Superzoom

The term hyperzoom or superzoom is used to advertise photographic zoom lenses with unconventionally large focal length factors, typically more than 4× and ranging up to 15×, e.g., 35 mm to 350 mm. The largest ratio for digital SLR cameras is held by the Tamron 18–270 mm, giving 15×. [cite press release | url = http://www.tamron.com/news/35mm/18270vc.asp | title = TAMRON ANNOUNCES THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE AF18-270MM Di II VCULTRA HIGH POWER ZOOM LENS | publisher = Tamron Co., Ltd. | date = 2008-07-30] Some compact digital cameras have even larger zoom ratios up to 20x. [ [http://www.olympusamerica.com/cpg_section/product.asp?product=1367 Olympus SP-570 Ultra Zoom] ] For movie and television use, Panavision holds the record with their 300X HD Lens. [ [http://www.panavision.com.au/News/300x.htm Panavision Australia News- Panavision 300x HD Lens with Compound Zoom™ Technology ] ]

While superzoom lenses have improved greatly in recent years, they still have a number of drawbacks in comparison with shorter-range zooms and prime lenses. Most notable is the much increased likelihood of significant distortions of the image at both extreme ends of the range. Other potential problems include smaller maximum aperture and poorer autofocus performance. [ [http://www.nelsontan.com/reviews/superzoom.html Era of the Superzooms] , Nelson Tan, 1998, retrieved 4 October 2006]

Following is a list of such zooms, used for 135 format in SLRs or for APS format in DSLRs. The minimal factor used here is more than 5×. A 28–200 mm have a 75° to 12.3° angle of view, a 28–300 mm (or an 18–200 mm for an APS DSLR) have 75° to 8.2°. Between parenthesis are the [http://www.photodo.com/nav/prodindex.html Photodo] rating, if any.

History and development

The first zoom for photo cameras was introduced by Voigtländer in 1959 (Voigtländer ZOOMAR 1:2,8/36-82 mm). It was in fact designed by an independent lensmaker Zommar from Long Island, New York.

That same year Nikon introduced a Nikkor an 85-250 mm/1:4.0-4.5 for the new Nikon F.

The first zoom affordable for amateurs was the Vivitar series I 1:3.5/70-210 mm of 1973 with at that time a breathtaking focal length range. Further superzoom was a 100-500 mm/1:8 Rokkor from Minolta and a 360-1200/1:11 Nikkor from 1976.

1980 brought Tokina a wide angle - to zoom with the likewise enormous focal length range of 1:4.0/28–85 mm on the market. Only two years later Tokina presented then first superzoom shot after the today's understanding, it also covered a focal length spectrum from 35–200 mm (1982).

The focal length range was again increased 1985, when Kiron presented the first zoom lens with a focal length range of 28–210 mm.

Models

Canon

* EF-S 17–85 mm f/4–5.6 IS USM, 17 elements in 12 groups, 6 diaphragm blades, f/22–32 min, 35 cm close focus, 1:5 magnification, 67 mm filter, ø78.5×92mm, 475 g
* EF-S 18-200/3.5-5.6 IS, 16 elements in 12 groups, 6 disaphragm blades, f/22-36 min, 45 cm close focus, 1:4.2 magnification, 72 mm filter, ø79×102mm, 600 g
* [http://www.canon-europe.com/For_Home/Product_Finder/Cameras/EF_Lenses/Zoom_Lenses/EF_28200mm_f3556_USM/ EF 28-200/3.5-5.6 USM] , 16 elements in 12 groups, 6 diaphragm blades, ultrasonic autofocus (non-USM version is available outside Japan), f/22-36 min, 45 cm close focus, 1:3.6 magnification, 72 mm filter, ø78.4×89.6mm, 500 g
* [http://www.canon-europe.com/For_Home/Product_Finder/Cameras/EF_Lenses/Image_Stabilization_Lenses/EF_28-300_f_f3.5-5.6L_IS_USM/ EF 28-300/3.5-5.6L IS USM] , 23 elements in 16 groups, 8 circular diaphragm blades, f/22-40 min, 70 cm close focus distance, 1:3.3 magnification, Ring USM AF, Image Stabilisation, 77 mm filter, ø92×184mm, 1,670g
* 35-350/3.5-5.6L USM, 21 elements in 15 groups, 8 diaphragm Blades, ultrasonic autofocus, f/22-32 min, 60 cm close focus, 1:4 magnification, 72 mm filter, ø85×167.4mm, 1385 g, Discontinued

