Focal length is defined as the distance between the point of light ray convergence of your lens and the sensor/film (measured in millimeters). The longer the focal length, the narrower the angle of view. The shorter the focal length, the wider the angle of view.
Photo captured by Jonathan Mabey
Focal length is an essential factor to consider when choosing a lens for different types of photography. Here’s a list of common focal length ranges and their recommended uses:
Ultra-Wide (8-24mm): Ideal for capturing expansive landscapes, cityscapes, and architecture. Also used for creative, exaggerated perspectives and astrophotography.
Wide-Angle (24-35mm): Suitable for landscape, street, environmental portraits, and indoor photography. It allows for a wider field of view without introducing too much distortion.
Standard (35-70mm): Versatile lenses, great for everyday photography, including street, documentary, travel, and environmental portraits. They provide a natural perspective, similar to what the human eye sees.
Short Telephoto (70-105mm): Preferred for portraiture, as they help separate the subject from the background, creating flattering images with minimal distortion. Also suitable for close-up sports and event photography.
Medium Telephoto (105-200mm): Excellent for sports, wildlife, and event photography, as they allow you to get closer to the subject without physically moving closer. These lenses produce a shallow depth of field, creating a strong subject-background separation.
Super Telephoto (200-600mm and beyond): Typically used for wildlife, bird, and sports photography, where the subject is at a considerable distance. They produce a very shallow depth of field and are ideal for isolating subjects from their surroundings.
Remember that these ranges are general guidelines, and the best focal length for a specific type of photography can vary depending on the photographer’s style, vision, and the desired outcome.
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