Essential settings of a photographic lens

In the previous article, we started talking about lenses and their importance in photography, as well as their relationship with sharpness and light. Now, we will delve a little deeper into the concept of focal length and other aspects such as aperture, stabilization, and features related to camera lenses.

The lens is one of the most important components in photography. Choosing the right lens and correctly adjusting its settings can make a significant difference in the quality of the captured image. In this article, we will explore the main settings of a camera lens to help you understand and make better use of your equipment.

You should remember that focal length, measured in millimeters (mm), is one of the main factors that determine a lens’s field of view and image perspective. It directly influences how the world is represented in photographs.

Some lenses have fixed focal lengths, such as 14mm and 24mm, and are known as prime lenses. They usually offer greater sharpness, less distortion, and larger apertures, allowing for better performance in low-light conditions.

Other lenses have variable focal lengths, such as the 18-55mm, and are called zoom lenses. These lenses offer greater versatility, allowing photographers to adjust the frame without changing the lens, making them ideal for different situations, from wide landscapes to close-up portraits. The choice between a prime or zoom lens depends on the type of photography and the desired angle of view.

The angle of view of a lens is directly related to its focal length. Lenses with shorter focal lengths, such as 14mm, have a wider angle of view, capturing a larger portion of the scene, making them ideal for landscape and architectural photography.

Lenses with longer focal lengths, such as the 55mm in 18-55mm zoom lenses, provide a narrower angle of view, allowing for greater subject magnification, making them useful for portraits or detailed shots. Thus, the choice between a prime or zoom lens not only affects versatility and optical quality but also directly influences composition and image perspective.

The shorter the focal length, the wider the angle of view, and vice versa. Based on the angle of view, lenses can be classified into three types: wide-angle, normal, and telephoto.

Wide-angle lenses, with focal lengths below 35mm, are known for providing a broad field of view. This makes them ideal for capturing expansive landscapes and architectural scenes where it is necessary to include a large area within the frame.

Below is an example of a wide-angle lens and a photograph taken with this type of lens:

Above, a Canon EF-S 24mm F/2.8 STM Wide Angle Lens – Image: personal archive

Mid-range focal length lenses, varying between 35mm and 70mm, are called normal lenses. They offer a perspective very similar to human vision, making them perfect for everyday photography, such as portraits or urban scenes, where objects and scenes appear natural without significant distortion.

Above, a Canon EF 50mm F/1.4 USM Ultrasonic Lens – Image: personal archive

There are also telephoto lenses with focal lengths above 70mm, which have the ability to significantly magnify the photographed subject without causing distortion in proportions. These lenses are widely used in wildlife, sports, and portrait photography, where the photographer needs to maintain physical distance from the subject while still capturing a sharp and distortion-free image.

Above, a Canon EF 75-300mm F/4-5.6 III Lens – Image: personal archive

Through the previous photographs, it is evident that the choice of focal length has a profound impact not only on composition, but also on how perspective and scene elements are visually represented.

Experiment with different settings and discover what best suits your photography style!

See you next time!

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