Cosina

also sold under Phoenix Corporation brand
* 28-210/4.2-6.5 IF Aspherical (2.4), 15 elements in 13 groups, 7 blades diaphragm, f/22 min, 50 cm close focus, 1:6.8 magnification, 67 mm filter, 395 g, Ø72×92,5 mm, replaced the older 28-210/3,5-5,6 (2.1)
* 28-300/4.0-6.3 (1.6), 17 elements in 15 groups, 77 mm filter, 1.9 m close focus, multicoated lenses, 570 g, f/16 min, 1:5.5 magnification, Ø82×122 mm, sliding zoom

Kiron

* 28-210/3.8-5.6 1:4 magnification, 72 mm filter

Olympus Corporation

* [http://www.four-thirds.org/en/products/standard.html#06 18-180/3.5-6.3] Zuiko digital ED, 15 elements in 13 groups, 45 cm close focus, 7 blades diaphragm, 1:4,3 magnification, 62 mm filters, Ø78×84.5mm, 435 g

Nikkor

* [http://nikonimaging.com/global/products/lens/af/dx/af-s_dx_zoom18-135mmf_35-56g_ed/ AF-S DX 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED] , 15 elements including one ED glass and two aspherical in 13 groups, 7 rounded diaphragm blades, f/22-38 min, 45 cm close focus, 1:4.1 magnification, 385 g, ø73.5×86.5mm, 67 mm filters
* [http://nikonimaging.com/global/products/lens/af/dx/af-s_dx_vr_zoom18-200mmf_35-56g_if/index.htm AF-S DX VR 18-200/3.5-5.6G IF-ED] , 16 elements including two ED glass three aspherical in 12 groups, enhanced vibration Reduction, silent wave motor AF, 7 rounded diaphragm blades, f/22-36 min, 50 cm close focus, 1:4.5 magnification, 72 mm filters, ø77×96.5mm, 560 g
* AF-S VR [http://nikonimaging.com/global/products/lens/af/zoom/af-s_vr_zoom24-120mmf_35-56g_if/ 24-120/3.5-5.6G IF-ED] , 15 elements in 13 groups, 7 diaphragm blades, f/22 min, 50 cm close focus, 1:4.8 magnification, 72 mm filters, ø77×94mm, 575 g; launched [http://www.nikon-image.com/eng/news_release/2003/afsvr24-120ed.htm january 2003] , supersedes the AF [http://nikonimaging.com/global/products/lens/af/zoom/af_zoom24-120mmf_35-56d_if/index.htm 24-120/3.5-5.6D IF]
* 28-200/3,5-5,6D IF (2.6) launched in [http://www.nikon.co.jp/main/eng/news/1998/jan28200-e_98.htm March 1998] , 16 elements in 13 groups, 85 cm close focus, f/22 min, internal focusing, 72 mm filters, ø78×86.5mm, 555 g
* [http://nikonimaging.com/global/products/lens/af/zoom/af_zoom28-200mmf_35-56g_if/index.htm AF 28-200/3.5-5.6G IF-ED] , 12 elements including 3 ED glass and 3 aspherical in 11 groups, 7 rounded diaphragm blades, f/22-36 min, 44 cm close focus, 1:3.2 magnification, 62 mm filters, ø69.5×71mm, 360 g
* 35-200/3.5-f/4.5s macro, 17 elements in 13 groups, 30 cm close focus, 1:4 magnification, ø70×139mm, 52 mm filters, 740 g, introduced in 1985, phased out in 1999. See [http://mir.com.my/rb/photography/companies/nikon/nikkoresources/zoomsMF/35200mm.htm mir.com.my/rb/photography]
* 50-300mm f/4.5, 20 elements in 13 groups, f/22 min, 250 cm close focus, 95 mm filters, ø98mm×292mm, 2300 g, introduced in 1966, Ai coupling since 1977; replaced by (s) version, ED, 15 elements in 11 groups, f/32 min, 1:6.9 magnification (Ai-S), 95 mm filters, ø98mm×247mm, 2200 g then 1950 g (Ai-S), introduced 1977, Ai-S version 1982. See [http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/companies/nikon/nikkoresources/zoomsMF/50300mmED.htm mir.com.my/rb/photography]
* [http://nikonimaging.com/global/products/lens/af/zoom/af_vr_zoom80-400mmf_45-56d/ AF VR 80-400/4.5-5.6D ED] , 17 including 3 ED glass elements in 11 groups, Vibration Reduction, 9 diaphragm blades, f/32 min, 230 cm close focus, 1:4.8 magnification, 77 mm filters, ø91×171mm, 1210 g, 2000 Release

