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For press photographers and photojournalists who often have to work in a variety of situations, zoom lenses tend to come in handy because they cover a wide range of focal lengths, making them versatile. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a good zoom lens:
Focal length: A zoom lens with a range from wide-angle to telephoto (such as 24-70mm or 24-105mm) is often a good choice. This will allow you to capture landscapes and group shots as well as details from a distance.
Luminosity: A lens with a large maximum aperture (e.g., f/2.8) has the advantage of performing well in low-light conditions and providing a shallow depth of field that blurs the background and highlights the subject.
Image stabilization: especially at longer focal lengths, image stabilization is helpful for avoiding camera shake and getting sharp images in low light.
Autofocus speed: Fast and accurate autofocus capabilities are important for capturing fast movement or rapidly changing situations.
Build quality and weather resistance: because press photographers often work in a variety of environments, rugged construction and weather resistance is an advantage.
Weight and size: Since photojournalists often carry their equipment all day, a balance of performance and portability is important.
Examples of popular zoom lenses that offer these features might include:
Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM or Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR
Sony FE 24-105mm f/4 G OSS
It is important to note, however, that technology is constantly advancing, and there may be new models on the market by now that may better suit the current needs of press photographers. Therefore, I recommend seeking current reviews and recommendations from trusted photography websites or trade magazines to be up to date on available options.