What is focal length on a camera and how do I set it?

13/01/2025 | Author: woodenshop.co.uk

Photography is a unique field of art, and not only the professional, but also the amateur photographer wants his photos to be unique. For this reason, it is worth learning a little theory, because it is what will make the photos taken nice and professional. From our article you will learn what the focal length in the camera is and how to set it.

What is the focal length in the camera?

The focal length in the camera is the distance measured between the focus of the optical system and the location of the main optical system, and not, as many people think, a part or element of the device. The mentioned value is determined from the sensor to the camera lens, while the focal length is given in millimeters. It is due to it that the quality of photos taken and videos shot can be much better, for the reason that it affects the angle of view and perspective in the camera.

Focal length and camera zoom – is there any relationship between these elements?

Do the focal lengths of lenses have a relationship with the famous zoom? It’s worth clarifying. Zoom is a piece of information that tells the user of a device how many times he can increase the focal length in one lens from the widest to the narrowest angle of view. It is not a parameter indicating how much zoom the camera can get, but only a scale of focal length adjustment from smallest to longest. It is worth remembering that the narrower the angle of view (long focal length), the photographer sees a smaller section of the frame, so it appears to be an approximation.

There are many devices available for sale that have different lens parameters, but the vast majority are those with zoom lenses. The focal length on such a camera allows you to capture the same scene in several different ways, depending on the perspective you choose. However, you can still opt for a model that has a fixed focal length. Such a device allows you to reflect in the picture exactly what the photographer’s eyes see.

Focal length in the camera, focal length of the lens – a comparison.

Manufacturers, having the ability to choose different focal lengths, have created several types of lenses. Among them, we can distinguish, for example, wide-angle lenses with a short focal length and low magnification. When taking pictures, you need to be closer to the object being photographed, but this allows you to fit large objects in the frame from a short distance.

Another type is telephoto lenses. They have a long focal length and make it easier to take high magnification of objects that are located at a great distance from the camera. Thus, each user of the device can decide which focal length of the lens is best for him. The parameters of the lens sometimes vary, so the decision to buy a particular one depends solely on individual needs.

Focal length on the camera – what is the best?

Before taking pictures, you need to choose the right location. There are also many other elements and factors to consider when taking pictures. Surely you already know that in addition to these, the focal length also affects the quality of the photos you take. So, what focal length of the lens will be the best?

The choice depends on your location and whether you can stand closer or further away from the object or person being photographed. It is worth remembering that by increasing the focal length, the photographer will have a narrower angle of view, making the depth in the photograph less apparent. If you are just beginning your adventure with photography, a noteworthy choice will be a lens with a focal length between 24 and 120 mm. An interesting option in this range is a 35mm lens, which has applications such as street photography.

Every photographer should know the basics of photography, so that his pictures will be much better. That’s why it’s worth remembering that the focal length on the camera is important when framing – it allows you to zoom in and out of objects. It also affects the compositions you can get when taking pictures. Photography is a real art, but using the right equipment will certainly make creative work easier.