Standard Zoom Lenses Test

Reviews on Standard Zoom Lenses

"Nikon 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G VR AF-S DX"

Issue: 5/2008

On test: Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6 G ED VR

Nikon gives D-SLR users more choice by releasing a 24mm zoom lens. But with so few options on the market when it comes to 24mm zoom lenses, is the the new Nikon lens really worth a look? → More

"Nikon AF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 VR"

Issue: Spring/2008

On test: Nikon AF-S DX VR Zoom Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 G

After taking a closer look at the new Nikon D60 D-SLR, we thought it was worth putting its new VR kit lens to the test s well. Is the performance and quality of kit lenses improving? Read on to find out... → More

"Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM for cropped-frame bodies"

Published on: 3/2008

On test: Canon EF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM

The Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM was announced in August 2005 as a ‘lightweight’ standard zoom lens for professionals. Introduced on the same day as the EOS 5D, it’s an ideal general-purpose lens for Canon’s full frame bodies, although has also become a popular option for owners of Canon cropped-frame bodies like the EOS 400D / XTi and EOS 40D. → More

"Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8G ED AF-S"

Issue: 3/2008

On test: Nikon AF-S 24-70 mm f:2.8 G ED

The introduction of Nikon's first full-frame D-SLR, the D3, brings with it the need for a new standard zoom lens. Enter the 24-70mm. Let's find out if this lens is a suitable match for the excellent Nikon D3 ... → More

Standard Zoom Lenses

As well as the sensor and post processing, the lens of a digital SLR plays a large role in the quality of picture produced. Two types of specialist lenses are the wide angle, or fisheye lens, which has a focal length of around 18 to 50 mm, can take in a wide angle of light. A telephoto lens (focal length 70-200mm) is for taking pictures of far away objects. A standard zoom lens usually has a focal length of 28mm to 70mm. 50mm is generally held to offer normal perspective and field of vision when used with 35mm film. Because of this, a standard zoom lens is usually the lens chosen when taking portrait photographs. With some digital cameras it is possible to use lenses from older cameras, however, the smaller size of the sensor when compared to 35mm film means that a 50mm lens may end up with a focal length of up to 75mm. A lens specially designed for use in a digital SLR camera may cost up to twice as much as one for an analogue camera.