Understanding your camera lens focal lengths can be a bit confusing, but are key in the final product of your photos. In this blog, I’ll explain the basics of focal lengths and how they can affect the way your photo turns out.

What is a camera lens focal length?

Focal length is the measurement that tells you how much of your scene will be captured (angle of view) and how large the subjects will be in the image (magnification). Focal lengths are measured in millimeters (mm).

The shorter the focal length, the wider the angle of view, and the more of the scene will be captured in the photograph. If your focal length is longer, the angle of view is narrower, and less of the scene will be captured. You can see this illustrated in the photo below.

Types of focal lengths

There are three main types of focal lengths: wide-angle, standard, and telephoto.

Wide-angle lenses have a focal length of 35mm or shorter. They are great for capturing landscapes, architecture, and interiors, as they allow you to fit more of the scene into the frame. They also have a greater depth of field, which means more of the photograph is in focus from front to back.

Standard lenses have a focal length of around 50mm. Standard lenses mimic the natural field of view of the human eye. They are great for a wide range of subjects, including portraits, street photography, and candid shots.

Telephoto lenses have a focal length of 85mm or longer. They are great for capturing distant subjects, such as wildlife or sports. Telophoto lenses also allow you to zoom in and get closer to the action if need be. They also have a shallower depth of field, which gives you that really pretty blurred background. In photography we call it bokeh. This is great for portrait images.

In conclusion, the focal length is an important factor to consider when choosing a lens. Wide-angle lenses are great for capturing a wider field of view and have a greater depth of field. While telephoto lenses are great for capturing distant subjects and have a shallower depth of field. Understanding these differences in your lens’s focal point can really help you choose the right lens for your photography needs.