Zoom Excellent
2010 Compact Cameras – Selecting a Compact Super Zoom or “Sports” Camera
It’s time to upgrade your old camera. Perhaps your kids are older and are involved with sports and your old camera just can’t keep up. Or maybe your passion is capturing beautiful images of birds as they visit your feeders. I know, you like to travel and you are never quite close enough to that perfect scene. No matter what you need is that has you looking for a super zoom compact, Porter’s can help you make a wise choice.
Just what is a super zoom compact camera? This class of digital camera comes in a few different configurations but what they all have in common is zoom lenses of at least 10X. Some will look just like other pocket friendly digital cameras but they will be a little thicker to contain the long lens. Others will resemble a pro camera complete with a hand grip and a lens that doesn’t retract flush to the body. We call these latter cameras “bridge” cameras because they aren’t really compact cameras nor are they big DSLR style cameras, they bridge between those two popular groups.
The super zoom cameras are often called “sports zooms” because they are favored by soccer, football and baseball parents ten to one. Parents of children playing organized outdoor sports are the number users of super zoom cameras. They can’t get any closer to the players than the sidelines but a super zoom can put them in the middle of the huddle.
There are a number of super zoom cameras available but for our purposes we will look at six models as representatives of the group. Canon, Fuji, Olympus and Nikon set the standard in this class and each has a model in our discussion.
The easiest way to divide up the super zoom class is by price. With our chosen samples the price break is at $300.00, there are three models above this price and three below it. We will start with the lower priced group first.
Our under $300 super zooms are the Nikon L110, the Canon SX130 IS and the Fuji S1800. All three cameras offer 12 megapixel resolution, image stabilization and all three capture 720p HD video – but the Nikon L110 is the only model with an HDMI port for direct HDTV connection. One other interesting trait is that all three are powered by AA batteries, something increasingly rare in digital cameras.
Starting with the Fuji S1800 we find a surprisingly well equipped camera for about $229.99. In design it is a bridge camera with a pronounced grip and lens housing. The camera features an 18X zoom lens and fast 8 frames per second image capture. The 3 inch LCD viewscreen is clear and bright, the controls are easy to understand and use. We recommend this camera for both its price and its high image quality.
The middle child of this price range is the Canon SX130 IS. The SX130 looks like a standard compact camera but chunkier. Tucked inside is a powerful 12X zoom lens and Canon’s new SMARTAuto mode that takes most of the guesswork out of taking pictures. Priced at $249.99 the SX130 IS is perfect for the family photographer who needs more lens length.
The last of our under $300 super zoom cameras is the Nikon L110. And talk about great for sports, the L110 can capture 11 images per second for up to 20 consecutive shots. The 15X zoom lens is backed up with 5-way image stabilization unique to Nikon. The L110 is the largest of this first trio of cameras, but it is still a compact handful. At $279.99 the Nikon L110 offers some serious features normally found on much more expensive cameras.
Other cameras that fit in the under $300 group are the Fuji JZ300 with its 10X zoom lens and very compact body, the Nikon S5100 with blazing speed and a 5X zoom, the Canon SX210IS that features an amazing 14X zoom lens in a shirt pocket sized body, and the Nikon S8100 with a 10X zoom. These alternate cameras provide many of the features found on our super zoom class but they aren’t quite as fast or as powerful.
Now for the over $300 super zoom crowd. The three cameras we have chosen to feature in this group are extreme in many respects. All feature 25X zooms or longer, two feature 720p HD video capability while the third has 1080p HD. All models have HDMI ports for direct HDTV connection.
The Olympus SP-800UZ offers a 30X wide angle zoom lens. One button starts movie recording ion 720p HD. Internal enhancements provide excellent face detection and tracking, creative filters and more. At $349.99 the Olympus SP-800UZ is one of the lowest priced cameras with a lens longer than 25X.
Nikon offers their P100 with 26X zoom lens. In the hand a Nikon P100 feels solid and substantial, the hand grip fits into your palm like it was tailored just for you. 10 frames per second shooting can keep up with the fastest action and Nikon’s 5-Way image stabilization keeps your images sharp. The P100 is one of the first compact cameras to offer 1080p HD video capture. We like the P100 because we believe with its construction points and feature set it will be a photographer favorite for years. At $399.99 you get a lot of camera in the box.
The last of our super zoom cameras is the Canon SX30 IS. Though not the first bridge camera, the Canon IS series has been the most enduring. Starting with the S1-IS in 2004 the series has been a consistent top choice. Coming from such a long line of Canon IS cameras, the SX30 tops them all with a 35X wide angle zoom lens and features not really even thought of back in 2004.
