A superzoom or ultrazoom lens is a type of photographic zoom lens with unconventionally large focal length factors, typically ranging from wide angle to extreme long lens focal lengths in one lens.[1][2] There is no clear definition of a superzoom lens, but the name generally covers lenses that have a range well above the 3× or 4× (e.g., 28-85 mm or 70-210 mm) of a standard zoom lens, with lenses being 10×, 12×, 18×, or above considered superzoom.[1]

Sigma 18-200mm/3.5-6.3 DC lens attached to a Canon EOS 400D
A Panasonic TZ18 compact digital camera's Leica lens with a maximum focal length of 384mm (35mm equiv.) and minimum of 24mm

Advantages of a superzoom lens include compositional flexibility, reduced need to swap lenses, and enhanced portability by consolidating the functionality of multiple lenses into one.[3] Due to trade-offs in the optical design, superzoom lenses are noted for having poorer optical quality at the extreme ends of their zoom ranges, often due to distortion.[4][5] The longer focal lengths are usually accompanied by optical image stabilization in order to be usable handheld.[6]

See also edit

Notes edit

References edit

  1. ^ a b Grimm, Tom; Grimm, Michele (2009). "4". The Basic Book of Digital Photography: How to Shoot, Enhance, and Share Your Digital Pictures. Penguin Books.
  2. ^ J. Dennis Thomas, Nikon D3300 Digital Field Guide, John Wiley & Sons - 2014, page 124
  3. ^ Vorenkamp, Todd (August 26, 2022). "The One-Lens Photography Tool: The All-in-One Zoom Buying Guide". B&H Photo-Video. Retrieved 1 November 2023.
  4. ^ Jon Sparks, Chiz Dakin, Outdoor Photography, Cicerone Press Limited - 2013, Hardware for the Outdoor Photographer
  5. ^ DK, Digital Photography Complete Course, Penguin - 2015, page 124
  6. ^ Chris Gatcum, The Beginner's Photography Guide, Dorling Kindersly Limited/Penguin - 2013, page 107