Canon A-1 lens

Let me preface this by saying that I am a complete beginner when it comes to traditional film cameras. I've spent most of my time using digitals. My grandfather just gave me his old Canon A-1 with a couple of lenses, but neither one has an ability to zoom. It takes really nice pictures, but I really would like a lens with a decent zoom (around an 8x or 10x equivalent). What should I be looking for and where (I've checked eBay, but quickly realized that I had no idea what I was looking at)?

Also, given my beginner status, and ideas on good websites or books for me to look at? Thanks in advance for any information you can provide!

Jim M

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Originally Posted by mcclja

Let me preface this by saying that I am a complete beginner when it comes to traditional film cameras. I've spent most of my time using digitals. My grandfather just gave me his old Canon A-1 with a couple of lenses, but neither one has an ability to zoom. It takes really nice pictures, but I really would like a lens with a decent zoom (around an 8x or 10x equivalent). What should I be looking for and where (I've checked eBay, but quickly realized that I had no idea what I was looking at)?

Also, given my beginner status, and ideas on good websites or books for me to look at? Thanks in advance for any information you can provide!

Jim M

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Don't bother!! The greater the zoom range, the worse the lens quality, especially in the ranges you specified. That's why pro zooms offer 2x or 3x ranges at best. Plus, the rpimes (non-zooms) will teach you to see better by forcing you to move and pay attention to perspective, rather than just reframing using the lens.

A-1s are great cameras, enjoy it.