The Canon SX30 IS is the most expensive of our super zoom set, priced at $429.99. Like the Nikon discussed before, the SX130 IS is solid, compact and supremely well thought out. The controls are all handy and the operation is very straight forward. After all these generations of IS cameras, Canon isn’t making any mistakes in design. The lens is ultra long and it is also the widest angle of any super zoom. We like the SX30 IS because we think it is a camera that will last for years and still compare well to whatever the future brings our way.
There we have it, our round up of super zoom cameras. As we have seen we can get high magnification and fast operation priced from $229.99 all the way up to $429.99. Panasonic, Samsung and several other brands also offer super zooms, but the cameras mentioned in this article all lead the pack for features, image quality and reliability.
About the Author
Stu Eddins is blogger, instructor, merchandiser, and is generally in charge of a lot of things for Porter’s Digital Cameras and Imaging. Visit their site at www.porters.com. Years of experience over the counter and in classrooms have turned Stu into an evangelist for image preservation, capturing and sharing memories, and helping people understand digital cameras, digital camera lenses.
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EXCELLENT Nikon D70 DIGITAL DSLR CAMERA KIT SET + ZOOM LENS 28-80mm + ACCS +2xCF $419.95 |
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Tefnon 70-210mm f3.5 Manual Zoom Lens for Canon FD SLR – Excellent w/ lens caps $22.00 |
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Canon Auto Zoom 1218 Pro Super 8 Camera Excellent $404.99 |
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Excellent 80-200mm f/3.8 for Pentax K PK PKA KR Macro/Tele/Zoom nice $22.88 |
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NIKON AF-NIKKOR LENS 24-120MM F3.5-5.6 D AUTO FOCUS ZOOM EXCELLENT LENS $274.00 |
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Minolta MD Zoom 100-200mm 1:56 55mm Zoom Lens Excellent Condition W/Case, Filter $35.99 |
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Excellent EOS AF 80-210mm F/4.5-Tele/Zoom for Canon w/caps case and hood $32.99 |
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Canon 35-70mm f3.5-4.5 lens FD manual focus zoom excellent $99.00 |
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Nikon Nikkor 70-300mm f4.0-5.6 G AF Zoom Lens Excellent Nice Lens Ships FREE!! $89.99 |
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Polaroid EZ 1800 Easy Zoom 35mm Film Camera 33-50mm Lens Excellent Condition $22.35 |
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Classic Ricoh RZ-770 35-70 Zoom Film Camera from 1980s in Excellent Condition $0.99 |
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Quantaray MC Auto Zoom 85-210mm F=3.8 Excellent Used Condition Padded Case $11.00 |
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PHOENIX 19-35MM F3.5 AF WIDE ZOOM LENS FOR CANON SLR CAMERAS-EXCELLENT $50.00 |
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TOKINA LENS HOOD 4 AT-X 35-200 f 3.5-4.5 ZOOM LENS.EXCELLENT CONDITION $25.00 |
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Vivitar PZ 3115 35mm Point and Shoot Zoom Film Camera – Excellent Shape – w/ Box $19.99 |
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Nikon Zoom-Nikkor 55 mm – 200 mm F/4.0-5.6 AF-S DX G ED Lens Excellent! $66.99 |
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Nikon DX Zoom Lens Nikkor AF-S 55-200mm F/4.0-5.6 G ED, in excellent condition $66.00 |
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Canon Zoom lens 28-80mm 3.5-5.6 Excellent Mint condition with Canon Caps $59.99 |
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EXCELLENT Nikon D70 DIGITAL DSLR CAMERA KIT SET + ZOOM LENS 18-55mm + ACCS +2xCF $409.95 |
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CANON FD 100-200mm f5.6 zoom lens with Canon case. Excellent condition $45.99 |
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EXCELLENT Nikon D70 DIGITAL DSLR CAMERA KIT SET + ZOOM LENS 28-80mm + ACCS +2xCF $419.95 |
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Super8mm CAMERA QUARZ 8XL. Zoom 1.2/8-40mm. Excellent ! $49.00 |
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Canon EF 75 mm – 300 mm F/4.0-5.6 III Zoom Lens with lens caps**EXCELLENT SHAPE $60.00 |
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Fujinon CFH-3 Zoom Focus Control Handle/Grip with Flexible Cable Excellent Cond. $199.95 |
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Canon (AF) / FD 70-210mm MACRO Zoom Lens – Excellent Condition Very Clean + Case $19.99 |
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Kobe huarache 2005 2k5 air zoom size 12.5 excellent condition $40.00 |
