The focal length range was again increased 1985, when Kiron presented the first zoom lens with a focal length range of 28-210 mm.
[edit] Models ...
I covered the focal length range that I use by buying another two middle of the range, light-weight zooms:
Sigma 10-20mm (£220)
Canon EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 IS DO (£650) ...
Zoom Range
The focal length range from the near (or wide) end of the zoom to the far (or telephoto) end of the zoom. Zoom range is also measured with X, representing a multiplier. For example, a 35-105mm zoom is also listed as a 3X zoom.
In zoom lenses this focal length range is available in the popular 28-105mm and it's variations 24-70mm and 28-135mm. 50mm provides a normal view or about the same angle of view of the human eye.
Some zoom lenses even have curved lines along their barrel that form an aperture scale for their focal length range. If you have a lens with a scale, you can use a simple procedure to focus at the hyperfocal distance.
The first step, though, will be for you to determine what focal length range you need. Outdoors, I expect that 70-200mm would be a minimum, unless you're running up and down the field. (For field sports, pros often use a 300mm f/2.8 or 400mm f/2.
With a focal length range equivalent to a 27-136mm lens on a full frame camera, it covers most wideangle and short telephoto needs. If you want something faster and with higher quality, look at the Canon EF-S 17-55 f/2.8 IS USM, $1099 (review).
The old lens had a focal length range of 7.1 - 35.5 mm (5x, 38 - 190 mm equiv.), the new lens has a focal length range of 9.7 - 48.5 mm (5x, 38 - 190 mm equiv.).
A popular question back in the late 90s, when such lenses were heavily marketed as the ultimate in consumer convenience since they cover such a huge focal length range. Sadly, the lenses tend to be fairly big and heavy, as consumer lenses go.
Many photographers have been frustrated trying to get sharp corners on wide-angle rectilinear lenses underwater, especially in the 10-20mm focal length range.
The common focal length ranges are 18-200, 18-300, and so on. The biggest advantage these lenses offer is the speed and convenience of choosing the appropriate zoom for a photo.
If you've equipped yourself with a 24-70mm zoom lens or similar focal length range, then use whatever telephoto length you have to record the chatter and interaction of guests from a bit of a distance.
Wide-Angle Lens A lens of short focal length that provides a wider angle of view than human vision and standard lenses (in the 50mm focal length range).
So a typical 3x zoom digicam might have a lens with a actual focal length range of 7-21mm, even though the "35mm equivalent" range of 35-105mm may be how you normally think of it.
For example Canon's 430 and 580 series offer a usable focal length range of 24mm to 105mm when used with a compatible EOS lens on a full frame (35mm) DSLR.
Zoom lenses can be constrained to the wide angle part of the focal length range, such as a 16-35mm or 10-22mm; they can be only in the telephoto range, like a 70-200mm or 200-400mm; or they can include both wide angle and telephoto.
For a garden photography session, I use my Canon EOS-1Ds MkII, but any SLR will do. For DSLRs with cropped sensors, a focal length range of 18-200mm is ideal. I use a selection; my 24-105mm, 70-300mm and 100mm macro.
Many digital cameras will state two different focal length ranges. One is the actual measurement of the lens, the other is in 35mm terms...the standard by which all lenses are compared.
Although neither of the two high-end DA* lenses that I tested could truly be considered 'small,' this design approach does produce a reduction in size, weight and cost when compared to 35mm format lenses with similar focal length ranges and maximum ...
of zoom lenses is that they are often of lower optical quality than a comparable prime lens as they are more complicated. Also, they tend to have a smaller maximum aperture or be much bulkier and heavier than a prime in the same focal length range.
a 24mm-105mm lens (wide-angle to moderate telephoto) or a 70mm-300mm lens (moderate to long telephoto), you'll be covering everything from wide-angle to super-telephoto focal lengths with just two lenses. Again, the actual working focal length ranges ...
The Canon cameras require optics in much the same focal length range, and Brandon notes that carrying redundant glass for both systems is getting to be a pain.
Naturally, the angle of view decreases as you increase the focal length and magnify the image. Zoom lenses are highly versatile due to their extensive focal length range (from wide angle to telephoto without swapping lenses on the camera).
 See also: Focal, Focal length, Lens, Camera, Zoom
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