One of the main things that any photographer in Pakistan should do is to find the right camera lens. Although prime lenses provide the ultimate sharpness, a zoom lens is impossible to match in terms of versatility. The reason is that a good zoom lens gives you the ability to take large landscapes with you and portrait shots the next without switching lenses. It is a critical part of action-oriented event and travel photography. However, one of the great influences on your choice will always be the lens price in Pakistan.
Therefore, this guide breaks down the best zoom lens options available in 2025. We are also going to examine the LK Samyang best lens selections that are popular to guide you in making a good choice. This will help you develop your photography without having to spend a fortune.
What is a zoom lens?
So, what exactly is a zoom lens? To put it simply, a zoom lens is a kind of photography lens that allows altering the focal length without the necessity of moving your body. You can either point to objects that are far away and get to see them as if they are near, or point to a wider area and have a wider view of it. All you have to do is turn the ring on the lens. An example is where you are using one lens, and you can change to a wide landscape image and then a close-up of a flower.
Such versatility makes a zoom lens highly convenient in various cases. You are able to capture a variety of shots with a single lens as opposed to using a variety of lenses with fixed focal lengths (prime lenses). This is why it is a favorite among a lot of photographers.
When was the zoom lens created?
The concept of the zoom lens has been around for a while. The first true photographic zoom lens, called the “Varo,” was introduced in 1932 by Paramount Pictures. However, these early versions were mainly used for motion pictures. Because they were bulky and offered poor image quality compared to prime lenses.
Consequently, they were not popular among still photographers. It wasn’t until 1959 that Voigtländer introduced the first widely available zoom lens for 35mm still cameras, the Zoomar 36-82mm F2.8. Although it was a groundbreaking invention. It took several more decades of technological advancements to improve the quality and make them the sharp, versatile tools we know today.
Best Zoom Lenses for Different Camera Brands
Finding the best zoom lens depends heavily on your camera’s brand. Each system has its own mount and lens lineup. Therefore, let’s explore some top options for today’s leading brands.
Best Lenses for Sony Cameras
Samyang is a producer of quality zoom lenses at reasonable rates. This renders it a desirable alternative to Sony E-mount users in comparison to well-established brands. LK Samyang is a reliable brand of lenses with some of the best lenses with regard to photography and videography for Sony camera enthusiasts. The most popular products include the Samyang AF 35-150mm F2-2.8 FE. Which is possibly the most versatile photography lens available in the company, featuring portraits, traveling, event, and even movie shooting. Its broad focal length and quick aperture provide breathtaking details and sharpness in most lighting situations.
Another excellent option is the Samyang AF 24-70mm F2.8 FE, a reliable standard zoom ideal for everyday photography, landscapes, and video production. Each of the two lenses for Sony offers high image quality, fast and reliable autofocus, and a strong, durable build. They deliver professional-level results but come at a lower cost compared to other top brands.
Lenses for Canon Cameras
LK Samyang, well-known for its sharp, affordable, and high-performing prime lenses, currently provides very limited zoom lens options for Canon EF and RF mounts. Whereas Samyang has already released impressive autofocus zoom lenses in the Sony E-mount system, Canon users do not yet have such lenses available. Canon users value the brand for its strong lineup of manual and autofocus prime lenses. These lenses earn high praise for their clarity, beautiful bokeh, and affordable pricing.
Those who want to find autofocus zoom lenses are better off seeking the options of other brands that offer a wider and more sophisticated choice. In the future, hopefully, we’ll have more zoom lenses available for Canon cameras from LK Samyang, covering both EF and RF mounts. This will give photographers the chance to enjoy high-quality optics without breaking their budgets.
Lenses for Nikon Cameras
If you’re a Nikon camera user searching for a zoom lens from LK Samyang, your options remain quite limited. At present, Samyang does not produce a`ny new autofocus zoom lenses designed for Nikon F or Z mounts. The brand mainly focuses on prime and cine lenses, that photographers widely appreciate for their optical quality and affordability. However, photographers can still find some older manual-focus zoom lenses by Samyang on the used market. Photographers who require the flexibility of zoom can consider other brands of third-party lenses that offer a wider selection.