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Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM Wide Angle Zoom Lens – EXCELLENT CONDITION $935.00 |
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*EXCELLENT* Sigma 70 – 210mm KII Zoom Lens f4.5 for Pentax-K Cameras w/ Case $7.00 |
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Excellent Nikon Zoom-Nikkor 70 mm – 300 mm F/4.0-5.6 AF G Lens $14.35 |
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FUJIFILM FINEPIX S2950 14MP 18X ZOOM DIGITAL CAMERA. EXCELLENT CONDITION. $109.99 |
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Nikon Zoom Nikkor 28-45mm 1: 4.5 Serial # 185198 Zoom Lens Estate Excellent $58.45 |
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Nikon Zoom-Nikkor 80-200mm f/4 AI-S lens upgraded with CPU chip, excellent! $99.97 |
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Canon EOS 10D DIGITAL SLR Camera EXCELLENT + 28-80mm Autofocus Zoom Lens $71.00 |
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PANASONIC FP2 14.1 MP 4X OPT. ZOOM DIGITAL CAMERA & ACCESSORIES.EXCELLENT PLUS $69.95 |
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Minolta MD Zoom 75-200 F/ 4.5 w/ leather case for Minolta MD mount / excellent $0.99 |
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Starblitz 3602DTZ Twin Flash With Bounce Tilt & Zoom Multi Dedicated~Excellent~ $7.99 |
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Canon EF Zoom 35 mm – 105 mm Lens – Ideal Travel Lens – Excellent! $50.00 |
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Olympus C7000 7MP Digital Camera with 5x Optical Zoom Excellent $99.99 |
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Minolta Maxxum 4000AF Bounce Flash W/Auto Power Zoom * Excellent Condition $29.00 |
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Canon 35-80mm III AF Zoom Lens Rebel XS XT XSi T1i T2i Excellent Condition. $74.99 |
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Tamron 200mm 500mm Zoom 1:6.9 Zoom Lens for Minolta Excellent $99.95 |
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Zoom-Nikkor 35 to 70mm f 3.5 Nikon AI-s, Excellent+ $26.00 |
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Nikon 100-300 f/5.6 A1S zoom lens,very excellent condition,with original extras $161.00 |
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NIKON DX ZOOM NIKKOR 55-200mm F/4-5.6 AF-S ED VR IF, UV, HOOD, CAPS, EXCELLENT++ $169.95 |
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Canon FD 70-150mm Zoom lens FDn excellent condition $39.95 |
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EXCELLENT Nikon D70 DIGITAL DSLR CAMERA KIT SET + ZOOM LENS 18-55mm + ACCS +2xCF $409.95 |
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Nikon EXCELLENT++ Zoom-Nikkor 24 mm – 70 mm F/2.8 AF-S G ED Lens $1,500.00 |
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Nikon Nikkor 70-300mm f4.0-5.6 G AF Zoom Lens Excellent Nice Lens Ships FREE!! $99.99 |
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SMC PENTAX 1976 1:3.5/85-210 zoom lens excellent rare $599.99 |
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Quantaray-NF AF, 70-210mm, 1:4-5.6, MC Digital Zoom Lens, Excellent Condition $24.98 |
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Ohnar Zoom Slide Duplicator. Boxed & Excellent Condition $70.34 |
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Olympus 75-150mm F4 Zoom for OM – Excellent Condition $43.00 |
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Nikon Zoom-Nikkor * ED 50-300mm f4.5 AI-S Lens, Rear Cap, Strap…Excellent + $700.00 |
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NIKON NIKKOR AF-S 18 mm – 200 mm F/3.5-5.6 II VR DX ED G Zoom Lens Excellent $595.00 |
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OLYMPUS D 580 ZOOM 4.0 MP Digital Camera 128 Card CASE EXCELLENT CONDITION $10.99 |
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Nikon Zoom-Nikkor 70 mm-200 mm F/2.8G VR AF-S Lens – EXCELLENT COND $1,699.99 |
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Vivitar MC 75-205mm F/3.8 Macro Zoom Lens for Nikon AI – Excellent Condition $24.95 |
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Minolta Maxxum 70-210mm f:4.5-5.6 zoom lens Sony Alpha Dynax Excellent++ $69.99 |
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PENTAX Zoom 90-WR Film Camera * EXCELLENT CONDITION * WORKS GREAT! JAPAN # 216 $35.99 |
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CANON EF 35-80mm 1:4~5.6 USM AF ZOOM LENS EXCELLENT 2595 $43.69 |
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Vintage Canon TV Zoom Lens V5x20, 20-100mm, 1:2.5**RARE! EXCELLENT CONDITION!! * $12.50 |
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Minolta Maxxum HTSI Plus camera…Excellent condition.. Macro Zoom $30.00 |
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Excellent+++condition Minolta MD Zoom Rookor-X 75-200mm/F4.5 lens $59.99 |
