In contrast to a lens with a fixed focal length, sometimes known as an FFL lens, a zoom lens is a mechanical arrangement of lens components that allows the focal length (and hence the angle of vision) to be adjusted (see prime lens).
When the focal length of the lens is changed, a true zoom lens, also known as a parfocal lens, keeps its focus throughout the process.
Most consumer zoom lenses do not retain perfect focus but are nonetheless parfocal designs. The majority of camera phones that claim to have optical zoom really employ a hybrid technology that combines digital zoom with several cameras that each have a distinct but fixed focal length. These cameras are merged to create the optical zoom effect.
List of Best Zoom Lenses
Best All In One Zoom Lenses
1. Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM
Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM Lens for Canon DSLR Cameras, Lens...
- 17-55mm wide-angle zoom lens with f/2.8 maximum aperture for Canon DSLR cameras
- AD and aspherical elements deliver impressive image quality through entire zoom range, Closest focusing distance : 1.15 feet
- 17-55mm wide-angle zoom lens with f/2.8 maximum aperture for Canon DSLR cameras
- AD and aspherical elements deliver impressive image quality through entire zoom range, Closest focusing distance : 1.15 feet
- Image Stabilizer lens groups shift to compensate for image shake even in dim lighting
- Large circular aperture produces shallow depth of field; ring-type ultra-sonic monitor (USM)
- Measures 3.3 inches in diameter and 4.4 inches long; weighs 22.8 ounces; 1-year warranty
Because it includes an APS-C sensor and the ability to utilize the EF-S mount, the lens was developed specifically for cameras that have APS-C sensors. Additionally, the lens has the same level of build quality as Canon’s L-series lenses, which you would anticipate. It is a noteworthy upgrade in comparison to the zoom lens that was provided free of charge with the EOS 40D kit.
As a result of the enormous continuous maximum aperture, it is possible to obtain a shallow depth of focus along with an excellent blur to the backdrop throughout the entirety of the camera’s zoom range. The built-in image stabilization feature works to improve the quality of images produced in low light by reducing the amount of blur caused by camera shake.
If you could only use one Canon lens on your camera, this would be the one to get if you were forced to make that choice. If you could only use one Canon lens on your camera, this would be the one to get if you were forced to make that choice.
2. Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM FLD
Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM FLD Large Aperture Standard Zoom...
- FLD glass elements along with two glass mold elements and one hybrid aspherical lens provide excellent correction of aberrations and allow for incredibly sharp images with great contrast
- Aperture : F11
- FLD glass elements along with two glass mold elements and one hybrid aspherical lens provide excellent correction of aberrations and allow for incredibly sharp images with great contrast
- Aperture : F11
You can take photographs that are pin-sharp at shutter speeds that are up to four stops slower than you would be able to accomplish if you did not have an optical image stabilization feature integrated into your camera. Because of its large aperture and somewhat usable zoom range, it would be an excellent choice for a broad variety of photographic applications, from portraiture to landscape photography.
It is clear from the overwhelmingly enthusiastic comments left by users that they enjoy this lens. Perhaps you’ll end up picking it as your top option after all!
3. Canon EFS 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM
Canon EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM UD Standard Zoom Lens for Canon...
- 15-85mm lens with f3.5-f.5.6 aperture; for use with APS-C cameras
- 35mm equivalent to 24-136mm focal length range
- Dedicated image stabilization
- Lens construction of 17 elements in 12 groups
- Compatible with 72mm filters.Closest Focusing Distance: 1.15 ft./0.35m
- 15-85mm lens with f3.5-f.5.6 aperture; for use with APS-C cameras
- 35mm equivalent to 24-136mm focal length range
- Dedicated image stabilization
- Lens construction of 17 elements in 12 groups
- Compatible with 72mm filters.Closest Focusing Distance: 1.15 ft./0.35m
This lens has a zoom range of 24-136mm when used in full-frame, making it a great choice to have mounted on the camera for general use because it covers such a wide focal length range. In addition, it is one of the things that people want to carry with them when they go to other countries the most.
