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How is a zoom aperture fixed?

Why is it that Zoom lens with a larger continuous aperture are so expensive?

  • I've been looking at Zoom lens with a f2.8 aperture at both ends of the zoom range. These seem to be the most expensive lens. I'm just starting to learn photography. I've ...show more

  • Answer:

    As a retired professional, I was concerned regarding this same question you raise in the text of your explanation. Having used a f/1.9 or f/1.2 "normal" focal length lens, I was concerned that the zoom lens was one or two stops slower on the long end. I am here to tell you, it has not bothered me at all. Technically I can't tell you the difference except that at the long end of the zoom the lens is slower in it's light gathering ability or a slower f/stop as you have observed. You admit you are just starting to learn photography. I think you should concentrate or specialize in the type of photography that you enjoy the most.. In time you will have contact with others that have the same or similar interests. As you pursue your craft you will answer this and many other questions by experience, which leads to a "justified" need. If you haven't learned it by now, you should know, photography is a "money pit". And so what? you could be doing a lot of other things with your money and have nothing to show for it. It is interesting to me that you "started" to learn photography with one of the most expensive camera companies going. If you can afford it--more power to you. I made more money with a fuji 645 film camera (fixed wide angle lens) about $600. than I every did with my super, deluxe multi-lens Canon outfit. You have to fit the equipment to you, not the other way around.

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Even fixed focal length fast lenses are expensive. It has to do with the precision needed in the optics and more elements required. Its more complicated on zooms because the precision has to be maintained as the elements move while zooming. The broader the zoom range the more complex it gets. A 200mm f2.8 is very fast. There are 18-200 zooms which are affordable but 200mm is at f6.3 so you’ll need slower shutter speeds. Just stepping up to 200mm at f5.6 will take a big chunk of cash from your pocket. You really should have investigated all this BEFORE you bought your DSLR. This is the least expensive 18-200mm lens I found at B&H Photo which will work on your camera. Tamron 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di-II Macro Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Zoom Super Wide Angle With Built-In Motor $290 - $60 rebate = $230 http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/550952-REG/Tamron_AF014NII_700_18_200mm_f_3_5_6_3_XR_Di_II.html Image quality should be fine but can you live with 200mm at f6.3? To step up to Nikon ImportedAF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II Zoom Lens will cost you $720. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/644744-GREY/Nikon_2192_AF_S_DX_NIKKOR_18_200mm.html

KNDChicago

If you keep complaining about the prices of zooms, why not check out the prices of primes? They're much more superior than zooms in terms of picture quality.

keerok

it usualy has to do with the glass quality as well but it is clearly a benifit to be able to get more light through these lenses which makes them more valuable. also the quality of the larger aperature lens as a whole is just superior and therefore cost more

hitmeup

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