Buying a Telephoto Lens
When it comes to buying a telephoto lens it’s important to ask yourself what subjects you are wanting to shoot, how far away these subjects are likely to be, and what type of light you will most often be shooting in. You’ll then be able to narrow down your lens choices based on the following characteristics:
Focal Length
The lens focal length will determine how close your subject will appear through your cameras viewfinder. The larger the focal length the closer you will be able to get to your subject.
If I’m shooting a motocross event and I’m able to get very close to the track then often I won’t need a focal length longer than 200mm on a full-frame camera. But if I’m shooting birds in flight then these will be much further away and the subject will also be much smaller, so then I usually prefer a focal length in the 400-600mm range on a full-frame camera.
Aperture
The aperture of the lens together with shutter speed and ISO will determine your exposure. A lens with an aperture of f/2.8 will let in twice the amount of light compared with an f/4 lens, this not only allows you to keep your ISO lower but also improves the autofocus speed.
Many zoom lenses will have a variable aperture that changes depending on your focal length. For example, the Sony FE 100-400mm GM lens has a maximum aperture of f/4.5 when you are at 100mm, but at 400mm the maximum aperture changes to f/5.6. However, some lenses that have a constant aperture that doesn’t change as you zoom, like the Sony FE 70-200 F2.8 GM lens which has a maximum aperture of f/2.8 and 70mm and also at 200mm.
For indoor photography where light levels are low apertures of f/2.8 or faster are often preferred. Fast apertures are also preferred for outdoor photography when using fast shutter speeds or if you want to create the smoothest separation between your subject and the background.
Autofocus Speed
If you are planning to shoot very fast subjects such as superbikes or birds in flight then it’s important that the autofocus motors in the lens are able to keep up with your subject, if they can’t then you’ll struggle to get any shots in focus.
Prime or Zoom
Prime lenses are almost always sharper than zoom lenses but there are a couple of downsides to using them.
First of all because prime lenses have a fixed focal length you can only move closer or get further away from your subject by using your feet (which may not always be practical), whereas a zoom lens needs just a quick twist of the zoom ring.
Prime lenses are a lot more expensive than zoom lenses. For example, the Sony FE 200-600 f5.6-6.3 G lens normally costs around $1,998.00, whereas the Sony 600mm F4 GM lens costs a whopping $12,998.00.
Teleconverters
There are two teleconverters available that can be used to extend the focal length of your lens by either 1.4x or 2x.
Sony 1.4x Teleconverter Lens (SEL14TC)
The Sony 1.4x teleconverter (SEL14TC) can only be used with the Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM, Sony 100-400mm GM, Sony FE 200-600 G, Sony FE 400mm F2.8 GM and Sony FE 600 F4 GM lenses. It does not physically fit any other Sony E-mount lenses.
You will lose one stop of light when using this teleconverter but autofocus performance remains very good no matter which lens you are using it on.
a7R III + 100-400 GM + 1.4x @ 560mm | 1/200 | f/8 | ISO 800 | *Full Resolution Download: JPEG | RAW
Pros: Extends focal length by 1.4x, autofocus speed, size and weightCons: PriceRecommended Reviews: Danny Eusebio (YouTube)Sample Photos: FlickrLength: 33.6 mmDiameter: 62.4 mmWeight: 167 g (5.89 oz.)
Sony 2x Teleconverter Lens (SEL20TC)
The Sony 2x teleconverter (SEL20TC) is also only compatible with the Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM, Sony 100-400mm GM, Sony FE 200-600 G, Sony FE 400mm F2.8 GM and Sony FE 600 F4 GM lenses.
With this teleconverter you will lose two stops of light. Also depending on the lens that you are using you might find that this pushes your camera out of phase detection and into contrast detection, where you will notice a slowdown in AF performance.
Pros: Extends focal length by 2x, size and weightCons: PriceRecommended Reviews:Sample Photos:Length: 62.4 mmDiameter: 42.7 mmWeight: 207 g (7.30 oz.)
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This little stabilized lens is great telephoto lens. With both and a fast aperture, you’re prepared for anything, and with its small size and weight you’ll actually take it wirth you rather than leave it back in your hotel room like with the big 70-300mm or 70-350mm.
I’d get my 55-210mm at Adorama, at Amazon, at B&H or at Crutchfield, or in silver at Adorama, at Amazon, at B&H or at Crutchfield, or used at eBay if you know How to Win at eBay.
I use a clear (UV) protective filter instead of a cap. I only use a cap when I throw this in a bag with other gear, otherwise I leave a clear protective filter on my lens at all times instead of a cap so I’m ready to shoot instantly.
