Lens Exploration

What is focal length?

Focal length is the angle of view (measured in millimeters), and it shows how much of the scene is captured. A longer focal length has a narrow angle of view. A shorter focal length has a wider angle of view.

Why would someone choose to photograph with different lenses?

Different lenses give a different focal length. Certain lenses are more zoomed in than others and alter what is shown in the photograph, and some are more practical in certain situations. For example, a wide angle lens has a shorter focal length and a wide angle of view. This is a natural choice for capturing landscapes. The telephoto lens has a longer focal length with a narrow field of view, and it is practical for wildlife and sports shots where the photographer cannot always get close to the subject. Also, the standard/prime lens has a fixed focal length of 50 millimeters, and it gives a fairly accurate representation of what the human eye truly sees. These different lenses allow for different fields of view, and can be used to create a more desirable view in photos.