Focal lengthvs zoom

Throughout this course, we’re referring to six essentials of photography. However, it is important to mention that this could in fact be five! Why? Because images can be recorded without a lens on so-called pinhole cameras (or camera obscuras).

Some lenses feature a fixed aperture. Catadioptric, or mirror lenses, which used to be fairly common, usually feature a longer focal length, such as 500mm at a fixed aperture of f6.3. Most telescopes are catadioptric.

Focal lengthexamples

Aperture refers to the opening in the lens that controls how much light reaches the sensor. This is indicated in the format 1:2.8, for example, with the second set of numbers indicating the maximum aperture.

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Some lenses will feature two maximum apertures (shown as 1:4-5.6). This means that, as you zoom, the aperture capability changes. So at the shortest focal length, you may be able to shoot at f4, but once you zoom to the longest focal length, the widest aperture you’ll be able to shoot at will be f5.6. Generally lenses with wider apertures are favourable due to their increased light-capturing capabilities.

What is a focal lengthof lenses

However, recording an image without a lens is far more complex, and doesn’t afford the photographer the same creative freedom. Essentially, without a lens, you're shooting at a very small fixed aperture. Thanks to the variations in magnification they offer, lenses allow us to shoot many different objects, which simply wouldn’t be possible with a camera obscura.

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What is a focal lengthformula

Typically, lens names are formatted like this: Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM Lens or Nikon AF-S 50mm f/1.8G. Each of these numbers and letters relays essential information, such as focal length, maximum aperture, lens version and focusing motor. Other features specified can include stabilisation, filter diameter and focusing distances.

Focal lengthof lens formula

Lenses with shorter focal lengths provide a much wider angle of view and less magnification. This makes them better suited to landscapes than to product photography.

Zoom lenses provide a variety of focal lengths. This makes them very versatile and reduces the need for multiple lenses.

These elements serve to direct the light to a single focal point so that it can accurately be recorded by the sensor (9) once the mirror (7) flips up (triggered when you press the shutter button). Mirrorless cameras work the same way, but do not have the mirror or prism.

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What is focal lengthin photography

Longer focal lengths offer a narrower angle of view and more magnification, which means they are better suited to sport or wildlife photography than architectural photography.

Lenses focus the light onto the recording medium, which allows an image to be recorded. As you’ll see from the illustration of a DSLR camera below, light enters the lens and passes through the front element (2) before reaching several lens elements (3, 5 & 6).

Focal length is usually indicated both on the side of the lens barrel and sometimes on the front of the lens, along with the lens diameter.

Prime (or fixed) lenses feature a fixed focal length. Available in a range of focal lengths, these lenses are known for delivering high-quality images. They also generally offer much wider apertures than zoom lenses do.