The very best protective filter is the Multicoated Hoya HD 49mm which uses hardened glass and repels dirt and fingerprints.
For less money, the B＋W 49mm 010 is an excellent filter, as are the multicoated B＋W and the basic multicoated Hoya filters, but the Hoya HD is the toughest and the best.
Filters last a lifetime, so you may as well get the best. The Hoya HD stays cleaner than the others since it repels oil and dirt.
This junk-free website’s biggest source of support is when you use those or any of when you get anything, regardless of the country in which you live. Sony does not seal its boxes in any way, so never buy at retail or any other source not on since you’ll have no way of knowing if you’re missing accessories, getting a defective, damaged, returned, store demo or used lens. I use the stores I do because they ship from secure remote warehouses where no one gets to touch your new lens before you do. Buy only from the for the best prices, service, return policies and selection.
Thanks for helping me help you!
Ken, Mrs. Rockwell, Ryan and Katie.
Ken Rockwell. All rights reserved. Tous droits réservés. Alle Rechte vorbehalten.
Telephoto Lens FAQs
What does FE mean on a Sony lens?
FE means that the lens has been designed for Sony full-frame cameras like the Sony a7 and a9 series.
What’s the difference between E-mount and FE?
There is no physical difference. Sony calls their mount for mirrorless cameras the E-mount. When you see a lens abbreviated with FE this means that it’s a full-frame lens for Sony E-mount. If you see a Sony lens with just E in the name then it’s an APS-C lens for Sony E-mount.
What are telephoto lenses used for?
Telephoto lenses are good for photographing distant subjects like wildlife or sports events where it’s difficult to get close enough using a lens with a shorter focal length.
Specifications
I’d get my 55-210mm at Adorama, at Amazon, at B&H or at Crutchfield, or in silver at Adorama, at Amazon, at B&H or at Crutchfield, or used at eBay if you know How to Win at eBay.
Name
Sony 55-210mm OSS. bigger.
Sony calls this the E 50-210mm F4.5-6.3 OSS:
E: E-mount (APS-C).
OSS: Optical Steady Shot Image Stabilization.
Sony’s model number is SEL55210.
Sony E 55-210mm internal optical construction. Aspherical and ED elements.
13 elements in 9 groups.
Internal focus.
Diaphragm
Sony 55-210mm OSS (diaphragm not seen). bigger.
7 rounded blades.
Stops down to f/22~32.
Focal Length
55-210mm.
When used on APS-C, it sees the same angle of view as an 85~320mm lens sees when used on a full-frame camera.
See also Crop Factor.
Angle of View
29° ~ 7.7º diagonal on APS-C.
Internal focus.
No external movement as focused, so no air or dust is sucked in.
Included ALC-SH115 hood. bigger.
ALC-SH115 plastic bayonet included.
Size
2.51″ maximum diameter × 4.25″ extension from flange.
63.8 mm maximum diameter × 108 mm extension from flange.
Weight
11.820 oz. (335.0 g) actual measured weight.
Rated 12.2 oz (345 g).
Lens (SEL55210).
ALC-SH115 plastic bayonet hood.
ALC-F49S front and ALC-R1EM rear cap.
April 2021
$298 new or about $100 used if you know How to Win at eBay.
I’d get mine at Adorama, at Amazon, at B&H, at Crutchfield or used at eBay. It also comes in silver at Adorama, at Amazon, at B&H, at Crutchfield or used at eBay.
January 2020
$348 new or about $100 used if you know How to Win at eBay.
I’d get mine at Adorama, at Amazon, at B&H, at Crutchfield or used at eBay. It also comes in silver at Adorama, at Amazon, at B&H, at Crutchfield or used at eBay.
Introduction
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B&H Photo — Video — Pro Audio I buy only from . I can’t vouch for below. |
This Sony 55-210mm OSS is a stabilized, lightweight basic telephoto for .
It’s a great lens because its small size and weight encourage us to take it everywhere and come back with great pictures. You can’t take pictures with the big 70-300mm or 70-350mm you left back in your hotel room, and this 55-210’s stabilizer let us get great photos even in dim light.
This was Sony’s first ever mirrorless telephoto zoom, coming out with Sony’s first mirrorless cameras in 2011.
It’s small, focuses silently, reasonably fast and very close, it’s reasonably priced and has image stabilization.
This 55-210mm lens sees the same angle of view on APS-C cameras as an 80-320mm lens sees on full frame.
