Question by silentv: What is the difference between a telephoto zoom and standard zoom?
I am looking at puchasing:
Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Lens
or
Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L USM Telephoto Zoom Lens

Both similar in price at about $ 550. I am thinking about shooting in the 200mm range. I am puchasing this for mainly nature/wildlife photos.

Also I have a Cannon 35mm Rebel T2 body, is this camera body ‘good’ enough to use these lens on. Or am I just wasting my money? Currently I am using the standard 28-90mm lens that was included.

Best answer:

Answer by fhotoace
For what you are shooting, nature and wildlife, the longer the lens the better, so in your case the 30-300mm will suit your needs. You may find yourself wanting something longer later, but those lenses are not zoom lenses (like the 600mm f/4.0 Canon)

The difference between a standard zoom and a telephoto zoom is pretty much what it says. The standard zoom covers focal lengths that are considered to be in the standard range of use. Telephoto zooms do indeed cover the focal ranges that are considered telephoto.

Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!