The Best & Worst Digital Camera Telephoto Lenses of 2009

Before showering praise or criticism on any specificgrain of salt. A good source of unbiased information
telephoto lens, it may be worthwhile to expel a fewcan be found online. The more reputable online sites
words on exactly what a camera telephoto lens is,like Amazon, contain tons of real users who often
and what it does.share their product experience in online reviews.
In a nutshell, a telephoto lens brings the subjectReading manuals for the specific models can be
targeted by the photographer, closer to that saidhelpful as well. Most manufacturers these days, place
photographer. And as a result, produces a stilltheir product manuals online in PDF form. If you Google
photograph or video for any subsequent viewers thataround a bit online, you should be able to find the
is larger, more detailed and exhibits greater clarity thenmanual of the product your looking for.
could have been achieved without the benefit of anNow speaking of the better lens I and a number of
additional lens. A somewhat more technical definitionhappy customers would recommend are:
would be a lens that is built from a rather long focalCanon EF 70-200mm f/4L USM Telephoto Zoom
length lens, but where the actual tangible length of thisLens for Canon SLR Cameras
lens is less than the desired focal length. That is not toThis lens is great for anyone who wants to try out a
suggest, that every lens with a longer focal length thanL-series lens in the 10-200 mm focal length range, and
normal is a true telephoto lens. A true telephoto lensnot spend a whole ton of money. At the time of
will contain a combination of rear lenses ofter referredwriting this, I'm finding this lens for under $600.
to as the telephoto group.Additionally, if your tired of hauling around the much
There are a few points to consider when buying aheavier 70-200mm f/2.8L IS, this may be a better lens
digital camera telephoto lens.for you. Remember, this lens doesn't include IS, so that
It's important to know what camera or cameras, youmay or may not be a deal breaker for you.
intend to use the lens with. Different makes, models,Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM Telephoto Zoom
and manufacturers often have their own lens mountingLens for Canon SLR Cameras
systems. Some maybe simple screw lenses, whileIf money is less important than the quality of your
others may have more elaborate mountingphotographs, then it may be time to step up to this
mechanisms.lens. It goes for around $1700 new, or a couple
Consider the subject environment you will be shootinghundred less used. It does however include image
in. While telephoto lens lend themselves to specificstabilization, which is important if a tripod is not an
types of subjects, such as sporting events, wildlifeoption for your photo shoots.
photography, surveillance work and landscape vistas,Canon EF 100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS USM Telephoto
that's not to suggest that they aren't also used forZoom Lens for Canon SLR Cameras
fashion or wedding photography.Some of the things to really like about this lens, include
If you never used a zoom lens much in the past, thenthe remarkable sharpness and clarity. An auto focus
sales staff can be an invaluable resource. They handlethat is both darn near silent, and fast. Also included is a
this type of equipment on a daily basis, are often moredual image stabilization system. It is on the downside of
than will to share their opinions. They may becourse a heavy lens, which I'm sure your well aware
somewhat biased, especially if their working onof, if you've been doing your research with other
commission, so be sure to take what they say with atelephoto lenses in this category.