I need a lens for my DSLR that will give me the equivalent of what is described as 18x in a digital compact.

Question

I have Olympus E-410 DSLR that uses Four-thrids standard. Best answer will be given to those that can give me a list as comprehensive as possible of what my options are to obtain a 12-18x zoom similar to digital-compact super-zoom camera. What is the cheapest option? What is the best quality option ? Thanx.

Answer 1

There are two things to consider. First, the zoom ratio. This is the difference in a zoom lens from the lowest focal length to the highest. For example, a 28-280mm zoom lens would have a 10X zoom ratio. The highest focal length of 280mm is 10X the lowest 28mm focal length. Second, many would argue that a focal length of 50mm gives actual size view to an image. That mean that a with 50mm would be 1X. Assuming this is true, that would mean a lens with 750mm focal length would have a 15X zoom (50X15=750) equivalent to a point and shoot digicam.

You are better off going to a camera store and handling a few cameras and lenses. This way you can see exactly what you will be getting and how the lenses will perform. Others have asked this question and some expressed disappointment in the performance of zoom lenses on DSLR cameras, compared to point and shoot.

Answer 2

There is no 1 single zoom lens that will give you the zoom ratio equal to the P&S.

You will need at least 2 or more lens to cover the same focal length.

Here are some suggestions:

18 - 180m F3.5-6.3 + 300mm F2.8

or

12 - 60mm F2.8-4.0 + 50 - 200mm F2.8-3.5

Answer 3

No you don't ... the only reason to have a high "x" factor on a P&S camera is because the lens cannot be replaced.  With a DSLR, you can choose the lens length you need ... you don't need a one size fits all lens ... that is the beauty of a DSLR ... interchangeable lenses that match your needs as a photographer and the subjects you shoot.

At present Nikon has the interchangeable lens with the highest "X" factor, but it is "only" 11.1x.  The ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 18-180 mm is the closest that Olympus has at 10x.

Here is the link to all the lenses available from Olympus ... you can do the math on the lenses yourself.

http://www.olympusamerica.com/cpg_sectio...

Answer 4

The 18-180mm Olympus Digital Zuiko and the 14-150mm Panny/Leica are your only two super zoom choices. The 18-180 costs about $400 while the 14-150 will run you about $1100 if you can find one. The option for best quality would be to buy seperate lenses. If you were to limit your options to either of the two super zooms the Leica is obviously the better choice.