http://www.stevezimages.com/zoom-lens/
What is the difference between a regular “zoom” lens and a Telephoto Lens?
Is there one? I am new to photography, and the only difference I see between them is that a telephoto lens appears to have a much larger len on the far end than a regular zoom lens.
I’m a noob, so sorry for the potentially dumb question.
Thanks for the answers.
“Telephoto” refers to a specific way to design a lens which allows the lens to be physically shorter than it’s actual focal length. Most lenses longer than 75mm or so(for 35mm cameras) are a telephoto design, although there are lenses longer than this that are not telephoto lenses.
A zoom lens is a lens on which the focal length can be changed. Technically, in order for a lens to be called a zoom lens, the point of focus needs to stay the same as the focal length as changed, although few lenses do this.
It’s possible to have a zoom lens which uses a telephoto design-this is very common for zoom lenses where part of the focal length range is greater than 75mm.
It’s also possible to have a zoom lens which does not use a telephoto design.
So, to answer your question, telephoto and zoom are terms which have totally different meanings, and are not mutually exclusive.
Zoom lens
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Angenieux HR 25-250mm T3.5 Zoom Lens Arri RED Arriflex PL Mount $32,000.00 |
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New Century S2000 17-35MM T3 COMPACT ZOOM LENS PL Mount Schneider $14,000.00 |
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18-100mm Cooke T3 zoom lens $13,500.00 |
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Cooke Varotal 18-100mm T3.0 Zoom Lens With Case Plus+ $13,000.00 |
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Canon HJ11ex4.7B ITS-ME 2/3″ 11x HDTV Zoom Lens with Servo Zoom 2x Extender $11,000.00 |
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Sanyo LNS-T03 Long zoom Projector lens NEW $9,148.08 |
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Sanyo LNS-T03 Long Zoom Lens +1 yr Warranty +DHL Express (Brand New) $8,384.95 |
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Brand New SANYO LNS-T03 Long Zoom Lens $7,799.00 |
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Nikon AF-S VR Zoom-NIKKOR 200-400mm f/4G IF ED Lens $7,901.90 |
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Canon HJ18X7.8B IRS HD High Definition Broadcast HDTV 18x Zoom Lens $7,500.00 |
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Canon KJ16EX7.7B-IRSE 7.7-124mm f/1.8 HDGC 2/3″ 16x Broadcast Zoom Lens $7,100.00 |
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Fujinon A44x9.5 Sony Mount Sports Zoom Lens $6,999.00 |
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Hasselblad 35-90mm f/4-5.6 HCD Aspherical Zoom Lens # 3023590 $6,990.00 |
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ANGENIEUX zoom 20-120mm f/2.6 Type 6X20 L2 PL Mount Cine Movie lens / ARRI RED $6,800.00 |
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Canon KJ16EX7.7B KRSD PS12 7.7-123mm f/1.8 2/3″ HDGC Broadcast Zoom Lens $6,800.00 |
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AF-S VR Zoom-NIKKOR 200-400mm f/4G IF-ED for NIKON $6,600.00 |
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Cooke Varotal 20-100mm T3.1 Zoom Lens $6,500.00 |
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*Mint* Nikon AF-S Nikkor 200-400mm f/4 ED Zoom w/hk-30 200-400 F4 #28531 $6,550.00 |
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Fujinon HA20x7.5 BEVM-G28 HD High Definition Zoom Lens $6,500.00 |
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CANON SC12X11.5 ZOOM LENS T2.5 SUPER 16 SC12 11.5 PL MOUNT $6,499.99 |
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Nikon Zoom-Nikkor 200-400mm f/4 200-400/4 ED AIS (11K088) $6,050.00 |
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Red Camera Pro Zoom Lens: 18-85mm T2.9 $5,800.00 |
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Angenieux F25-250mm T3.9 Zoom Lens $5,750.00 |
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Sony NEX-FS100UK Super 35mm Sensor Camcorder w/ 18-200mm Zoom Lens $5,628.02 |
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Sony NEX-FS100UK Super 35mm Sensor Camcorder w/ 18-200mm Zoom Lens $5,627.95 |
