Skip to main content

Chapter 9: Lenses

Focal Length is the measurement of the lens in mm. There are two types of lenses; Prime and Zoom, and three categories; Telephoto, 50 (Normal), and Wide.

  • Prime lenses
    • Have only one focal length
  • Zoom lenses
    • Have multiple focal lengths (multifocal)

Three Catepgories

  • Telephoto
  • 50 (normal)
  • Wide

Going up in focal length narrows the field of view (FOV), while going down in focal length widens the FOV.

  • Examples:
    • 200mm telephoto -> 85mm -> 50 (normal) -> 40mm -> 35mm -> 28mm -> 18mm wide -> 12mm fisheye -> 8mm.
  • Trade offs: for wide angles, it can cause distortion, so the subjects in the frame look farther apart. For telephoto, it can narrow the FOV, making it harder to frame shots & require a higher shutter speed to avoid camera shake.
Back to top