A superzoom or ultrazoom lens is a type of photographic zoom lens with unconventionally large focal length factors, typically ranging from wide angle to extreme long lens focal lengths in one lens. There is no clear definition of a superzoom lens, but the name generally covers lenses that have a range well above the 3× or 4× (e.g., 28-85 mm or 70-210 mm) of a standard zoom lens, with lenses being 10×, 12×, 18×, or above considered superzoom.
Advantages of a superzoom lens include compositional flexibility, reduced need to swap lenses, and enhanced portability by consolidating the functionality of multiple lenses into one. Due to trade-offs in the optical design, superzoom lenses are noted for having poorer optical quality at the extreme ends of their zoom ranges, often due to distortion. The longer focal lengths are usually accompanied by optical image stabilization in order to be usable handheld.
Two photos of Transfăgărășan showing the zoom range of the Sony H9 cameraSee also
Notes
References
- ^ Grimm, Tom; Grimm, Michele (2009). "4". The Basic Book of Digital Photography: How to Shoot, Enhance, and Share Your Digital Pictures. Penguin Books.
- J. Dennis Thomas, Nikon D3300 Digital Field Guide, John Wiley & Sons - 2014, page 124
- Vorenkamp, Todd (August 26, 2022). "The One-Lens Photography Tool: The All-in-One Zoom Buying Guide". B&H Photo-Video. Retrieved 1 November 2023.
- Jon Sparks, Chiz Dakin, Outdoor Photography, Cicerone Press Limited - 2013, Hardware for the Outdoor Photographer
- DK, Digital Photography Complete Course, Penguin - 2015, page 124
- Chris Gatcum, The Beginner's Photography Guide, Dorling Kindersly Limited/Penguin - 2013, page 107