Cover photo by Yukihiro
The focal length of a camera lens is a crucial factor that significantly affects the outcome of your photographs. While choosing a lens can be confusing, understanding focal length allows you to capture images closer to your intended vision.
This time, we will explain the characteristics of focal lengths from wide-angle to super-telephoto and how to utilize them. Master the basics of lens selection and express your creative vision with the optimal focal length for each scene.
The Relationship Between Focal Length and Angle of View
In cameras, focal length refers to the distance between the image sensor inside the camera and the lens when focused. As shown in this diagram, lenses with longer focal lengths have a narrower angle of view and capture less of the scene, while shorter lenses have the opposite effect, offering a wider angle and capturing more of the scene.
Therefore, if you want to capture distant subjects larger, use a lens with a longer focal length. Conversely, if you want to capture the entirety of a relatively close subject, use a lens with a shorter focal length.
Photo by RYUURI
Dramatize Space with a Wide-Angle Lens
Wide-angle lenses with focal lengths of 24-35mm or less capture a broad field of view, making them ideal for architecture and landscape photography. They emphasize spatial expansiveness and allow for photos with a sense of depth, including the background.
Photo by usubafilm
Additionally, when the distance between the subject and the camera is short, perspective is emphasized, making it easier to create dynamic compositions. With ultra-wide lenses like fisheye, you can enjoy creative expressions using unique distortion effects.
Utilize Natural Views with a Standard Lens
Standard lenses with focal lengths around 50mm offer a natural angle of view similar to human vision, useful for snapshots, portraits, and everyday scenes. They do not distort subjects and provide a natural sense of perspective, making them versatile lenses for any scene.
Photo by ユウ3850
Particularly, a "50mm prime lens" is recommended as a first prime lens, offering a bright aperture and beautiful bokeh.
Bring Distant Subjects Closer with a Telephoto Lens
Telephoto lenses with focal lengths of 70mm or more are ideal for capturing distant subjects like sports, wildlife, and school events. The longer the focal length, the more it draws in the subject and enhances background blur, emphasizing the main subject.
Additionally, mid-telephoto lenses of 85-135mm are perfect for portrait photography, praised for their ability to capture natural bokeh and the shape of the subject accurately. Super-telephoto lenses over 300mm are expected to excel in professional scenes such as wildlife and sports events.
