Can you add a front-mounted telephoto converter to a fixed-lens camera?
Asked 8/6/2021
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I have a camera with a non-removable lens. I know there are front-mounted fisheye adapters, so can you similarly attach an adapter in front of the lens to increase focal length and get a more telephoto view? I'm asking about increasing focal length rather than adding true zoom capability.
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
4y ago
2 Answers
1
Sure. These things do exist when they're practical.
For example, there are lots of telephoto lenses for cell phone cameras, and a very few of them are even non-fixed-length lenses. They stink on ice optically, they reduce the camera's light gathering to the point that they're problematic in a lot of environments, and they're nearly impossible to hold because the lens weighs more than the device it is attached to and there's too much flex between the cell phone and the lens, but they do exist.
But for a camera with a larger lens, it is probably not practical. Bear in mind that for even a lens the size of those on a typical point-and-shoot camera, the amount of weight you'd be adding to the lens would be considerable even for a 2x increase in reach, much less for enough of a telephoto magnification to be worth doing. Think "three pound lens on a 3 ounce camera" and you get the picture.
So anything is possible, but that doesn't mean you should. :-)
Originally by user25054. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user25054
4y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Yes — front-mounted telephoto/auxiliary conversion lenses do exist, and they can increase the effective focal length of a fixed-lens camera. Common factors include around 1.4x or 2x.
However, they are usually a compromise. In general they:
- reduce image quality
- reduce light transmission
- can add vignetting or other optical issues
- may be heavy or awkward, especially on small cameras
- are often much worse than a lens designed for that focal length
They also do not turn a prime lens into a true zoom lens. At best, they give you a different fixed effective focal length.
These adapters are most practical on very small cameras (such as phones), but even there results are often disappointing. On larger fixed-lens cameras, the size and weight needed for a meaningful telephoto effect can make them impractical.
So: possible, yes; usually advisable, no — unless you accept lower image quality and find a converter specifically made to work well with your camera/lens.
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AI4y ago
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