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Sony NEX-FS100UK Super 35mm Sensor Camcorder w/ 18-200mm Zoom Lens $5,627.91 |
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RED Pro 18-85mm Zoom Lens $5,000.00 |
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CANON PV18x12B IE TV ZOOM LENS 12-216mm 1:1.6 W Manual $4,999.00 |
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Fujinon HA 15×8 BERD R28 HD lens RED HDCAM HA 15x zoom lens $4,999.00 |
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Red Pro Zoom 17-50mm T2.9 PL Mount (F3 5d alexa fs700 red one epic scarlet) $4,900.00 |
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Canon 5D Mark II Camera w/ SmallHD DP1x Monitor & L Series 24-105 Lens, Zoom H4N $4,799.00 |
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PANASONIC SOLUTIONS COMPANY 5.0-8.0 ZOOM LENS $4,830.29 |
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►NEW! ►►BARCO HB TLD+ (2.6 – 4.1):1 HD ZOOM LENS ►R9862030 cinema projector $4,777.77 |
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Christie Digital 103-121105-01 Zoom Projector Lens – Used $4,750.00 |
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CANON 5D MARK III w/ TAMRON 28-80 + CANON 75-300 ZOOM + 500mm TELEPHOTO LENS $4,704.00 |
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Nikon Zoom-Nikkor*ED 200-400mm F/4 AI-S AIS Lens *EX* $4,599.00 |
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New SAMSUNG CCTV SLA-880 Zoom 8-80mm Security Camera Lens (10pcs) + Free Express $4,629.99 |
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Canon EOS 5D MARK III w/ Sigma 28-70 Low Light Lens + Canon 75-300 Zoom Lens $4,586.00 |
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ETD75LE6 PTD7000/D10000 Series Projectors Zoom Lens $4,535.51 |
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Nikon Zoom-Nikkor*ED 180-600mm F/8 AI-S AIS Lens w/CZ-1860 Case $4,399.00 |
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Olympus 35-100mm f/2.0 ED Zuiko Digital Zoom Lens $4,393.93 |
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Olympus 35-100mm f/2.0 ED Zuiko Digital Zoom Lens $4,393.86 |
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Olympus 35-100mm f/2.0 ED Zuiko Digital Zoom Lens $4,393.82 |
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Panasonic ETD75LE10 -ZOOM LENS 1.3-1.7:1 DZ8700 – Kit $4,327.34 |
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Nikon Nikkor 180-600mm f8 f/8 ED AIs Zoom Near Mint w Box Hood Manual $4,250.00 |
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Olympus Zuiko 90-250mm f/2.8 F2.8 ED Zoom Lens for Digital SLR Camera USA $4,249.95 |
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CANON SC8X8 T2.4 ZOOM LENS SUPER 16 2.4 AATON PL MOUNT $4,199.99 |
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New SAMSUNG CCTV SLA-880 Zoom 8-80mm Security Camera Lens (9pcs) + Free Express $4,169.99 |
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BRAND NEW CANON EOS 5D MARK III w/ TAMRON 28-80 ZOOM LENS + BASIC BEGINNERS KIT $4,148.00 |
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Zoom Tokina F = 11-16/2.8 , full rehoused , PL mount ,ARRI ,Cine style $3,999.00 |
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Panasonic – ETD75LE10 Zoom Lens 1.3-1.7:1 DZ8700 $4,006.80 |
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PANASONIC ET-D75LE4 5.0-8.0 LONG THROW ZOOM LENS PT-DW7000/D7700/D10000U/DW100.. $3,927.09 |
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Panasonic Etd75le10 Zoom Lens 1.3-1.7:1[dz8700] Accs 1.4-1.8:1(ds8500) $3,880.85 |
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PANASONIC ETD75LE10 ZOOM LENS 1.3-1.7:1 DZ8700 1.4-1.8:1 DS8500 1.4-1.9:1 DW8300 $3,875.02 |
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PANASONIC ETD75LE10 ZOOM LENS 1.3-1.7:1 DZ8700 1.4-1.8:1 DS8500 1.4-1.9:1 DW8300 $3,875.02 |
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NIKON D700 (IMPORT) w/ NIKON 18-55 LENS + NIKON 55-200 LENS + 650-1300 ZOOM $3,818.40 |
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Canon KH19x6.7-KTS SX14A 19x 1/2″ High Definition Remote Motor Drive Zoom Lens $3,800.00 |
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NEW Panasonic ETD75LE10 Zoom Lens $3,769.99 |
