Top Zoom Lenses

Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS Telephoto Zoom Lens (55mm to 250mm - f/4 to 5.6)

577 Reviews

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	Price: $299.99
	Price: $279.99
	Price: $255.00
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Pros: Low price, Lightweight, Great performance
Cons: Plastic construction, No internal focus

An affordable price and a compact design make the Canon EF-S 55-250mm f4-5.6 IS a prime choice for both beginners and mid-level photographers. It is integrated with Canon's Optical Image Stabilizer technology that prevents blurry images and UD-glass lens element for enhanced contrast and image quality. It also features a 400mm focal length that offers a wider viewing angle and produces sharp images that doesn't degrade under bright illumination or in poor backlight settings. This telephoto zoom lens has no internal focus. Its auto focus also needs more improvement but fortunately, its image stabilization feature works very well. Being an EF-S lens, it does not support full-frame sensors but it is suitable for use with Canon EF-S digital camera bodies. It also includes lens caps, but an optional lens hood. Canon's EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS gives you the power to shoot distant subjects with crystal clear precision. It is desirable for all sorts of uses including outdoor sports and nature. With regards to build quality, its plastic construction has its negative and positive side. Although it is less durable than other lenses, it makes it lightweight and ideal for those who don't want to lug around a heavy camera. In general, this cost-efficient lens may not be perfect but it is definitely tough to beat.

Nikon Nikkor 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED-IF AF-S VR DX Zoom Lens (f/4 to 5.6)

459 Reviews

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	Price: $249.99
	Price: $249.95
	Price: $249.00
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Pros: Image stabilization, Quiet and Fast autofocus, Excellent optical construction, Modest price
Cons: Plastic body, Not ideal for close-ups

The integrated Nikon Vibration Reduction Image Stabilization feature of the Nikon AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor 55-200mm f/4-5.6G IF-ED lens enhances its ability and enables you to shoot fast-moving subjects. Although metal framed lenses look more rugged and feel more solid, the plastic construction of this lens make it lightweight. The compact rod-type Silent Wave Motor also ensures fast focusing and permits a nearly-silent operation. No lens hood is included with the purchase but it ships with an LC-52 52mm snap-on front lens cap and LF-1 rear lens cap. This zoom lens has a focus mode switch which allows you to easily shift from auto to manual focusing. With a Maximum Aperture of f/4 and Minimum Aperture of f/22, it offers incredible light gathering ability and greater depth of field. While it doesn't have excellent build quality and may not be the lightest lens available today, it makes an excellent choice for outdoor enthusiasts and for the purpose of general photography. One of its drawbacks is that it can't be used for extreme close-ups but on the other hand, it produces crisp and clear far-away shots and is made compatible with DX-format Nikon DSLRs like the Nikon D40, D90 and D7000. In terms of price, it is reasonable and recommended for those who want a less expensive lens with few compromises. Constructed with an Extra-low Dispersion glass element and 15 elements in 11 groups, the Nikon AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor 55-200mm f/4-5.6G IF-ED lens minimizes reflections and lens flare. It is also equipped with 7 Diaphragm Blades which results to better image quality.

Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III Telephoto Zoom Lens (f/4 to 5.6)

477 Reviews

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	Price: $199.99
	Price: $179.99
	Price: $159.95
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Pros: Lightweight, Versatile, Good zoom range, Great image quality
Cons: No image stabilizer, Autofocus could be better

Canon's EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III Lens is designed to meet the standards of serious photographers. It does not have an Image Stabilizer which provides shake correction but it offers stunning image quality along with a great zoom range. Weighing just about 16.8 ounces, you won't need to leave it at home. You can place it in your backpack and take it everywhere you go. This telephoto zoom lens shares the same design and features of the Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III USM lens. The only difference is that it employs a DC motor which makes it a bit slow and noisy. With regards to build quality, it feels well-built and does not seem cheap. It is constructed with 13 elements in 9 groups and sports a black body and a silver ring which enables you to easily distinguish it from other Canon lenses. The Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III Telephoto Zoom Lens is suitable for use with Canon SLRs. It is not recommended for low light shooting and may require bright lighting but it allows easy focusing with its enhanced mechanism and is ideal for a multitude of purposes including portraits, sports, nature and wildlife photography. All in all, it may not have advanced features like high-end lenses but it is easy to carry and it takes breath-taking photos which makes it well worth the money.

