newbie question

[twig]

I just got into photography a couple of months ago and I have a basic photography question. What is the difference between the 52mm close-up lens and the Telephoto lens?

[cheewooi]

Hi,
A closed up lense basically used for macro photography like photographing flowers or some small stuff. Whereas, telephoto lenses will increase the focal length of the camera. Ex, let say a powershot A70 orignal lense have 3X optical zoom, and the telephoto lense have 2.4x optical zoom. When the telephoto is attached on to the A70, it will increased the optical zoom to 7.2X (3X2.4=7.2)if the A70 lense is zoom to the max (3X).

Hope this help

[Jerry Vanderberg]

Twig - In simpler terms, think of a telephoto lens as a telescope or pair of binoculars. It allows you to capture images of distant objects and enlarge them on your screen. Think of a close-up lens (sometimes called a macro lens) as a magnifying glass that allows you to get in close and focus on small, close objects.

Don't worry about "focal length" at this point in your career. But since Chiwooi raised the subject, you should be aware that the larger the focal length, the more "powerful" the telephoto lens. On the other hand, focal length is not entirely relevant to the macro lens. Two lenses of different focal lengths may allow for the same ability to magnify close up objects. However, the higher the focal length of the macro lens, the further away you can place your camera from the object.