Major Optical Characteristics of Lenses

There are two categories of lenses: Prime Lenses and Zoom Lenses.

1.Prime Lenses – A prime lens has a fixed focal length. This means that each focal length is specially made for certain types of photography. You would have to switch lenses with different focal lengths when taking photos of food versus a photo of a building, for example.

2. Zoom Lenses – A zoom lens has a variable focal length, meaning you can adjust the lens elements to achieve various focal lengths. With a simple twist of the zoom optics, you can shorten or lengthen the focal point.

This is how to calculate zoom on the lens: Focal length  50 = magnification

Example: 400mm  50 = 8 times magnification or zoom

The zoom lens design gives photographers more flexibility. It enables you to zoom in and enlarge a small subject or zoom out to capture a panoramic view in the frame. Because of its variable capability in composing shots, this type of lens can be used for any type of photography. Of course, such a flexible device comes at a higher cost.

Depending on the type of view you want to see, you can choose from a wide range of focal lengths to better capture images. A short focal length gives you a wider angle of view. While a long focal length provides a narrower angle of view.

• Microscopic Lens (Short Focal Length)
  • 2mm to 40mm
  • Observing microscopic subjects
• Extreme Wide Angle Lens or Fish Eye Lens (Very Short Focal Length)
  • Less than 16mm
  • Capturing sports activities in first-person perspective
• Wide Angle Lens (Short Focal Length)
  •  24mm to 35mm
  •  Panorama and landscape photography
• Macro Lens (Medium Focal Length)
  • 40mm to 60mm (best focal length)
  • Enlarging small subjects
• Standard Lens (Normal Focal Length)
  • 35mm to 85mm
  • Portrait and food photography
• Telephoto Lens (Long Focal Length)
  • 85mm and above
  • Sports and astrophotography