How Do You Calculate Camera Lens Magnification?
The optical zoom of a camera, sometimes referred to incorrectly as the camera lens magnification, represents the ratio between the minimum zoom and maximum zoom of the camera lens. The larger the optical zoom value, the greater the range of zooms offered by the lens. To calculate the optical zoom, you need to know the minimum and maximum focal lengths of the camera. Determine the minimum focal length of the lens. Focal lengths are measured in millimeters (mm) and each lens is usually given a range, unless the lens is a prime lens, which cannot zoom. The focal length range will be printed on the lens. The minimum focal length will be the smaller of the two numbers. For example, if you had a 24mm to 135mm camera lens, the minimum focal length would be 24mm. Determine the maximum focal length of the lens. For example, if you had a 24mm to 135mm camera lens, the maximum focal length would be 135mm. Calculate the optical zoom, or magnification, by dividing the maximum focal length of the le