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NEW Panasonic ET-D75LE4 5.0 – 8.0 Zoom Lens ETD75LE4 $3,747.99 |
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New SAMSUNG CCTV SLA-880 Zoom 8-80mm Security Camera Lens (8pcs) + Free Express $3,709.99 |
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Nikon AF-S 24-70mm f/2.8 1:1 Thermos Travel Mug Camera Lens Cup $14.29 Drinkware Type:Vacuum Flasks & Thermoses Place of Origin:Guangdong China (Mainland) color:black Features - 1:1 nikon 24-70mm thermos Mug/cup - Material: Food grade PVC plastic materials, Stainless Steel thermos interior - Size: 70mm x 70mm x 195mm - Brand new with box – Nikon Lens Mug x1 - Dust bag x1… |
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ZOOM-ABLE! Coffee Mug in the Shape of Nikon 24-70 Lens, Interior is Stainless $13.99 ZOOM-ABLE! Coffee Mug in the Shape of Nikon 24-70 Lens, Interior is Stainless… |
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NEPMANDU Nikon Lens AF-S 24-70mm f/2.8 Coffee Cup Mug LATEST genration (Non-Zoom) $11.99 Fotodiox Thermo Lens Cup with Stainless Steel Insulated Tumbler, Coffee and Refreshment Mug, 1:1 Nikon Lens imitation Thermo Cup (Modeling 24-70mm F2.8G Lens), 16oz… |
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Regeneration $13.24 All products are BRAND NEW and factory sealed. Fast shipping and 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed…. |
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Olympus Stylus TOUGH-6000 Shockproof & Waterproof Digital Camera (White) + 2GB xD Card + Spare Li-50B Battery + Case + Cameta Bonus Accessory Kit Kit includes: |
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Life Thru A Lens $32.98 The former Take That leader’s 1997 solo debut. 11 tracks, including the international hit singles ‘Lazy Days’, ‘Angels’, ‘Old Before I Die’ and ‘Let Me Entertain You’. … |
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7w 300lm Mini Cree Led Flashlight Torch Adjustable Focus Zoom Light Lamp $4.25 Features: Super mini size, bright, blinding effect. Skid-proof design & waterproof design. Output bright can come to 300 lumens (MAX). Adjustable focus range for different usage, stretching to adjust its focus. Clip for convenience carry. Working voltage is wide and can utilize the batteries in the largest extent. Suitable for hunting, cycling, climbing, camping and outdoor activity etc. … |
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NEC NP07ZL Projector Zoom Lens $1419.99 NEC NP07ZL Projector Zoom Lens |
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InFocus 1.80 mm – 2.30 mm Zoom Lens $1159.99 InFocus 1.80 mm – 2.30 mm Zoom Lens |
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Rokinon 650-2600mm Telephoto Zoom Lens for Sony $296.99 Catch every moment with a 650-2600mm zoom lensRokinon telephoto lens is for SonyPhoto accessory measures 4 inches in diameter x 18.5 inches long |
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Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/ 4-5.6 IS Telephoto Zoom Lens $289.99 Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS Telephoto Zoom Lens |
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Rokinon/ Canon 650-2600mm Super Telephoto Zoom Lens $303.99 Capture great shots with Canon 650-1300mm telephoto black zoom lensCamera optic includes 2x teleconverter lensMulti-coated telephoto lens is ideal for wildlife, sports and nature photography |
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Rokinon/ Sony Alpha 650-2600mm Super Telephoto Zoom Lens $303.99 Capture great shots with Sony Alpha 650-2600mm telephoto black zoom lensCamera optic includes 2x teleconverter lensMulti-coated telephoto lens is ideal for wildlife, sports and nature photography |
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Rokinon 650-1300 mm Zoom Lens for Sony Alpha $299.99 Rokinon 650-1300mm high-definition zoom lens is perfect for professional and amateur photographersTelephoto camera lens is great for wildlife or nature photographersPhotography accessory mounts to all Sony digital SLR cameras |
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Rokinon/ Nikon 650-2600mm Super Telephoto Zoom Lens $306.99 Capture great shots with Nikon 650-2600mm telephoto black zoom lensCamera optic includes 2x teleconverter lensMulti-coated telephoto lens is ideal for wildlife, sports and nature photography |