Pentax

* 28-200/3.8-5.6, a rebranded Tamron model. [ [http://www.photo.net/equipment/pentax/smc28-200 Pentax SMC-FA 28-200 F3.8-5.6] by Steve Graham, photo.net 1998]
* [http://www.pentaximaging.com/footer/news_media_article?ArticleId=10271204 DA 18-250mm F3.5-6.3ED AL] , f/22-45 min, 7 blades diaphragm, 16 elements in 13 groups, 45 cm close focus, 1:3.6 magnification, 62 mm filter, ø75×85.5mm, 455 g (the specifications are very close to the Tamron model)

Sigma Corporation

* [http://www.sigma-photo.co.jp/english/lens/digital/18_125_35_56.htm 18-125/3.5-5.6 DC] , 15 elements in 14 groups, 7 diaphragm blades, f/22 min, 50 cm close focus, 1:5.3 magnification, 62 mm filters, ø70×77.7mm, 385 g
* [http://www.sigma-photo.co.jp/english/lens/digital/18_200_35_63.htm 18-200/3.5-6.3 DC] , 15 elements in 13 groups, 7 diaphragm blades, f/22 min, 45 cm close focus, 1:4.4 magnification, 62 mm filters, ø70×78.1mm, 405 g. An OS optically stabilized version was [http://www.sigma-photo.co.jp/english/news/18_200_35_63_dc_os.htm announced] at the 2006 photokina show.
* [http://www.sigma-photo.co.jp/english/lens/standardzoom/24_135_28_45.htm 24-135mm F2.8-4.5] , 16 elements in 15 groups, 9 diaphragm blades, f/32 min, 50 cm close focus, 1:4.5 magnification, 77 mm filters, ø83.6×93.4mm, 535 g
* [http://www.sigma-photo.co.jp/english/lens/standardzoom/28_200_35_56.htm 28-200/3.5-5.6 DG Macro] 16 elements in 14 groups, 8 blades diaphragm, f/22 min, 48 cm close focus, 1:3.8 magnification, 62 mm filter, ø70×77.7 mm, 400 g, replacing the 28-200/3,8-5,6 Aspherical UC and the 28-200/3,5-5,6 Asph. Hyperzoom (2.7)
* [http://www.sigma-photo.co.jp/english/lens/standardzoom/28_300_35_63.htm 28-300/3.5-6.3 DG Macro] , 15 elements in 13 groups, 8 diaphragm blades, f/22 min, 50 cm close focus, 1:3 magnification, 62 mm filter, ø74×86 mm, 490 g, replacing the 28-300/3,5-5,6 DL (2.7)
* [http://www.sigma-photo.co.jp/english/lens/telezoom/80_400_45_56.htm 80-400/4.5-5.6 EX DG OS] , 20 elements in 14 groups, 9 blades diaphragm, f/32 min, 180 cm close focus, 1:5 magnification, 77 mm filters, ø95×192mm, 1750 g
* [http://www.sigma-photo.co.jp/english/lens/telezoom/50_500_4_63.htm APO 50-500/4-6.3 EX DG /HSM] , 20 elements in 16 groups, 9 diaphragm blades, f/22 min, 100-300cm close focus, 1:5.2 magnification, 86 mm filters, ø95×218.5mm, 1840 g

