Camera Glossary

Measured in millimeters, determines the angle of view and magnification of your lens. Longer focal lengths create more telephoto views.

Detailed Explanation

Focal length, measured in millimeters, determines how much of a scene your lens can capture. Wide-angle lenses (typically 10-35mm) capture a broader view, making them ideal for landscapes and architecture. Standard lenses (around 50mm) closely match human vision. Telephoto lenses (70mm and above) magnify distant subjects, perfect for wildlife and sports photography. The focal length also affects perspective compression - longer focal lengths appear to compress the distance between objects, while wider angles can exaggerate the distance.