Superzoom

The term superzoom or hyperzoom refers to photographic zoom lenses with unconventionally large focal length factors, typically more than 5×. The largest ratio for a digital SLR camera lens is held by the Tamron Di-II format (APS-C) 16–300 mm, giving 18.8×. Some bridge digital cameras have even larger zoom ratios more than 80x and the non-detachable lens compact cameras with same sensor size 1/2.3" as the bridge camera have superzoom up to 30×. The Samsung Galaxy S4 zoom smartphone has optical zoom lens 10x with "zoom ring" and optical image stabilization, For movie and television use, Panavision holds the record with their 300X (7-2100mm, 23-7000mm 35mm equivalent) HD Lens with Compound Zoom Technology (two or more lenses mounted together).

While superzoom lenses have improved greatly in recent years, they still have a number of drawbacks in comparison with shorter-range zooms and prime lenses, chiefly their typically smaller maximum aperture.

The longer the zoom lens, the greater the possibility of vignetting when using the wide and widest angles, especially if optical filter(s) are attached to the front of the lens. Even at the longest range, falloff (darkened corners) can be seen. The magnitude of vignetting and falloff depends on the apertures. Opening a smaller diaphragm will usually reduce vignetting and falloff, but as a consequence of loss of ample light and loss of broad/deep depth-of-field.