什么是长焦变焦镜头？何时使用长焦变焦镜头及其优缺点

A new generation of super-zoom telephoto lenses has emerged, making it possible to shoot landscapes, zoom in on distant subjects, and focus close for close-up macro photography. Will a telephoto zoom lens be your next lens? In this article, we’ll take a look at telephoto zoom lenses.

1.What is a telephoto zoom lens?

A lens with a focal length of 60mm or longer is considered a telephoto lens. If it offers a single focal length, then it’s a prime lens, but if it offers a range of focal lengths, all greater than 60mm, then it’s a telephoto zoom lens.

The most common focal length range for telephoto zoom lenses is in the mid-telephoto region (e.g. 70-200mm, 75-300mm). Of course, you can also find focal lengths in the super-telephoto region (e.g. 200-500mm, 200-600mm).

Photographing wildlife with a telephoto lens

Having multiple focal lengths allows you to capture the details of your subject clearly without having to actually get closer or change lenses. Using a telephoto zoom lens is a big advantage when you’re photographing easily spooked subjects (such as wild animals), taking snapshots during an event, or when you can’t afford to buy or carry multiple lenses.

2.When to use a telephoto zoom lens

Using a telephoto zoom lens can make the subject appear closer to the camera than it actually is, making it easier for the photographer to capture details. Wildlife and sports photography are good examples of where this lens can be used.

A telephoto zoom lens is also a good choice when your subject is too far away from the camera to get close (for example, when photographing a street festival or parade). The focal length range in the mid-telephoto region lets you transition from a relatively wide angle to a narrow and precise angle. This type of lens provides a beautiful bokeh effect, perfect for making your subject stand out (such as in portraits).

3.Advantages and disadvantages of telephoto zoom lenses

Like all zoom lenses, a telephoto zoom lens offers flexibility, versatility, and a ton of creative freedom. It can help you solve situations that would otherwise be impossible to photograph (such as photographing wildlife from a safe distance) and offers quick setups for a wide range of situations.

Photograph wildlife from a safe distance

If you choose a focal length range within the ultra-telephoto range, you’ll be able to experiment with macro photography, astrophotography, capture architectural details, or capture stunning sports footage.

However, telephoto zoom lenses also have some disadvantages that cannot be ignored. Compared to lenses with shorter focal lengths, telephoto zoom lenses are heavy, bulky, and difficult to manage.

They are also prone to camera shake blur, and you’ll usually need to use a tripod or use a high shutter speed to counteract this. If you only use one focal length, a prime lens will be a better choice for image quality.