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Lensfest '08: Tele zooms go all the way

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100 Photographic Tips in 100 Days, Part III: Day 64

By Mason Resnick

November 28, 2008

Welcome to Lensfest ’08, where we look at the best of this year’s new optical marvels. 2008 turned out to be a fascinating year for the advancement of optics, with zoom lenses zooming farther, a resurgence in specialty lenses such as fisheye and perspective-control lenses, and expanded compatibility among third-party lenses. As more full-frame, 35mm format DSLRs were introduced (including Nikon and Sony’s first cameras to offer 35mm-sized sensors) we're starting to see more lenses compatible with larger-sensor cameras.

This week, we look look at this year’s greatest optical hits. (Note: Some of these lenses are so new they aren't available yet. But follow the links and if you place an order you will get priority when they arrive on Adorama's shelves.)

Today, we look at midrange zoom lenses.

Telephoto zoom lenses are a staple of SLR photography and this year a bumper crop was introduced. From consumer-level lenses in the 50-200mm range that are meant as companioins to kit lenses to superfast, superbig lenses that only a pro with a big budget can afford, there’s a tele zoom to fit just about any need and price range.

The most active company by far this year was Sigma. Their tele zoom offerings include:

• 70-200mm f/2.8 II EG DG Macro HSM, a pro-quality lens for Pentax and Sony and Olympus Four Thirds
• APO 50-150mm f/2.8 II EX DC HSM, another pro lens that’s been updated and improved for Pentax and Sony
• 70-300mm F4-5.6 DG MACRO for Nikon (coming soon)
• APO 120-400mm F4.5-5.6 DG OS HSM, an enthusiast-level lens for Sigma, Nikon, Canon, Pentax and Sony (shown)

Finally, there’s the Sigma APO 200-500mm f/2.8, an extreme, 34-pound pro-level lens has a consistent max. aperture of f/2.8 throughout the zoom range and costs about as much as that Toyota Prius you have your eye on. Which will you get more mileage out of? I can't speak for the Prius but the lens has Special Low Dispersion and Extaordinary Low Dispersion glass elements, super multi-layer coating, and requires a battery to power zooming and focusing. A 2x tele-extender doubles its range to 400-1000mm but reduces its aperture to f/5.6. This special-order lens requires a 15 percent downpayment. It’ll mount on any Sigma, Nikon, Canon, Pentax or Sony SLR.

While Sigma was the dominant tele zoom player, let’s not forget Tamron, which introduced the SP AF 70-200mm f/2.8 Di LD Macro lens, a pro lens with extra low dispersion glass elements and silent autofocus, designed for 35mm-sized DSLRs and film cameras. With a constant f/2.8 maximum aperture and 1:3 magnification, this lens will find a welcome home in any serious Pentax or Sony shooter’s bag.

Sony introduced the 70-400mm f/4-5.6G lens for its line of DSLRs, and will work on its smaller sensor and full-frame models. Pentax’s 50-200mm f/4-5.6AL is a compact and light model that complements the Pentax kit lens.

© 2008 Adorama Camera, Inc.