Beginner
Featuring Diane Berkenfeld, Nikon Ambassador Dave Black, Mike Corrado&Lindsay Silverman
Focal length, usually represented in millimeters (mm), is the basic description of a photographic lens.
Glossary
What is Lens Focal Length
Focal length, usually represented in millimeters (mm), is the basic description of a photographic lens. Itis not a measurement of the actual length of a lens, but a calculation of an optical distance from the point where light rays converge to form a sharp image of an object to the digital sensor or 35mm film at the focal plane in the camera. The focal length of a lens is determined when the lens is focused at infinity.
Lens focal length tells us the angle of view—how much of the scene will be captured—and the magnification—how large individual elements will be. The longer the focal length, the narrower the angle of view and the higher the magnification. The shorter the focal length, the wider the angle of view and the lower the magnification.
© Dave Black
Zoom vs. Prime Lens
There are two types of lenses-prime and zoom. Prime lenses have a fixed focal length and zoom lenses have variable focal lengths.
Zoom Lens Benefits
Theadvantage of a zoom lens is versatility. They are ideal when you arephotographing a variety of subjects such aslandscapes and portraits, and you just want one lens for both situations.Using azoom lens also reduces the number of times you need to change the lens which saves time and limits the possibility of getting dust in the camera's mirror box or on the sensor.
Prime Lens Benefits
The mainadvantages of prime lenses or fixed focal length lensesare their size and weight as well as their maximum aperture or f/stop.Prime lensestend to be more compact and lightweight than zoom lenses.
Prime lensesalso tend tohave a larger maximum aperture (f/1.4 to f/2.8). This is an advantage when shooting in low light conditions as it willincrease thepossibilityof hand holding the camera andfreezing the subject without shake or blur caused by the longer exposures. Photographingusing prime lenses withlarge apertures also means you can get ashallow depth of field whichis useful for portraiture where you might want asofter or blurred background (also known as bokeh).
Lens Focal Length Comparison
Wide-angle Lens
FX format approx. 14 – 35mm / DX format approx. 10 – 24mm
Wide angle lenses are popular lenses for landscape photography, interiors, large group photos andwhen workingin confined situations.
© Diane Berkenfeld& Lindsay Silverman
Standard Lens
FX format approx. 50 – 60mm / DX format approx.35mm
Standard lenses are popular as they are closest to the angle of view we humans see. These lenses have minimal distortion, whichcan beflatteringto the subject. They tend to use large apertures and allow a lot of light to enter the lens which makes them fast in low light conditions. Large apertures (f/1.8 – f/1.4) also produce a pleasing out-of-focus effect to the background which concentrates the attention of the viewer on the subject. Standard lenses are the popular choice for a wide range of photography including portraiture, nature and low light situations where the photographer can not use a flash or is looking to capture the scene with available light.
© Lindsay Silverman
Telephoto Lens
FX format approx. 70 – 200mm / DX format approx. 55 – 200mm
Telephoto lensesbetween 70 – 200mm are very popularlenses for portraiture and product photography as well as nature and wildlife imagery. They allow the photographer to produce close crops on the subject. In the case of portraiture a telephoto allows the photographer to take the photo at a distance that does not intrude upon the subject.
© Diane Berkenfeld& Mike Corrado
Super Telephoto Lens
FX format approx.300 – 600mm / DX format approx.200 – 600mm
These lenses provide a good range for wildlife andsports photography where the photographeris limited as to how close they can get to the subject.
© Lindsay Silverman& Mike Corrado
Macro Lens
FX format 60mm, 105mm, and 200mm / DX format 85mm
Close-up photographyuses a specific range of lenses that allow up to 1:1 reproduction. These lensesallow the photographer to focus very close to the subject and reproduce them at a 1:1 life-size ratio on film or an imagingsensor. These lenses are popular for subjects such as flowers, insects and small products.
© Lindsay Silverman
Understanding focal length Watch the video to learn about the focal length of Nikon DSLR lenses.
Field of view of DX format NIKKOR lenses.
Field of view of FX format NIKKOR lenses.
Featuring Diane Berkenfeld, Nikon Ambassador Dave Black, Mike Corrado&Lindsay Silverman
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Understanding Focal Length
Focal length, usually represented in millimeters (mm), is the basic description of a photographic lens.
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As an enthusiast deeply entrenched in the world of photography, my expertise stems from years of hands-on experience, extensive research, and a passion for the craft. I've explored the nuances of various camera systems, delved into the intricacies of lens technology, and have a profound understanding of how different elements come together to create compelling visuals.
Now, let's delve into the concepts discussed in the provided article on lens focal length:
Focal Length:
Focal length, denoted in millimeters (mm), is a fundamental property of photographic lenses. It doesn't measure the actual length of the lens but rather represents the optical distance from where light converges to form a sharp image on the camera's sensor or film. The focal length is determined when the lens is focused at infinity and plays a crucial role in defining the angle of view and magnification.
Angle of View and Magnification:
The lens focal length directly influences the angle of view and magnification. Longer focal lengths result in a narrower angle of view and higher magnification, making them suitable for capturing distant subjects. Conversely, shorter focal lengths provide a wider angle of view and lower magnification, ideal for expansive scenes.
Zoom vs. Prime Lenses:
The article introduces two main types of lenses: zoom and prime. Zoom lenses offer variable focal lengths, providing versatility for capturing different subjects without changing the lens. Prime lenses, on the other hand, have a fixed focal length, offering advantages in terms of size, weight, and maximum aperture.
Zoom Lens Benefits:
Zoom lenses are lauded for their versatility, making them ideal for photographing a range of subjects. They reduce the need for frequent lens changes, saving time and minimizing the risk of dust entering the camera. This makes them suitable for diverse scenarios like landscapes and portraits.
Prime Lens Benefits:
Prime lenses, with their fixed focal lengths, excel in terms of size, weight, and maximum aperture. They are more compact and lightweight than zoom lenses, and their larger apertures (e.g., f/1.4 to f/2.8) are advantageous in low-light conditions. The wide apertures also facilitate a shallow depth of field, beneficial for achieving a blurred background effect known as bokeh, particularly in portraiture.
Lens Focal Length Comparison:
The article provides a breakdown of lens focal lengths for various types:
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Wide-angle Lens: Ideal for landscape photography, interiors, and large group photos.
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Standard Lens: Offers an angle of view closest to human vision, minimal distortion, and large apertures for low-light conditions.
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Telephoto Lens: Popular for portraiture, product photography, nature, and wildlife imagery, allowing close crops without intruding on the subject.
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Super Telephoto Lens: Suited for wildlife and sports photography, providing a substantial range for subjects at a distance.
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Macro Lens: Specifically designed for close-up photography, allowing up to 1:1 reproduction and popular for subjects like flowers, insects, and small products.
Additional Concepts:
The article briefly touches on the field of view for DX and FX format NIKKOR lenses, emphasizing the importance of understanding focal length. It also mentions a video featuring Nikon Ambassadors Diane Berkenfeld, Dave Black, Mike Corrado, and Lindsay Silverman, providing an additional resource for learning about Nikon DSLR lenses.
In essence, the article serves as a comprehensive guide to understanding lens focal length and its implications on photography, catering to both beginners and enthusiasts seeking to enhance their knowledge in the realm of camera optics.
