Within theserangessit zoomlenses (with variablefocal
lengths) and prime lenses (fixed focal lengths). The
benefits and qualities of both are listed below.
Zoom Lenses (variable focal length lens)
Withthezoomlensesthephotographerhasavariablefocal
lengthathisdisposal.Thesemayrangefromfocallengths
inonefocalrange(wide-angle,forexample18–40mm).Or
theymayspanconsecutivefocalranges(normaltelephoto,
for example 70–200mm).
Thebenefitofusingazoomlensisthatthephotographer
has a greater scope for versatility when approaching a
shoot where the subject is unpredictable and constantly
changing.Withtheoptiontochangefocallengthatspeed,
the photographer can seamlessly frame, compose and
capture images without the need to change lens for a
specific outcome.
Zoom lenses can be of great use when photographing
moving subjects, such as people (especially children),
animalsandsports,andwillgivethephotographerfreedom
tomovearoundthesubjectandwitheasecreateavariety
ofviewpointsand cropsofa subjectwithouttheneedto
changethelens.Withparticularusewhenphotographing
portraits, a photographer is able to take a full-length,
mid-lengthandheadshotinamatterofseconds,withthe
use of a zoom, such as a 24–70 or 70–200.
Howeverthephotographermustbeawareofthedistortions
and effects certain focal length choice can have on the
subject and be mindful to utilize the zoom in its most
beneficial to the image required. For example, if a