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM Zoom Lens (Image Stabilization)

255 Reviews

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	Price: $1091.00
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Pros: excellent build and image quality, multipurpose, lightweight, good image stabilization,
Cons: expensive, slow f/4, vignetting

Canon offers a portable and flexible way of taking pictures with the highest optical quality with its 24-105 mm f/4L IS USM zoom lens. The zoom lens is a lightweight lens that is great for taking a variety of shots from 24mm wide angle to 105mm short telephoto. It has an image stabilizer technology that steadies camera shake up to three stops. It delivers silent but quick autofocus with its ring-type USM system, and is also equipped with full-time manual focus. Designed to provide excellent image quality, its one Super-UD glass element and three aspherical lenses minimize chromatic aberration and distortion. Well-built and constructed to make it dust and moisture-resistant, the Canon 24-105 mm zoom lens can be used in a variety of outdoor conditions. The lens may not be fast enough though for taking shots of moving subjects indoors. There is also a bit of vignetting, but it is only noticeable at the 24mm. This could be a design compromise by Canon. However, the 24-105 mm f/4L IS USM zoom lens by Canon offers a portable and compact alternative to the EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM. This Canon zoom lens is great for when you need to take a range of wide angle to telephoto shots, but do not want the hassle of carrying multiple lenses.

Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM Telephoto Zoom Lens (0.21x - 70mm to 200mm - f/4)

189 Reviews

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	Price: $1199.99
	Price: $1181.00
	Price: $1181.00
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Pros: Image stabilizer, Quiet auto-focus mechanism
Cons: Large dimensions

Designed for the Canon EOS line of SLR cameras, the EF 70-200mm Telephoto Zoom lens incorporates a four-stop image stabilizer with two distinct modes that allow for crisp, perfect freeze-frames while holding the camera steady or even taking a picture while panning horizontally. Focusing with the lens can either be manual or auto, with the latter being enhanced with the ring-type ultra-sonic motor (USM) that provides quick and quiet auto-focusing. The focal length of between 70-200mm makes the lens perfectly suited for the demands of either everyday photographic work or even, with its wide 34 to 12 degrees of view angle, long-distance wildlife or landscape photography. A steady and wide f/4 aperture simplifies the tricky guesswork common in taking pictures at dusk or dawn. The zoom function of the lens operates very well. In fact, it only takes a light nudge to turn the zoom rings, which rotates without any noticeable resistance at all. The EF Telephoto makes a good compromise between performance and construction, as its weight of 1.67lbs, 3-inch diameter, and length of almost 7 inches seems almost justified when looking at the superior image quality of the photos that this powerhouse of lens provides. Compatible with 67mm filters, the model comes with a screw-on full lens hood and a leather carrying case.

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 24-70 f/2.8G ED Wide Angle Zoom Lens (f/2.8)

158 Reviews

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	Price: $1886.95
	Price: $1889.00
	Price: $1886.95
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Pros: Superior image quality, Sharp, Fast, Versatile, Excellent performance in all lighting conditions
Cons: Large, Heavy, High price

While it is definitely larger, heavier and more expensive than most midrange zoom lenses, the Nikon AF-S 24-70mm f/2.8 G ED proves to be worthy of its weight and price. It is compatible with 35mm film, Nikon DX and FX digital SLRs and armed with Nikon's Silent Wave Motor and Internal Focus for accurate, fast and ultra-quiet focusing. DX-format cameras has a minimum Angle of View of 22°50' and a maximum of 61° while FX-format cameras has a minimum of 34°20' and a maximum Angle of View of 84°. There are three focus modes: Auto, Manual and Manual/Auto and it is also embedded with a M/A focus mode switch which permits quick transition from auto to manual and vice versa. This zoom lens is made dust and moisture resistant. It is consists of 15 elements in 11 groups and has 9 Diaphragm Blades for better bokeh. Build quality is excellent considering it is not made of cheap materials and doesn't look or seem fragile compared to other lenses. In addition to its Super Integrated Coating, it boasts an Exclusive Nano Crystal Coat that cuts down on annoying and unnecessary reflections. It also combines three Extra-low Dispersion elements with PGM aspherical lenses in order to provide impressive color reproduction and contrast as well as enhanced sharpness. The Nikon AF-S 24-70mm f/2.8 G ED zoom lens is a must have for passionate photographers who want to take sharp and breathtaking images, especially in low-lit conditions. It comes complete with a semi-soft case with belt loop, a front lens cap, a rear lens cap and an HB-40 Bayonet Hood. Although it cannot be considered as a walk around lens, it is very versatile and its image quality and sharpness remain superior across the board. It performs well in all lighting situations and is in fact, one of the best lenses you'll ever own, notwithstanding the product's weight and size.