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Polaroid Underwater Housing for Digital Cameras Without Zoom Lens $19.99 Take your compact camera underwater for great marine shots with this housing from Polaroid. This works for virtually all compact digital cameras without a zoom lens and is tested to protect to 30 feet in depth. |
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Rokinon 650-1300mm Super Telephoto Zoom Lens for Olympus $298.49 Rokinon super-telephoto zoom lens is incredibly powerfulLens is ideally suited for sports, nature and wildlife photographyPhoto accessory’s high-definition optics produce sharp and clear pictures |
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Rokinon 650-2600mm Super Telephoto Zoom Lens for Olympus $299.99 Rokinon super-telephoto zoom lens is incredibly powerfulLens is ideally suited for sports, nature and wildlife photographyPhoto accessory allows you to take sharp and clear pictures |
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Rokinon/ Pentax 650-2600mm Super Telephoto Zoom Lens $305.49 Capture great shots with Pentax 650-2600mm telephoto black zoom lensCamera optic includes 2x teleconverter lensMulti-coated telephoto lens is ideal for wildlife, sports and nature photography |
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Rokinon/ Olympus/ Panasonic 650-2600mm Super Telephoto Zoom Lens $305.49 Capture great shots with Olympus/Panasonic 650-2600mm telephoto black zoom lensCamera optic includes 2x teleconverter lensMulti-coated telephoto lens is ideal for wildlife, sports and nature photography |
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Panasonic H-FS045200 45-200mm f4-5.6 Telephoto Zoom Lens $313.49 Panasonic H-FS045200 45-200mm f4-5.6 Telephoto Zoom Lens |
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EverFocus EFV-416DC 4 mm – 16 mm Zoom Lens for CS Mount $52.99 EverFocus EFV-416DC 4 mm – 16 mm Zoom Lens for CS Mount |
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Panasonic H-F007014 7 mm-14 mm f/4 Ultra Wide Angle Zoom Lens for Mic $939.99 Panasonic H-F007014 7 mm-14 mm f/4 Ultra Wide Angle Zoom Lens for Micro Four Thirds |
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Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4.0-5.6 IS Telephoto Zoom Lens $219.99 This telephoto zoom lens is designed with Canon’s Optical Image Stabilizer technology while retaining compactness and lightness, in response to demands of photographers. This EF-S telephoto lens delivers excellent performance all photographers. |
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Rokinon 650-2600mm Telephoto Zoom Lens for Nikon $304.49 Rokinon 650-1300 mm lens is perfect for professional and amateur photographers Lens includes 2X doubler to double your focal length from 650mm to 2600mmTelephoto camera lens is great for wildlife or nature |
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Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 DG APO Macro Telephoto Zoom Lens for SLR Cameras $236.99 This Sigma telephoto zoom lens is designed for use with full frame digital SLR cameras. This lens may also be used with smaller APS-c size sensors with a corresponding effective increase in focal length to about 100 to 450mm with most cameras. |
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Tamron A015 AF 55-200mm f/4-5.6 Di-II LD Macro Telephoto Zoom Lens $187.49 The 55-200mm zoom lens realizes an MFD (Minimum Focus Distance) of 3.1 ft. over the entire zoom range, the top level of the closest focusing distance among tele-zoom lenses. |
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Rokinon 650-2600mm Canon Telephoto Zoom Lens $299.99 Rokinon 650-1300 mm lens is perfect for professional and amateur photographersPhoto accessory includes 2X doubler to increase your focal length from 650 mm to 2600 mmTelephoto camera lens is great for nature shots |
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Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Telephoto Zoom Lens/ Accessory Kit/ 5 Year Extended Warranty $565.99 The EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM telephoto zoom lens has been developed to meet the high-performance standards that today’s photographers demand. Improved Image Stabilizer Technology provides up to three stops of ‘shake’ correction. |
