If a lens 18mm - 200mm what does that exactly mean?

Answer 1

The numbers represent the focal length range of this zoom lens.

The short focal length (18 mm) would give you a very wide angle image, so you would record quite a long distance from side to side. But the objects in the image would be relatively small.

The long focal length (200 mm) would give you a medium range telephoto image. So you would record a relatively narrow distance side to side, but the objects in the image would be much larger, like looking through a telescope.

The zoom allows you to adjust anywhere in the range between 18 mm and 200 mm. The lens would be described as having an 11x zoom, since 18 x 11 = 198 mm (almost 200).

Most low priced digicams have 3x zoom lenses, usually about 35 mm to 105 mm. So the lens you asked about has a much larger range.

Good Luck

Answer 2

It's the zoom range of the lens. The one to which you refer has a zoom range of approximately 11:1, and goes from very wide angle to medium telephoto.

Answer 3

If you want to know EXACTLY what it means, go here:

http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/18200.htm