Digital camera zoom lens

The first thing you will notice when you are out to buy a digital camera zoom lens ist hat fact how many different kind of lenses are out there. They vary not only in size (from tine to large) but also in functionality and the way they are produced. While some producers still stick to removable glass zoom lenses that are equipped with optical coatings other go with lighter fixed-focal length lenses made out of plastic.

With the battle for market domination between plastic and glass been far from over it is often just a question of which design is preferred instead of which technology to pick. There are 4 big categories, each of them is described below for you to make an educated decision which suits your needs best.

Fixed-focal-length lens

If you go for a fixed-focal-length lens you have to know that they will not provide you with an optical zoom. This is why you should make sure that the camera comes with autofocus and not with fixed focus. It should also offer features like a landscape focus and selectable macros.

When you should buy it: low funds, no need for high quality pictures

Upsides:
- the camera will be small or and easy to handle
- cheap
- no prior knowledge needed to operate
- lense provides wide angle of view making it perfect for group shots or landscapes

Downsides:
- Limited zooming capabilities
- Neither converters not different focal lengths filters can be used
- poor image quality

Retractable zoom lens

Retractable zoom lenses follow and in-and-out movement of the camera body. When the camera is switched on the lens extends and when it is switched off the lens retracts.

When you should buy it: low funds, no need for high quality pictures, need to impress, you don’t care too much

Upsides:
- - Small size of camera
- Solid protection for the lens

Downsides:
- Manual focus options tend to be limited to switches and buttons
- Neither converters not different focal lengths filter can be used
- The time until the camera is ready for use is usually longer

Fixed zoom lens

In contrast to foldable lenses fixed lens can not be moved but are firmly attached to the body of the camera. If you switch the camera off, the lens will still remain in the same position.

When you should buy it: don’t know what you want, hobby photographer, need professional pictures

Upsides:
- Can magnify up to 18 times
- You can use lense converters, ring flash units and filters with it
- Various control possibilities
- You can manually adjust the focus with the rings surrounding the lens and do not have to rely on the buttons

Downsides:
- The camera takes up more space and is heavy
- It takes longer to get used to the wide range of functionality the camera offers

Interchangeable lens

And interchangeable lens system allows you to exchange the lenses of your camera without any problem. The whole lens can be unscrewed or plugged and replace by another that is compatible with you camera. All digital SLRs use this system since it provides them with the variety true professionals need. Some people even go so far to first buy a lens and than shop for a SLR body on which it can be attached. This is because the lens is regarded as the most important part of the camera.

When you should buy it: If you are serious about good photos

Upsides:
- High quality photos
- Lenses can be used with several cameras
- Lens can be adjusted to the picture you want to shoot

Downsides:
- Heavy weight
- Does not come cheap

Folded optics lens

Folded optics lenses retract sideways into the body of the camera. This allows the camera to maintain a compact and slim design.

When you should buy it: low funds, no need for high quality pictures, need to impress

Upsides:
- Small size of camera
- Solid protection for the lens

Downsides:
- Manual focus options tend to be limited to switches and buttons
- Neither converters not different focal lengths filter can be used