Superzoom

This article is about lenses for single-lens reflex (SLR) cameras. For non-SLR digital cameras with large focal length zoom lenses, see Bridge camera.

The term superzoom or hyperzoom refers to photographic zoom lenses with unconventionally large focal length factors, typically more than 5×. The largest ratio for a digital SLR camera lens is held by the Tamron Di-II format (APS-C) 16–300 mm, giving 18.8×.[1] Some bridge digital cameras have even larger zoom ratios more than 80x and the non-detachable lens compact cameras with same sensor size 1/2.3" as the bridge camera have superzoom up to 30×.[2][3] The Samsung Galaxy S4 zoom smartphone has optical zoom lens 10x with "zoom ring" and optical image stabilization,[4] For movie and television use, Panavision holds the record with their 300X (7-2100mm, 23-7000mm 35mm equivalent) HD Lens with Compound Zoom Technology (two or more lenses mounted together).[5]

While superzoom lenses have improved greatly in recent years, they still have a number of drawbacks in comparison with shorter-range zooms and prime lenses, chiefly their typically smaller maximum aperture.

The longer the zoom lens, the greater the possibility of vignetting when using the wide and widest angles, especially if optical filter(s) are attached to the front of the lens. Even at the longest range, falloff (darkened corners) can be seen. The magnitude of vignetting and falloff depends on the apertures. Opening a smaller diaphragm will usually reduce vignetting and falloff, but as a consequence of loss of ample light and loss of broad/deep depth-of-field.[6]

History and development

Sigma Superzoom 18-200mm/3.5-6.3 DC Lens attached to the Canon EOS 400D.

The first zoom for photo cameras was introduced by Voigtländer in 1959 (Voigtländer ZOOMAR 1:2,8/36–82 mm). It was in fact designed by an independent lensmaker Zommar from Long Island, New York.

That same year Nikon introduced a Nikkor 85–250 mm/1:4.0-4.5 for the new Nikon F.

The first zoom affordable for amateurs was the Vivitar series I 1:3.5/70–210 mm of 1973, with a breathtaking for its time focal length range. Other superzoom lenses included a 100–500 mm/1:8 Rokkor from Minolta and a 360-1200/1:11 Nikkor from 1976.

In 1980 Tokina brought a wide-angle-to-zoom with the enormous focal length range of 1:4.0/28–85 mm to the market. Only two years later Tokina presented the first super zoom shot, for that time, which covered a focal length spectrum from 35–200 mm (1982).

The focal length range was again increased in 1985, when Kiron presented the first zoom lens with a focal length range of 28–210 mm.

Models

Following is a list of super zoom lenses; unless otherwise noted, these are used for 135 format in SLRs and full-frame DSLRs or for APS-C format in DSLRs. The minimal factor used here is more than 5×. A 28–200 mm has a 75° to 12.3° angle of view, a 28–300 mm (or an 18–200 mm for an APS-C DSLR) has 75° to 8.2°. Between parenthesis are the Photodo rating, if any.

Canon

Cosina

also sold under Phoenix Corporation brand

Kiron

Konica Minolta

Nikkor

Olympus Corporation

Pentax

Sigma Corporation

Sony

Tamron

Tokina

Vivitar

See also

References

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