What is the difference between zoom, telephoto etc

Question

What is the difference between nikons defition of the following:

Zoom, Telephoto, Normal, AF Teleconverters

Answer 1

A zoom lens is one in which the focal length can be varied, for example an 18-55mm zoom covers a range from wide angle (18) to short telephoto (55). This is on an average dslr. The shorter the lens length, the wider the angle of the view; the longer the length, the narrower the view; longer focal length lenses are called telephoto. A normal lens is one whose length falls between the extremes of wide angle and telephoto; typically, on a dslr, about 30-35mm in focal length. AF just means autofocus. A teleconverter typically extends the focal length of a tele. lens by a fixed amount, usually 1.4x or 2x. It's a supplementary lens which attaches to the primary lens. Although it extends the focal length of the lens, its use also exaggerates any defects the lens may have, and results in a loss of speed (aperture) of up to 2 stops.

Answer 2

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Answer 3

A "normal" lens is one with a focal length of 50-55mm, so when you look through those lenses the magnification/field of view  is about the same as the unassisted human eye.

A telephoto lens is one with a longer focal length than normal, such as 135mm, 200mm or 300mm.  When looking through a telephoto things seem closer, like using binoculars.  Useful for shooting wildlife and sports photography.

Wide-Angle lenses have a shorter focal length such as 24mm or 18mm, which make it appear that you're standing farther away.  This is good for landscape and scenic photography.

All lenses which have a set focal length, regardless of whether they are normal, wide-angle or telephoto are called "prime" lenses.

A zoom lens has variable focal length, so by turning a ring on the lens you can adjust the focal length longer or shorter, thereby "zooming" in or out.

AF (Autofocus) teleconverters are simply extensions that connect between your camera and lens, which increase the focal length a certain amount, such as 2X or 3X.   So putting a 2X teleconverter on a 50mm lens makes it effectively a 100mm lens.

If a teleconverter doesn't have AF, then you'll lose the automatic focusing feature of the lens, and have to adjust the focus manually.

Answer 4

Zoom- Not Much Zoom around 200mm's Zoomed Out

Telephoto: A Zoom Around 300mm's Zoomed Out, However, Other Length lenses Can Be Considered As " Telephoto "

Normal- A Prime lens, Like The 50mm f/1.8 And f/1.4 ( their only normal lenses )

Teleconverter- Increases the Focal Length of the lens.

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