Canon Standard Zoom Lenses

Canon distinguishes between telephoto zoom lenses and standard zoom lenses. This distinction does not make sense, since standard zoom lenses does exactly the same as telephoto zoom lenses, i.e. magnify distant objects with variable focal lengths as opposed to telephoto lenses with fixed focal lengths ( prime lenses). So, in principle all standard zoom lenses should also be called telephoto zoom lenses. Canon describes telephoto lenses as follows: "Telephoto zoom lenses allow you to capture details normally missed by the eye.

Capture the far off action of fast-paced sports or zoom in for an intimate portrait with a blurred background." This could well be the description of standard zoom lenses, so Canon contributes to the confusion. Standard zoom lenses are described as follows: "This category features lenses with the most popular focal lengths, from wide-angle to telephoto, and a variety of apertures.

Having one of these is a must for any EOS camera system." This description does not help very much. However, looking at the models classed as standard zoom lenses, one particular feature pops up: All of these lenses have wide angle abilities at the lower end of the zoom setting, from as low as 15mm to 24mm, for example: The EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM, EF-S 17-55 f/2.8 IS USM, EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM, EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS, EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS, EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM, and the EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM.

On the other hand, only one (very expensive) telephoto zoom lens in Canon’s list has this feature: The EF 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6L IS USM. One might be mistaken to think that “standard” zoom lenses are the ordinary, inexpensive zoom lenses and that telephoto zoom lenses are the real McCoy. This is a mistake; standard zoom lenses can do what telephoto lenses can do (magnify distant objects at variable focal lengths), and can do something else as well: It can give you a wide angle view as well, if that is what you need.