This lens is is all plastic on the inside, with a metal mount and aluminum vanity cover on the outside, so it weighs next to nothing. You can take it everywhere and have it ready for anything.
I’d get my 55-210mm at Adorama, at Amazon, at B&H or at Crutchfield, or in silver at Adorama, at Amazon, at B&H or at Crutchfield, or used at eBay if you know How to Win at eBay.
Good
Optical Steady Shot (OSS) Image Stabilization.
Reasonably fast and silent autofocusing.
Aluminum external trim.
Light.
Inexpensive.
Bad
Electronic focus ring, like most mirrorless lenses, has no direct mechanical connection to the optics. It only works when you have the camera set just right.
Offshored to Thailand; not made domestically in Japan.
Sony E 55-210mm f/4.5-6.3 OSS SEL55210 User Reviews
8.4/10
average of 8 review(s)
Build Quality
8.6/10
Image Quality
8.4/10
-
9 out of 10 points
and recommendedSuper lens for my a6000.
The real zoom length of ca.80-315 is very useful. I use the Zeiss 18-135 on my a6400. In that way with some overlapping, I can choose which camera I take out and have great versatility one way or the other.
reviewed October 4th, 2021
-
7 out of 10 points
and recommendedDecent build and image quality.
Slow autofocusSo I deliberated a bit to add my 2 cents to the fray. I chimed in because no one mentioned slow autofocus speed with this lens.
Like others stated this zoom lens can be a steal — if you get it for less than $200. It produces decent image quality. However, it does have a relatively shallow depth of field when zoomed in, so keep that in mind.
On my A6300 the autofocus is painfully slow compared to the other lens I tried, including the ‘el chipo’ 16-50 bundled lens, the SEL 28F20 prime, and the SEL1670Z (the Zeiss co-branded zoom, which itself isn’t the fastest autofocus lens either).
I found an open-box on eBay from a major East Coast camera store for about $140, and after redeeming by eBay bucks I ended up paying much less than one hundred greenbacks so I have no regrets. But I wanted to pont out the autofocus speed because it clearly disqualifies this lens from any fast-action photography.reviewed October 27th, 2018
-
10 out of 10 points
and recommendedBuilt well for the price. Sharp and very nice OSS.
Not F4
not much for this loooow priceFor 199 it’s a steal. Comes with excellent hood. The OSS works flawless. IQ is very good on the NEX6. Would very much like F4 version for 3x this price
reviewed May 15th, 2013
(purchased for $199) -
9 out of 10 points
and recommendedMetal adds durability, IQ is strong throughout. OSS is very effective, Price is VG, light
No focus marks, rather long for NEX camerasLens is an excellent ‘add’ to the original kit lens. Outperforms other zooms in this price range (much more expensive zooms are better for 2x price). Light and durable
reviewed April 10th, 2013
(purchased for $350) -
5 out of 10 points
and not recommended???
long, not very sharp, CA, silverI tested against my Tamron 18-200 mm NEX — which was sharper at 200 mm, had better AF and feels much more solid.
reviewed December 30th, 2012
(purchased for $300) -
9 out of 10 points
and recommendedLight, well built, good image quality
Can Sony at least put some marking for focusReasonable price, much smaller and ligher then 18-200. image quality is on par with some prime lens. Well built too, much better the some Sony A-mount DT lens.
reviewed December 20th, 2012
(purchased for $350) -
10 out of 10 points
and recommendedSharp, light weight,small,excellent mechanical quality and super stabiliation
Slow aperture, still looks big on a NEX bodyI bought this for detail architectural shots and keeping distance from my subjects.
Very sharp in the middle less in the corners but still very good.
Color and contrast is about as good as on the 50 1.8 OSS which is great.
Mechanical it has a real high end feel while keeping the weight low.
It is a telezoom and therefore relatively LONG especially on a NEX body. It does keep it`s balance well on a NEX 7.
The OSS of this lens is as good as it gets and comparible to expensive IS lenses from canon.
Note that this lens costs less as a whole than the IS upgrade on most canon lenses, about halve actually. That makes it a steal.
It has a slow aperture starting at 4.5 and going to 6.3 at the long end. It doesn`t give you much bokeh to look at.
The bokeh is nothing special but not bad.
It`s a very good lens at an incredible price. Buy it!reviewed November 15th, 2012
(purchased for $270) -
8 out of 10 points
and recommendedAll of the shots were sharp and the lens is light and easy to use. I prefer this lens to the 18-200mm SEL
reviewed June 28th, 2012
not much for this loooow price