Sony Alpha Camera Telephoto Lenses

Will a Telephoto Lens Suit Your Photography Needs?

Those that like to bring far away objects closer in photos will benefit from a telephoto zoom lens. Due to a narrower angle of view, this type of lens will make objects appear closer together than they actually are to each other. What's more, the narrow depth of field allows for the subject to be the primary focus while blurring the background. All-in-one cameras offer incredible image quality, but the extra ability to add a zoom lens and get a better photo is always a good option. Low-light, full sun, and indoor lighting all affect the final image.

What Types of Mounts Are Compatible with a Telephoto Lens?

Having interchangeable-lens options, ensure you get the shot you want to get. Although you can always use the in-camera lens, sometimes you need more. Fisheye, close-up, wide-angle, ultra-wide, telephoto, or macro lens are all types of different lenses a photographer may choose from to get the look that is necessary for a specific photo. Whether you are using a Sony E camera or another branded one, there are adapters available that let you mix and match lenses and cameras.

  • E-mount - Sony E-mount is the mount for the NEX line of mirrorless cameras that attach the new lens in front of the camera's built-in lens.  
  • A-mount - The "A" Alpha line, including the APS-C and AF-S camera, uses an A-mount.
  • Adapters - To attach non-E-mount lenses to an E-mount, camera users can use an adapter. For example, EF to E-mount lens adapter, Cm-EF-E HS lens adapter, LA-EA3, and LA-EA4. The latter two adapters allow for interchangeable A-mount and E-mount lenses.

What to Look for When Choosing a Lens?

  • Focal length - The focal length of a DSLR camera lens tells you how far you can zoom in on the subject. The zoom lens is often written in a range such as 18 to 135 mm or 70 to 200 mm, but can also be a set distance such as 50 mm, 70 mm, or 200 mm. One that has a fixed length is a prime lens. Most of the lenses have the option of automatic or manual focus.
  • Maximum Aperture - A maximum lens aperture may be written in several different ways: F3.5, F/3.5, or 1:3.5 for instance. No matter how it is written, it means the same. The aperture number refers to how much light can pass through the lens. It might be a bit confusing, but the lower the number, the more light that can pass through. Knowing the aperture is necessary knowledge, especially when shooting in low light.
  • Format - Cameras have different sized sensors, so it's essential that the full-frame lens you choose be compatible with the camera you are using. The lens needs to be able to produce a full-frame image that is large enough to cover the sensor.
  • Image Stabilization - It doesn't matter if you are using automatic or manual focus or a wide-angle or ultra-wide camera, without image stabilization technology, you are liable to end up with blurry pictures. Unless you are using a tripod, there is always a chance that some shakiness will take place, especially after holding the camera up for an extended period.
  • Tilt-shift - To manipulate the perspective photographers might choose a lens with tilt-shift. Users are able point the lens at an angle instead of just at a perpendicular plane. 

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