FREE 1-3 Day Shipping
Compare
$497.99
$647.99 - $150 Instant rebate(s)
$54/mo suggested payments w/12 month special financing* Learn More
Quick Ship
Eligible for FREE 1-3 Day Shipping
MFG# 20104
Samy's Part# S-071752
Includes FREE Filter!
Availability: In Stock
Check In-Store Availability
Quick Ship
Eligible for FREE 1-3 Day Shipping
Compare
$636.95
$54/mo suggested payments w/12 month special financing* Learn More
Quick Ship
Eligible for FREE 1-3 Day Shipping
MFG# 0571C002
Samy's Part# S-047910
Availability: In Stock
Check In-Store Availability

Close in on the action with the Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM Lens. With a wide zoom range and fast, near-silent autofocus, it can be ideal for anyone looking to capture distant subjects. Equipped with NANO USM technology it quickly focuses so you're able to get the exact moment you want,...
Quick Ship
Eligible for FREE 1-3 Day Shipping
Compare
$599.00
$100/mo suggested payments w/6 month special financing* Learn More
Quick Ship
Eligible for FREE 1-3 Day Shipping
MFG# 20115
Samy's Part# S-075730
Availability: In Stock
Check In-Store Availability

A thrilling 17-28mm zoom range. A coveted f/2.8 aperture with all its spectacular low-light, speed and depth of field capabilities. Liberating in close working spaces. Exhilarating in vast open spaces. Light and tough enough to take anywhere. The definition of an f/2.8 lens just got wider.

FEATURES:
...
Quick Ship
Eligible for FREE 1-3 Day Shipping
Compare
$1,196.95
$100/mo suggested payments w/12 month special financing* Learn More
Quick Ship
Eligible for FREE 1-3 Day Shipping
Showing 0 of 0

A zoom lens provides photographers with the unique advantage of multiple focal lengths all with a single lens. While some photographers opt for the "zoom with your feet" approach-physically moving closer to their subject-there are scenarios where that's simply not possible. In such instances, a zoom lens becomes an invaluable tool for bringing you closer to the action, ensuring that you never miss a moment. At Samy?s Camera, you?ll find a large selection of zoom lenses for use in long-range photography from top brands like Canon, Nikon, Sony, Sigma, Tamron, and more. We even have zoom lenses for the iPhone, so you can get the most out of your phone?s camera.

A camera zoom lens offers a range of focal lengths to provide versatility for everything from wildlife and sports to nature photography. Because you can shoot at different focal lengths with one lens, you may even be able to carry fewer camera lenses with you and reduce the weight of the camera gear you have to tote around. Shop zoom lenses at Samy?s camera and get close to the action today!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)


What Is a Zoom Lens vs a Prime Lens?

Zoom lenses simply offer varying focal lengths, while a prime lens has a single, fixed focal point. Because they have fewer moving parts, prime lenses have traditionally been considered to produce sharper images. However, zoom lens technology has come a long way and is constantly improving. Today you can find extremely sharp professional zoom lenses and power zoom lenses that rival the image quality of prime lenses. Ultimately, the most important thing to consider is your photography goal - if you need a variety of focal lengths, you either need a zoom lens or multiple prime lenses.

Is a Zoom Lens the Same as a Telephoto Lens?

Zoom lenses are unique in that they can focus at a variety of focal lengths. Telephoto lenses, on the other hand, are lenses that boast a focal length of 60mm or more and may be either prime or zoom lenses. Though amateurs tend to confuse the two lens types, not all zoom lenses magnify the image enough to be considered telephoto.

Are Zoom Lenses Fast?

The speed of a lens, often referred to by its maximum aperture, varies from one model to another. While prime lenses often have larger apertures and are thus considered "faster," there are zoom lenses available with large apertures that can perform well in low light.

Can I Use Zoom Lenses for Portraits?

Yes, you can use a zoom lens for portraiture. Some photographers prefer the flexibility of being able to adjust their framing quickly without changing their position relative to the subject.

Are Zoom Lenses Good for Nature Photography?

Yes, the ability to change focal lengths quickly without swapping lenses makes zoom lenses particularly useful for capturing the unpredictability of nature.

What Does "Variable Aperture" Mean in Zoom Lenses?

Some zoom lenses have a variable aperture, meaning the maximum aperture changes depending on the zoom level. For example, a lens might have a maximum aperture of f/3.5 at 18mm and f/5.6 at 55mm. This is common in more budget-friendly zoom lenses.

Can I Achieve Bokeh with a Zoom Lens?

Yes, you can achieve bokeh effects with a zoom lens, especially those with larger maximum apertures. The quality of the bokeh will vary depending on the lens construction and aperture size.

]