Apple makes three arguments for lack of 10x optical zoom on iPhone 15 Pro Max
Apple makes three arguments for lack of 10x optical zoom on iPhone 15 Pro Max

10x optical zoom – Apple's three reasons for not offering it

- People hardly ever use 10x zoom
- 10x optical zoom is hard to stabilize
- Aperture trumps zoom
I’d agree - given the choice between a 10x f/5 and a 5x f/2.8, I’m going with the fast lens every time.
Meh I’d take the zoom range for sure. Depends on what you like to photograph. Long lenses are routinely north of f5, and they do just fine in reasonable light.
A fast lens is almost always beneficial. If you don’t need the shutter speed, you can drop the ISO for lower noise and better color. A long lens is only beneficial in certain situations, if you’re not shooting long it’s not helping.
That’s my rationale, at least.