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Zoom Lens Guide: What Lenses Should You Have in Your Bag?

Zoom Lens Guide What Lenses Should You Have in Your Bag image

Photo by maradon 333 via Shutterstock

Photographers are often obsessed with camera bodies and are constantly looking to get their hands on the newest and most advanced cameras. With that in mind, did you know that lenses play just as big of a role (if not bigger!) in photography?!? It’s true!

In this ultimate zoom lens buyer’s guide, we’ll cover everything there is to know about zoom lenses. We’ll discuss what zoom lenses are, their pros and cons, popular zoom lens focal lengths, the best zoom lenses, and more. Additionally, we’ll recommend our favorite place to buy a used zoom lens, MPB.

Who is MPB? It’s a trustworthy and innovative photography company that offers high-quality used photo and video gear at unbeatable prices. Better yet, every camera and lens it sells is hand-inspected by knowledgeable product specialists with years of experience and backed by a six-month warranty, allowing you to make your purchases confidently and worry-free.

What truly separates MPB from other retailers, though, is its state-of-the-art online platform. It’s a one-of-a-kind tool that makes it cheaper and easier than ever to find a used lens in excellent condition. We have used it for years, and it has helped us save thousands of dollars. Now, without further ado, join us as we dive into the magical world of zoom lenses!

Check out the video above by Simon d’Entremont to learn not only about zoom lenses but also prime lenses, fast lenses, slow lenses, and more. 

Table of Contents

What is a Zoom Lens?

What is a Zoom Lens image

Photo by matthewjohn5539 via Shutterstock 

There are two types of lenses for interchangeable camera systems, such as DSLRs and mirrorless cameras: zoom lenses and prime lenses. The zoom lens, which we are focusing on in this article, has a varying focal length (e.g., 24-70mm). In contrast, a prime lens has a constant, fixed focal length (e.g., 50mm). Which lenses you choose will depend on personal preference and the types of photography you shoot.

Advantages of a Zoom Lens

Advantages of a Zoom Lens image

Photo by Pixel-Shot via Shutterstock 

Here is a list of the biggest advantages of using a zoom lens. 

  • Unmatched versatility—you can shoot various types of photography with the same lens. 
  • Easy to use—you don’t have to physically move to adjust the frame. 
  • Stabilization—many modern zoom lenses have digital image stabilization.
  • Convenient—you can carry one zoom lens instead of many prime lenses and achieve the same results. 

Disadvantages of a Zoom Lens

Disadvantages of a Zoom Lens image

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Here are some of the disadvantages of using a zoom lens.  

  • Size—they are typically bulkier and heavier than prime lenses.
  • Lower max aperture—zoom lenses tend to have lower max apertures than prime lenses. 
  • Price—A zoom lens's average price is higher than a prime lens. If you think of a zoom lens as multiple prime lenses in one, you are saving money!

Learn More:

Common Zoom Lens Focal Lengths

Common Zoom Lens Focal Lengths image

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While there were once only a few different zoom lens options, today's list is endless! That said, the most common zoom lens focal lengths remain the same. They are 18-55mm, 24-70mm, 14-35mm, and 70-200mm. There are also newer “superzoom” lenses with huge focal ranges like the Canon RF 24-240mm f/4-6.3 IS USM.

18-55mm zoom lenses are the most popular kit for APS-C and other entry-level cameras. They are perfect for beginners who are learning the ropes of photography. 24-70mm zoom lenses are amazing all-purpose lenses for full-frame cameras. You can use them for everything from landscapes to portraits.

If you specialize in landscape or real estate photography, 14-35mm wide-angle zoom lenses are the best option. Wide-angle lenses are also good tools for videographers, especially YouTubers and vloggers who often record selfie-style content. Finally, 70-200mm telephoto zoom lenses are ideal for shooting far-away subjects, like sports and wildlife photography. 

What Zoom Lenses Do You Need in Your Bag?

What Zoom Lenses Do You Need in Your Bag image

Photo by Rawpixel.com via Shutterstock

We suggest investing in a good set of holy trinity zoom lenses to cover the most focal lengths possible. This trio includes a wide-angle zoom lens (≈14-35mm), a normal-length zoom lens (≈24-70mm), and a telephoto zoom lens (≈70-200mm), allowing you to capture everything from dramatic wide-angle shots to detailed close-ups.

If you’re just starting your photography journey and can only afford one lens, we usually recommend opting for a normal-length zoom lens because of their affordability, versatility, and size. That said, you should always prioritize the one that works best for you and your photography interests.

Here’s a look at the holy trinity zoom lenses for each of today's most common lens mount systems. As a quick note, all of the lenses below are mirrorless lenses. However, many fantastic DSLR lenses also exist for DSLR shooters. 

Canon

Nikon

Sony

Fujifilm

Micro Four Thirds

Buying Used Zoom Lenses

Buying Used Zoom Lenses image

Photo by eauaphoto via Shutterstock

Many people are afraid to buy used cameras and lenses, but what if we told you you could get photography gear in like-new condition and pay significantly less than the standard retail price…Would you be interested? Of course, you would! The key is purchasing used zoom lenses from a reliable source like MPB!

Buying used lenses is a wonderful way to save money while expanding your photography kit. For instance, you can get two or three used lenses for the price of one new lens. You can then use that savings to invest in other crucial gear like tripods, camera bags, drones, and lighting equipment.

The most important thing to consider when buying used zoom lenses is their physical condition (inside and out). Dings and dents aren’t pretty, but scratches on the glass and moisture/mold/dust inside the lens are real no-nos. You also want to test the zooming and focus rings to ensure they are smooth and not sticking.

Just so you know, some of the cool stuff we mention comes with affiliate links, meaning we earn a commission if you buy (no extra charge to you!). Plus, we occasionally feature sponsored content, but rest assured, we only shout out products we genuinely stand behind.

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