I was doing some research and am trying to understand the real difference between telephoto and zoom lenses. I am looking into getting one for an upcoming trip and am unsure of which to get. I know that some telephoto lenses are prime; however, there are some that seem have have a rang on them like 55-250mm. So what is the difference? Which one would you guys recommend? Thanks everyone :)
There's no real difference other than the fact that some telephotos zoom and some are fixed. So which one would be best for you simply depends on what you plan on using it for. If you're shooting a specific subject at a relatively consistent distance, a fixed focal length telephoto may be the ticket. But if you're looking for flexibility and may need various focal lengths without changing lenses then the zoom variety can be quite convenient.
@jenni3lynn Right, and that's what a telephoto does regardless of whether it zooms or not. That's why it depends on exactly what you'll be shooting. For example, if your main purpose was to take pictures of the birds at your backyard bird feeder every day, then you could probably save a few bucks by getting a prime telephoto since your subject will be consistently the same. But if you plan on taking the lens out with you and shooting anything and everything a zoom lens will probably be more useful because you'll always be shooting something different and from different distances.
Hey Jen, they are the same thing - sometimes :) - some zooms are telephoto (100-300mm) some zooms are not (16-20mm). Zooms can change their focal length - 16-20mm, 24-70mm, 100-300mm, 70-200mm. Only the 100-300 and 70-200 are telephoto in this case. Telephoto doesn't mean fixed focal length (prime) it is generally any lens that goes above 70mm. Prime lenses do not zoom at all but can be telephoto (if they are above 70mm), they have only one focal length 50mm, 14mm, 35mm, 200mm. Primes are generally sharper, faster, heavier, more durable, and way more expensive. Zooms are better priced and you can take a 24-70mm instead of several fixed length lenses. If you have the money and space in your bag get primes! If you want something more versatile get a zoom. Sorry if I confused you any more.
@jott i think i'm starting to get it. i'm look at a telephoto up to 250mm or a zoom at 300mm both go smaller as well. would they be considered about the same?
@marubozo thanks! so if i'm looking at shoot people from a distance for example sporting events, which would be recommended?
@jenni3lynn Probably a zoom because you never know where you'll be sitting and the action will always be moving. If you're stuck with one focal length you may end up in situations like that where you can't frame the shot how you want because you're limited.
One tip about shooting sports, especially if any will be indoors, is to get a fast lens no matter what kind it is. Fast being the lowest f-stop number you can afford. That's because you need to let as much light in as you can so that you can utilize the high shutter speeds required to freeze motion without blur.
I love primes... my bag is a 31, 50 and 85... which work with both the digital and 35mm bodies I carry...
BUT when it comes to distance... I go zooms...
I have had 50-300, 80-320, 100-300, 50-135, 500, 400, 200, 300, 18-250
but what I settled on was a Sigma 50-500mm... it is a big lens... but when I want tele and I am out at sporting events or birding I love that I can snap a quick picture of the wife beside me and zoom in and see the details on a goose...
BUT... since the lens is soo big (2.5kilo) it is not an everyday kinda lens... so I have a nice compact 18-250 for those days I don't want to carry a big camera...
A telephoto prime should give better quality than a tele zoom...buck for buck.
I use a Tamron 70-300mm Di LD and it's great. The Sigma 100-300 f4 is a great lens (I owned one for a few years some time back) but more than I'm prepared to pay these days.
The Canon 100-400 IS L is a where I'd go if your budget permits. I also had one of those back in the day. Took lots of great shots with that lens! :) Sadly, now also out of my price range.
I'd say start off with zoom as it is more flexible. You can add prime tele later when you know which focal length you will like after using the zoom for a while. And today's zooms have improved so much in term of quality.
What you would get with a prime tele versus zoom are usually sharper image, less distortions, fast (large aperture compared to most zooms) which is good for low light as well as separate the object from background. Some tend to focus faster too.
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@marubozo thanks! so if i'm looking at shoot people from a distance for example sporting events, which would be recommended?
One tip about shooting sports, especially if any will be indoors, is to get a fast lens no matter what kind it is. Fast being the lowest f-stop number you can afford. That's because you need to let as much light in as you can so that you can utilize the high shutter speeds required to freeze motion without blur.
BUT when it comes to distance... I go zooms...
I have had 50-300, 80-320, 100-300, 50-135, 500, 400, 200, 300, 18-250
but what I settled on was a Sigma 50-500mm... it is a big lens... but when I want tele and I am out at sporting events or birding I love that I can snap a quick picture of the wife beside me and zoom in and see the details on a goose...
BUT... since the lens is soo big (2.5kilo) it is not an everyday kinda lens... so I have a nice compact 18-250 for those days I don't want to carry a big camera...
I use a Tamron 70-300mm Di LD and it's great. The Sigma 100-300 f4 is a great lens (I owned one for a few years some time back) but more than I'm prepared to pay these days.
The Canon 100-400 IS L is a where I'd go if your budget permits. I also had one of those back in the day. Took lots of great shots with that lens! :) Sadly, now also out of my price range.
What you would get with a prime tele versus zoom are usually sharper image, less distortions, fast (large aperture compared to most zooms) which is good for low light as well as separate the object from background. Some tend to focus faster too.