Tamron

* AF [http://www.tamron.co.jp/en/data/digital/a14.html 18-200/3.5-6.3 XR Di-II] LD Aspherical (IF) Macro (Model A14), 15 elements in 13 groups, 45 cm close focus, 1:3.7 magnification, 62 mm filter, ø73.8×83.7 mm, 398 g, 7 blades diaphragm, f/22 min
* AF [http://www.tamron.co.jp/en/news/release_2006/news0914.html 18-250mm F/3.5-6.3 Di-II LD] Aspherical (IF) Macro (model A18), f/22 min, 7 blades diaphragm, 16 elements in 13 groups, 45 cm close focus, 1:3.5 magnification, 62 mm filter, ø74.4×84.3mm, 430 g
* AF [http://www.tamron.com/news/35mm/18270vc.asp 18-270mm Di-II VC LD] Aspherical (IF) Macro (model B003), f/22min, 7 blades diaphragm, 18 elements in 13 groups, 49 cm close focus, 1:3.5 magnification, 72 mm filter, ø79.6×101.0 mm, 550 g
* SP AF [http://www.tamron.co.jp/en/data/af-lens/190d.html 24-135/3.5-5.6 AD] Aspherical [IF] Macro (Model 190D), 14 elements in 10 groups, 7 blades diaphragm, f/22 min, 0.4 m close focus, 1:3.3 magnification, 72 mm filter, 530 g, ø78.5×80.6 mm
* AF [http://www.tamron.co.jp/en/data/af-lens/a03.html 28-200/3.8-5.6 Super Zoom XR] Aspherical (IF) Macro (Model A03) 15 elements in 14 groups, 7 blades diaphragm, f/22 min, 0.49 m close focus, 1:4 magnification, 62 mm filter, 354 g, ø71×75.2 mm; replaced the 28-200/3,8-5,6 LD (IF) Aspherical Super (2.7)
* AF [http://www.tamron.co.jp/en/news/release/news0802.html 28-300 mm F/3.5-6.3 XR] Di LD Aspherical (IF) Macro (Model A061), 15 elements in 13 groups, 0.49 m close focus, 1:2.9 magnification, 62 mm filter, ø73×83.7 mm, 420 g, 9 blades diaphragm, f/22 min; replaced the 28-300/3,5-6,3 LD Aspherical (IF) (2.6)

Tokina

* [http://www.tokina.co.jp/news/pie2006news.html 17-135/3.5-5.6 DX]
* 24-200/3.5-5.6 [http://www.thkphoto.com/products/tokina/afl-07.html AT-X 242 AF] , 15 elements in 13 groups including two aspherical and two SD glass, multi-layer coatings, internal focusing, rotary zoom, 6 blades diaphragm, f/22 min, 80 cm close focus, 1:5.97 magnification, 72 mm filter, ø81.8×89 mm, 690 g
* 28-200/3.5-5.3 [http://www.thkphoto.com/products/tokina/mfl-03.html SZ-X 282 MF] , f/22 min, 15 elements in 12 groups, 135 cm close focus, 1:5.5 magnification, 72 mm filter, ø74×109mm, 690 g
* 35-200/4-5,6 (2.5), the first trans-standard superzoom launched in 1982. [Chronologie der Fotografie, german Wikipedia]
* 35-300/4,5-6,7 (0.3)
* 80-400/4.5-5.6 [http://www.thkphoto.com/products/tokina/afl-12.html AT-X840 AF D] , 16 elements in 10 groups including one SD glass, f/32 min, multi-layer coatings, 250 cm close focus, 1:5.4 magnification, rotary zoom, 8 diaphragm blades, 72 mm filters, ø77.2×136.5, 1020 g, replacing the previous [http://www.thkphoto.com/products/tokina/afl-08.html AT-X 840 AF-II]

Vivitar

* 28-210/3,5-5,6 (0.9)
* 28-300/4-6,3 Series 1 (1.3)
* 28-200/3,8-5,6

References