The Best Telephoto Zoom Lenses
4. Sigma 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 DC OS
Sigma 18-300mm F3.5-6.3 Contemporary DC Macro OS HSM Lens for Canon
- Maximum Aperture Range: f/3.5-6.3
- Focal Length : 18-300 mm, Minimum focusing distance -39cm/15.3 inch; Offers a maximum magnification ratio 1:2 and changeable angles of view enables zoom-macro photography
- Maximum Aperture Range: f/3.5-6.3
- Focal Length : 18-300 mm, Minimum focusing distance -39cm/15.3 inch; Offers a maximum magnification ratio 1:2 and changeable angles of view enables zoom-macro photography
- One SLD and Four FLD Elements, Super Multi-Layer Coating
- Hyper Sonic Motor AF System
- Optical Stabilization
To put it another way, it is comparable to purchasing three zoom lenses for the price of one. The camera has a zoom ratio of 16.6x, which enables it to take photographs in all focal ranges, from wide-angle to telephoto and everything in between. Because the lens is made up of 13 groups that each include 17 elements, four of which are FLD elements and one is an SLD element, it is able to produce pictures that are free from distortion and are of high quality.
The great zoom range comes at the expense of the camera being quite heavy and large when compared to others in its class. There is a multitude of lenses that, when used in conjunction with the Canon EOS 40D, would be much more comfortable to carry around for the duration of an entire day.
5. Canon EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM
Canon EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Standard Zoom Lens for Canon DSLR Cameras
- 18-200mm focal length, Closest Focusing Distance : 1.48 ft./0.45m (maximum close-up magnification 0.24x)
- 28.8-320mm equivalent focal length on Canon APS-C cameras, 72mm filters
- F3.5-5.6 maximum aperture; F22-38 minimum
- 18-200mm focal length, Closest Focusing Distance : 1.48 ft./0.45m (maximum close-up magnification 0.24x)
- 28.8-320mm equivalent focal length on Canon APS-C cameras, 72mm filters
- F3.5-5.6 maximum aperture; F22-38 minimum
- Micromotor-type AF motor without full-time manual focusing. Image stabilization, 4 stops
- Canon EF-S mount for APS-C DSLRs
To put it another way, it is comparable to purchasing three zoom lenses for the price of one. The camera has a zoom ratio of 16.6x, which enables it to take photographs over the whole spectrum of focal lengths, from telephoto to wide angle. Because the lens is made up of 13 groups that each include 17 elements, four of which are FLD elements and one is an SLD element, it is able to produce pictures that are free from distortion and are of high quality.
The great zoom range comes at the expense of the camera being quite heavy and large when compared to others in its class. There is a multitude of lenses that, when used in conjunction with the Canon EOS 40D, would be much more comfortable to carry around for the duration of an entire day.
6. The Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III
Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III Telephoto Zoom Lens
- Focal Length & Maximum Aperture : 75-300mm 1:4-5.6
- Lens Construction : 13 elements in 9 groups
- Diagonal Angle of View : 32° 11' - 8° 15'
- Focus Adjustment : Front group rotating extension system with Micromotor
- Focal Length & Maximum Aperture : 75-300mm 1:4-5.6
- Lens Construction : 13 elements in 9 groups
- Diagonal Angle of View : 32° 11' - 8° 15'
- Focus Adjustment : Front group rotating extension system with Micromotor
- Closest Focusing Distance : 1.5m/ 4.9 ft.
The fact that the kit is more portable due to its reduced size and weight in comparison to the other options mentioned earlier is an important consideration to make if you don’t want to travel with a huge and awkward bundle. All EOS cameras make use of Canon’s APS-C sensor format, which results in a focal length range that spans from 120 to 480 millimeters across the board.
The fact that it was built without stability does not change the fact that it is a very cost-effective option. When taking pictures outside in harsh light, this is one of the best lenses you can use.