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NIKON Ai-S F5.6 100-300MM MANUAL FOCUS ZOOM LENS-EXCELLENT COND. $99.99 |
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FUJI FinePix S602 Zoom 3.3 MP Digital Camera EXCELLENT $40.00 |
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Pentax SMC P FA Zoom lens – 28 mm – 90 mm – F/3.5-5.6 – Pentax K, Excellent Cond $45.00 |
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Canon FD 70-210mm 4.0 Zoom With Macro Excellent Condition $42.95 |
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Sony Digital Mavica 10X Opitcal Zoom Still Camera –WORKS EXCELLENT CONDITION $19.00 |
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MINOLTA MAXXUM/SONY AF ZOOM 35mm-70mm F/3.5-4.5 LENSE – EXCELLENT! $65.00 |
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CANON EOS REBEL G 35MM CAMERA W/28-80 CANON ZOOM LENS EXCELLENT CONDITION $31.00 |
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Nike Zoom Neon Green Blue White Running Trainer Shoes Womens 7 Excellent! $49.99 |
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Nice Vintage Tasco Zoom Microscope 900xkz With Slides and Original Box EXCELLENT $35.00 |
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Vivitar 28 mm 85 mm F2.8 3.8 Nikon AIS Zoom in Excellent + condition . A manua $2.00 |
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Nikon 75 to 300 mm 4.5 5.6 AF G EX++zoom Excellent well made autofocus tele zoom $2.00 |
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Nikon 100 to 300 mm 5.6 AIS Macro zoom EX++ Excellent well made manual focus te $2.00 |
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Vivitar Auto Thyristor 285 Bounce & Zoom Flash – Excellent Condition $49.00 |
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QUANTARAY-MX AF ZOOM 70mm-210mm FOR MAXXUM/SONY – F/4-5.6 LENSE – EXCELLENT! $55.00 |
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Kodak Projector Lens. Zoom Ektanar. F3.5 Excellent Condition. $7.50 |
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THE ORIGINAL VINTAGE CANON ZOOM 8 MOVIE CAMERA IN EXCELLENT CONDITION $79.00 |
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Nikon AF-S DX Zoom Nikkor 12-24mm f/4 G IF-ED Lens w/ filters- Excellent cond. $600.00 |
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Konica EE mount Soligor Auto Zoom 90-230mm f/4.5 Lens EXCELLENT With Box $39.99 |
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Olympus OM-SYSTEM – Auto-Zoom – Zuiko 75-150mm F4 – EXCELLENT CONDITION $39.07 |
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KONICA AUTOREFLEX T3, 35 MM FILM CAMERA W TAMRON ZOOM 1:4.5 85-210MM EXCELLENT C $29.99 |
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Quantaray 60-200mm Auto Zoom 1:45 Macro for Minolta M/MD With Case Excellent $31.99 |
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AVIGON AUTO ZOOM EE SPI 8 mm CAMERA – Excellent $14.99 |
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SIGMA VZ-2 ZOOM CONVERTER X1.8-X4 LENS – EXCELLENT $49.00 |
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PENTAX IQZOOM 160 CAMERA with 38-160mm ZOOM, Instruction Manual, Excellent $39.95 |
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Zoom Choir 5050 Effects Pedal with A/C Adapter. Excellent Condition! $0.99 |
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Olympus OM-System Zuiko Auto-Zoom 75-150mm F/4 Zoom Lens * Excellent $45.00 |
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LEICA MINI ZOOM VARIO-ELMAR 35-70 WITH CASE — EXCELLENT !! 35MM $75.00 |
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Canon EF 28-80mm F/3.5 – 5.6 II EOS Zoom Lens – Excellent Condition $79.00 |
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Sigma AF 28-80mm Aspherical Zoom for Sony Alpha, Maxxum – Excellent $9.95 |
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Vivitar 75-205mm f3.8 zoom lens with Nikon Ai mount. Excellent. $9.99 |
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Zoom Lens Makinon Zoom Lens 1 :45 & f = 80-200mm Excellent Condition $15.00 |
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Canon EF 28-80mm F/3.5 – 5.6 II EOS Zoom Lens – Excellent Condition $60.00 |
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10:1 Ektagraphic Zoom Projector WOW!! (USED/Excellent) $495.00 |
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6:1 Ektagraphic Zoom Projector WOW!! (USED/Excellent!) $395.00 |
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Fujinon Lens HA13x4.5 BERM/ Incredible wide-angle zoom lens/ Excellent Condition $11,500.00 |
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CANON FD 28-85MM F4 ZOOM LENS MANUAL FOCUS for A-1 AE-1 AE-1P T90 F-1 *EXCELLENT $179.90 |
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Access 75-300mm Macro Zoom lens 1:5.6 excellent $39.17 |
