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Telephoto lens question
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Oct 9, 2018 15:49:56   #
Foozer
 
What is it that can make one zoom lens or any lens so much more expensive than another lens of the same focal length.

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Oct 9, 2018 15:55:07   #
BebuLamar
 
The maximum aperture and whether or not it's fixed when zooming account for most of the price differences. Other factors like quality, sharpness, distortion etc.. also contribute to price.

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Oct 9, 2018 16:11:49   #
CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City
 
The maximum aperture, particularly when fixed at f/2.8 or wider across the zoom focal length, tends to require larger front elements. The larger the glass element, the more complex and expensive the manufacturing process. The addition of weather resistance capabilities, the addition of image stabilization also both add capability, complexity and cost. Finally, superior results can command a premium price in the market relative to the competition or prior versions of the same lens.

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Oct 9, 2018 16:13:13   #
RichardTaylor Loc: Sydney, Australia
 
Beside maximum aperture, also mechanical quality (how fast it focuses, weatherproofing, how long it will last) and image quality (especially at the wider apertures).
Also does it have image stabilisation (or vibration reduction).

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Oct 9, 2018 16:17:17   #
rmorrison1116 Loc: Near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania
 
The one with the sexy crimson band will usually always cost more.
Things like weather sealing and build quality and materials and quality and types of glass used and whether or not the lens has a 5 letter name on it and off white paint. These things all may factor into the cost of a lens.

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Oct 9, 2018 16:48:56   #
tradio Loc: Oxford, Ohio
 
CHG_CANON wrote:
The maximum aperture, particularly when fixed at f/2.8 or wider across the zoom focal length, tends to require larger front elements. The larger the glass element, the more complex and expensive the manufacturing process. The addition of weather resistance capabilities, the addition of image stabilization also both add capability, complexity and cost. Finally, superior results can command a premium price in the market relative to the competition or prior versions of the same lens.


And lastly, the name can add to the cost.

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Oct 9, 2018 16:59:56   #
ccphotographer Loc: Palm Springs
 
Beyond the obvious, the manufacturer's name!

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Oct 9, 2018 17:04:23   #
rmorrison1116 Loc: Near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania
 
tradio wrote:
And lastly, the name can add to the cost.


You mean like Canon or Nikon or Sigma or Zeiss.

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Oct 9, 2018 17:16:00   #
rook2c4 Loc: Philadelphia, PA USA
 
More expensive to manufacture.

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Oct 9, 2018 17:21:14   #
ccphotographer Loc: Palm Springs
 
Exactly.
After using most brands, many aren't even around anymore,I have concluded if the pictures are NOT for reproduction, i.e. magazine, advertising ,etc., and are for self use or newspaper-like production, MOST brands on the market will yield good results. Without nitpicking, good results. Sometimes, however, you do need a fast lens or you may not get the shot, but I'm speaking in general terms. I've been doing this for more than 55 years. My mom was a photographer as was her father.

Buy what you can afford!

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Oct 9, 2018 17:31:32   #
rmorrison1116 Loc: Near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania
 
ccphotographer wrote:
Exactly.
After using most brands, many aren't even around anymore,I have concluded if the pictures are NOT for reproduction, i.e. magazine, advertising ,etc., and are for self use or newspaper-like production, MOST brands on the market will yield good results. Without nitpicking, good results. Sometimes, however, you do need a fast lens or you may not get the shot, but I'm speaking in general terms. I've been doing this for more than 55 years. My mom was a photographer as was her father.

Buy what you can afford!
Exactly. br After using most brands, many aren't e... (show quote)


Huh? You've really confused me. I'm trying to read in the answer to the OP'S question but just can't seem to find it.

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Oct 10, 2018 08:07:38   #
pithydoug Loc: Catskill Mountains, NY
 
Foozer wrote:
What is it that can make one zoom lens or any lens so much more expensive than another lens of the same focal length.


A lens is like a car, do you want a smart car or a stretch limo. It's all about quality of the parts.

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Oct 10, 2018 08:40:40   #
jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY
 
Design, materials, construction. Of course, Nikon or Canon will be able to charge more than Tamron or Tokina just because of the name.

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Oct 10, 2018 08:54:50   #
rmorrison1116 Loc: Near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania
 
jerryc41 wrote:
Design, materials, construction. Of course, Nikon or Canon will be able to charge more than Tamron or Tokina just because of the name.


Just because of the name?! Or maybe a combination of design, materials, construction and manufacturer.

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Oct 10, 2018 08:55:59   #
rmorrison1116 Loc: Near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania
 
pithydoug wrote:
A lens is like a car, do you want a smart car or a stretch limo. It's all about quality of the parts.


What does that even mean?

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