Best Zoom Lenses for Photography Needs
Beyond your camera brand, the ideal zoom lens also depends on what you love to shoot. Different types of photography have unique demands. In short, let’s look at some recommendations.
Portrait Photography
While Samyang is famous for its prime lenses in portrait photography, its versatile zooms can still excel. Specifically, the Samyang AF 35-150mm F2-2.8 FE (for Sony) offers incredible flexibility. You can shoot full body portraits at 35mm and tight and flattering headshots at 150mm. The most important advantage is the rapid F2 to F2.8 aperture which produces a very pretty soft blurred background, properly referred to as bokeh. This isolating power is what makes it a great photography lens to use when taking beautiful portraits without the use of various other fixed-focal-length lenses.
Video Recording
Hence, the Samyang AF 24-70mm F2.8 FE (for Sony) is a fantastic choice. Its constant F2.8 aperture means your exposure doesn’t change as you zoom, which is vital for smooth video. Furthermore, it has low focus breathing and a quiet autofocus motor, which is necessary when recording sound. Therefore, this lens provides a versatile range for everything from interviews to wide establishing shots, making it a professional-grade tool for videographers.
Travel & Landscape Photography
The ideal zoom lens for Travel & Landscape Photography should be wide and lightweight. Conversely, in the case of Sony shooters, the wide-angle zoom of Samyang, such as the AF 14-24mm F2.8 FE, is an excellent choice. This is a wide-angle lens that can be used to shoot wide and dramatic scenes as it has a wide 14mm view. Additionally, the fixed F2.8 aperture is great in cases requiring low-light conditions like astrophotography. Finally, for general travel, the aforementioned 35-150mm lens is an excellent all-in-one option.
Buying Guide – How to Choose the Right Zoom Lens
The choice of a zoom lens requires a careful thought. The following are important considerations to make when selecting one that meets your needs based on the type of photography, camera system, and budget:
- Set your budget: The zoom lens price in Pakistan is diverse and therefore, before shopping, you have to make up your mind about the price range.
- Identify your shooting style: A wide-angle zoom works best for landscapes, while a telephoto zoom suits wildlife or sports photography.
- Check the aperture (f-number): A lower f-number offers better low-light performance and background blur.
- Look for image stabilization: This feature reduces blur caused by camera shake, especially at longer focal lengths.
- Ensure mount compatibility: Make sure you choose a lens that matches your camera’s mount, such as Canon, Nikon, or Sony.
- Read reviews and compare: Research multiple models to find a photography lens that perfectly matches your needs and budget.
Final Thoughts
To sum up, the correct zoom lens is a fundamental process that will help in taking your photography to a new level. Whether you are just starting out, know the fundamentals, or are an expert and need to find the most suitable solution for your unique camera and needs, we hope this guide has simplified the process. Do not forget your budget and shooting style. The price of lenses in Pakistan fluctuates, and many amazing pieces of equipment are available to photographers. Investing in the correct camera lens opens up a whole new creative world and allows you to view the world in all its pretty details. Happy shooting.
FAQ’s
What is a zoom lens used for?
A zoom lens is used to photograph subjects at varying distances without changing lenses. It allows you to adjust focal length, making it ideal for portraits, wildlife, landscapes, sports, and travel photography with flexible composition options.
What is a zoom lens also called?
A zoom lens is also called a variable focal length lens. Unlike a prime lens, it lets you zoom in or out to frame subjects differently, making it versatile for various photography styles and shooting conditions.
How far does a 300mm lens zoom?
The 300mm lens offers high-level telephoto shooting capability. Making the objects about six times bigger than those with a standard 50mm lens. It is the best for isolating the subject and capturing distant objects such as wildlife, sports, or events.
Which is the best zoom lens for Sony cameras in Pakistan?
The LK Samyang AF 35-150mm F2-2.8 FE is the best zoom lens for the Sony cameras in Pakistan. It is flexible, sharp, and fits well in portraits, events, travel, and professional photography with great autofocus functionality.