Zoom Lens

A Zoom Lens is a camera accessory that allows a photographer to take close-up shots of his subjects. Similar to a telephoto lens, the zoom lens can magnify a subject anywhere from two to up to twelve times its original size.

While a zoom lens can be used at close range for macro photography shots, it may also be used by a photographer to capture shots of subjects at a far distance from the camera. Using the zoom lens for distant subjects can allow the photographer to take pictures of subjects or scenes that he can’t access for security reasons or because the action of the scene is too dangers.

For this reason, zoom lenses are commonly used in nature photography, as well as in undercover or spy work. For instance, a photographer on safari will want to use a zoom lens to snap shots of a lion feeding. Another photographer may also use a zoom lens to capture shots of racecars driving or of the president and his entourage. In each of these examples, because the photographer can’t get close to his subject, a zoom lens is necessary to clearly capturing the image.