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Pentax 50-200mm f/4-5.6 ED WR Telephoto Zoom Lens $242.99 255 characters or less! |
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Rokinon 650-1300 mm Zoom Lens for Canon EOS Mount $298.99 Rokinon 650-1300 mm lens is perfect for professional and amateur photographersTelephoto camera lens is great for wildlife or natureHigh definition optics produce sharper, more intense pictures |
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Rokinon 650-1300 mm Manual Zoom Lens for Nikon Mount $229.99 Rokinon 650-1300 mm lens is perfect for professional and amateur photographersTelephoto camera lens is great for wildlife or nature photographyHigh definition optics produce sharper, more intense pictures |
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Rokinon 650-2600mm Pentax Telephoto Zoom Lens $306.99 Rokinon 650-2600 mm lens is perfect for professional and amateur photographersPhoto accessory includes 2X doubler to increase your focal length from 650 mm to 2600 mmTelephoto camera lens is great for nature shots |
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Canon EF 70-300mm F/4-5.6 IS USM Telephoto Zoom Lens with Accessory Kit $485.3 Compatibility: Canon EFModel: ACAN70300ISK2Weight: 1.39 pounds |
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Rokinon 650-1300-mm Super Telephoto Zoom Lens for Canon EOS SLR Cameras $299.99 Rokinon 650-1300-mm lens is perfect for professional and amateur photographersSuper telephoto camera lens is great for wildlife, nature and sports photographyHigh definition optics produce sharper, more intense pictures |
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Rokinon 650-1300mm Super Telephoto Zoom Lens for Nikon SLR Cameras $299.99 Rokinon 650-1300mm lens is perfect for professional and amateur photographersSuper telephoto camera lens is great for wildlife, nature,and sports photographyHigh definition optics produce sharper, more intense pictures |
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Rokinon 650-1300mm Super Telephoto Zoom Lens for Sony Alpha/ Minolta SLR Cameras $235.49 Rokinon 650-1300mm lens is perfect for professional and amateur photographersSuper telephoto camera lens is great for wildlife, nature,and sports photographyHigh definition optics produce sharper, more intense pictures |
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Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4.0-5.6 IS Zoom Lens $212.49 Canon focal length and maximum aperture is 55-250mm f/4-5.6 Lens is constructed using one UD-glass elementPhoto accessory has diagonal angle of view 27 50′- 6 15′ (with APS-C image sensors) |
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Canon EF-S 55-250MM Telephoto EOS Camera Zoom Lens with Accessory Kit $271.49 This lens features optical image stabilization in a lightweight and compact body. This lens delivers a powerful telephoto zoom that lets you get up close and personal with your subjects. |
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Rokinon 650-1300-mm Super Telephoto Zoom Lens for Olympus/ Panasonic Digital SLR Cameras $299.99 Rokinon 650-1300-mm lens is perfect for professional and amateur photographersSuper telephoto camera lens is great for wildlife, nature and sports photographyHigh definition optics produce sharper, more intense pictures |
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Rokinon 650-1300mm Super Telephoto Zoom Lens for Pentax Digital SLR Cameras $245.99 Rokinon 650-1300-mm lens is perfect for professional and amateur photographersSuper telephoto camera lens is great for wildlife, nature,and sports photographyHigh definition optics produce sharper, more intense pictures |
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Sigma 10-20mm F/4-5.6 EX DC HSM Lens for Canon $469.99 Super wide-angle zoom lens comes equipped with HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor) system Lens is relatively compact and lightweight for an ultra wide-angle zoom lens Lens gives the photographer the enjoyment of super wide-angle photography |