Understanding Focal Length: Wide-Angle, Medium, and Telephoto Lenses

Focal Length: Understanding Wide-Angle, Medium, and Telephoto Lenses

1. Wide-Angle Lenses

Wide-angle lenses capture a wider field of view, but they can distort straight lines near the edges of the frame, making them appear curved outward. Additionally, wide-angle lenses exaggerate depth, making objects in the foreground appear larger and those in the distance appear farther away. As a result, when figures move toward or away from the camera, a wide-angle lens makes them seem to cover ground more rapidly.

2. Medium Lenses

Medium lenses, typically around 50mm in length, aim to avoid noticeable perspective distortion. With a medium lens, horizontal and vertical lines are rendered as straight and perpendicular.

3. Telephoto Lenses

Telephoto lenses have a longer focal length and narrow the angle of vision. They flatten the space along the camera axis, reducing cues for depth and volume. Planes appear squashed together, similar to the effect of looking through a telescope or binoculars. Telephoto lenses make objects appear closer and take more time to cover a perceived distance when moving toward the camera.

4. Zoom Lenses

Zoom lenses combine the capabilities of wide-angle, medium, and telephoto lenses. They allow for variable focal length, enabling you to change the perspective of the image while maintaining the same framing. Zoom lenses were initially used for documentary shooting but have since been employed as a substitute for camera movement. During a zoom, the camera remains stationary while the lens magnifies or demagnifies the objects filmed.