A variety of detachable camera lenses.
A camera zoom lens is a feature designed for shooting photos over distance or to improve image features close-up. Zoom lenses come with a variety of designs and features, and are either detachable or built in to the body design permanently.
How a Zoom Lens Works
A zoom lens is a telescopic design that uses different lenses to produce the effect of bringing far-off objects up close. It does this by changing the focal length in a camera. The focal length is the distance from the center focal point to the center of the optical lens (the lens furthest out pointing at an object).
Types of Zoom Lens Incorporation
Zoom lenses come built into uni-body cameras and can also be detachable, such as found on SLR-type cameras. Zoom lenses can be used on video cameras as well as still-photo cameras and rifle sight scopes.
History
The zoom lens was first invented at the turn of the century in 1902 by Clile C. Allen. It was put into practical use in movie camera 30 years later. Since that time zoom lenses have been redesigned to incorporate multiple features such as fish-eye lenses, macro lenses, and traditional zoom lenses that cover distance. Most people learn the various benefits of zoom lens use via 35mm photography cameras and today's digital cameras with built-in zoom features.
The Deficiencies of Zoom Lenses
Too much of a good thing can be a problem. As a zoom lens extends further out from the camera body, it loses image quality around the edges of the lens. It also suffers from light loss. Finally, it can be more subject to vibration which makes a clear image hard to take. Technology has attempted to solve some of these problems with computer anti-vibration and after-image photo improvement via software. However, zoom quality is good for only so far a distance, and then it degrades rapidly in image production.
Basic Care for a Zoom Lens
When not using your lens, always keep the lens cap on to protect the lens. Store your zoom lens in a padded camera bag, and try to avoid dropping or banging the lens. Also, avoid cleaning the lens with abrasive cloth as this scratches the lens and blurs your images.
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