 BetterPhoto Member |
Lense power I would like to learn the relationship between lense size to magnification power. I.E. what 2x translates to, 10x translates to etc. My present camera has 10x optical which I augment with a 3x kit to get 30x magnification. This is important for taking pictures of small birds and migrating raptors in the spring. Any info, or directions to info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
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Jon Close |
"10x optical zoom" on your camera refers to the range of focal lengths available (longest divided by shortest), not the magnification of the image. For example, the Fujifilm FinePix S5000 has a zoom lens with focal lengths ranging from 5.6mm to 56 mm ("37mm-370mm equivalent" in 35mm film). In terms of viewing power (like binoculars or telescopes), you would divide the actual lens focal length by the "normal" focal length that approximates eyesight. The "normal" focal length varies by format size, and is generally taken to be the diagonal length of the film frame or digital sensor. In 35mm film cameras you'd divide by 43mm, though for simplicity 50mm is usually used. So a 300mm lens would be equivalent to 6x power binoculars. For the FinePix S5000, it would be 6.59mm, so at its longest setting (56mm) the lens would be equivalent to 8.5x power. "Magnification" in photography usually refers to the comparison of the size of the image captured on film/sensor to the actual size. Also referred to as "Macro." Greater magnification is more a function of being able to focus a lens at closer distances than of longer focal lengths. The maximum magnification factor is usually given as a ratio, 1:2 for 1/2 size (or 0.5x), 1:1 for life size (or 1x), 2:1 (or 2x) for 2 times life size.
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