Expert: John Oliverio - 5/10/2007

Question
Hi,  Im pretty new to digital slr's and am looking for the slr that is right for me. I am trying to find where to buy a PRIME lens, that would be equivalent of 8x magnification (in point and shoot camera terms) for my camera

Answer
Rafi,
Lenses rated in power, (a number followed by an X) really only applies to a camera with a built in zoom lens and can be misleading.  Power is simply the lowest focal length of a zoom lens divided into the highest focal length.  So an 8X lens that starts at 28mm isn't as powerful as an 8X lens that starts at 35mm.  So it follows that all prime lenses are really only 1 power.  However, I am going to assume that you want to draw your comparison from an average point and shoot that starts around 38mm.  In that case you would be looking for a prime lens of around 300mm.  B and H photo lists the 300 f4 IS USM (in stock) for $1150 USD.  If you are not buying in the USA, the price may be different.

John