Commonly Used Lens Types

A camera lens is a device that contains one or more lens elements comprised of shaped glass that bend light in various ways. The main purpose of a camera lens is to focus light onto a camera's imaging sensor. Lenses are commonly described by their focal length, which is the distance from the optical center of the lens to the point where the image is in focus. The focal length is generally measured in millimeters. 

As a visual information specialist, you must know how to operate a camera correctly. Understanding basic lens types and how to capture imagery in various operational environments will help you shoot engaging images that tell a story. 

The infographic below depicts the three basic lens types: standard, telephoto and wide-angle.

Each lens type is designed to capture different imagery styles. Explore each lens type to better understand its unique features and uses. 

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Normal Lens

The normal or medium-focal-length lens has an angle of view similar to the human eye. Allowing less light to reach the focal plane than a wide-angle lens, this standard lens is for everyday use because it provides a moderate working distance from the subject.

Best uses

• Situations when it is essential to reproduce a scene exactly as it appears with the naked eye
• Especially useful for investigative photography

Advantages

• Speed of the lens, identified by its lowest F/Stop, allows for faster shutter speeds (learn more about controlling shutter speeds for better images) 
• Allows the ability to shoot in low-light conditions
• Generally lightweight and compact

Disadvantages

• Can be moderately expensive

Telephoto Lens

A telephoto or long-focal-length lens has a narrow view angle (magnifying a narrow portion of the scene). These lenses allow less light to reach the focal plane than a normal lens. This compression is known as a telephoto effect because it affects perspective by making subjects that are far away appear closer.

Best uses

• Situations where you cannot or do not want to get close to the subject
• For portraits, as they provide a greater working distance from the subject
• When the background should be blurred

Advantages

• Allows for a shallow depth of field (learn more about factors that affect depth of field) 

Disadvantages

• Heavier, bulkier and usually more expensive
• Must be focused more accurately
• Magnifies camera shake
• Requires a shutter speed at least equivalent to their focal length to handhold effectively

Wide Angle Lens

A wide-angle or short-focal-length lens does not magnify the subject, but shows the opposite. This lens allows a large amount of light to reach the focal plane and does not magnify the subject. Images appear smaller than what is seen with the naked eye. 

Best uses

• Situations where you are physically prevented from getting far enough away from the subject to fill the frame, such as in small rooms and tight spaces
• For fast-moving situations when you do not have time to refocus for every shot
• When it is desirable to have the whole scene in focus
• Situations that warrant a greater depth of field
• When you want to distort perspective as a special effect (in accordance with DoDI 5040.02)

Advantages

• Allows for larger depth of field
• Useful in small spaces
• Handheld with slower shutter speeds equivalent to their focal length

Disadvantages

• Generally bulkier and heavier

To understand which focal length will give the best shot, check out Choose the Right Focal Length Lens for a Shoot.