Camera Basics #05 - What focal length do I need?
If you have already worked through the first camera basics and understood the basic functions of your camera, in most cases you will want to buy a new Lens relatively quickly. But the choice is huge and choosing the right lens is important for the look you want.
One particularly important aspect of Lens is the focal length. Among other things, this specification largely determines the "zoom factor" of your shots.
The image section
Wide angle
The image section of lenses with a small focal length - in the range up to around 35mm - fall into the category wide-angle lenses. These make it possible to capture a lot of the surroundings in one image. This is why they are often used for architectural or landscape photography.
Normal range
The range of approximately 40-70 mm is classified as the "normal range". The image section roughly corresponds to what the human eye perceives. Lens of this type are therefore particularly suitable if you want your shots to look as realistic and familiar as possible.
Telephoto
From a focal length of around 70mm, we speak of telephoto lenses, which can be loosely subdivided into medium telephoto(70-100mm), telephoto(100-300mm) or super telephoto(300mm+). These make it possible to capture distant subjects full frame and at close range. They are often used for sports photography, animal photography or when small details in a chaotic scene need to be emphasized.
Shooting with 35mm.
..and from the same point of view with 85mm
The same motif in the same size with 35mm.
...and once photographed with 85mm.Areas of application for different focal lengths
Portraits
Portraits are often taken with lenses of the following focal lengths:
- 35mm
- 50mm
- 85mm
- 105mm
- 135mm
- 24-70mm
- 70-200mm
Animals
Lenses of the following focal lengths are often used for taking pictures of animals:
- 50mm
- 85mm
- 135mm
- 70-200mm
- 150-600mm
- 400mm
- 300mm
- 600mm
- 800mm
- Over 800mm
Landscape photos
Landscape photos are often taken with lenses of the following focal lengths:
- 16-35mm
- 24-70mm
- 50mm
- 70-200mm
Macro photography
For macro photography, lenses with the following focal lengths are often used:
- 90mm
- 35mm
- 100mm / 105mm
- 24mm
Two small tasks for you:
1. Take a zoom lens or several fixed focal lengths and photograph a subject with different focal lengths so that it remains the same size in the picture. Pay attention to the background and how it changes.
2. Try working with different focal lengths in one place and see how the image effect has changed afterwards.
Thank you for reading our articles. If you have more questions about other photography basics, you may find your answers in the other camera basics. You can find all previous articles here:
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