Camera lens types
Written by: Nate Torres
Last updated: July 30, 2024
Learn about the different camera lens types and each of their distinct advantages...
Camera lens types
Camera lenses come in a variety of different types, each designed to meet different requirements and creative needs. Understanding the characteristics of each type of lens will greatly enhance your ability to capture your vision.
Fisheye lens
Fisheye lenses are ultra-wide-angle lenses that provide an extremely wide 180-degree angle of view. These lenses are often only used for creative purposes to produce striking, exaggerated perspectives - often used in landscapes, action sports, and architecture shots.
Wide-angle lens
Wide-angle lenses typically have a focal length between 10mm and 35mm and is favored when you need to capture more of your scene in a single shot. This lens type is idea for landscapes, interior photography, and other situations where space is limited.
Telephoto lens
Telephoto lenses have a longer focal length typically above 70mm. These types of lenses allow photographers to capture distant subjects easier, making this lens essential for sports and wildlife shots. Telephoto lenses bring the subject closer and have a nice compressed perspective making these lenses also popular for portraits and headshots.
Macro lens
Macro lenses have a focal length that range from 50mm to 100mm. These types of lenses are designed to focus extremely close to your subject allowing photographers to capture detailed shots of their subject. Macro lenses are popular when capturing small subjects such as insects, flowers, or certain products such as jewelry. You can also use these types of lenses for portrait photography if they lie on the longer focal length range.
Pancake lens
Pancake lenses are thin, lightweight lenses with a very short barrel. The compact size of the lens makes them very convenient for travel and street photography.
Tilt-shift lens
A tilt-shift lens is a special type of lens that allows adjustment of the angle and position of the lens in relation to the image sensor. Similar to fisheye lenses, this lens is usually meant for creative purposes when taking architectural or landscape photos, and you want to control perspective and adjust depth of field.
Prime lens
A prime lens has a fixed focal length which means it doesn't zoom. Prime lenses are typically faster which means they have larger aperture ranges and often produce sharper images due to the fewer moving parts. They are also an excellent option when you are in a low-light situation.
Zoom lens
A zoom lens, unlike a prime lens, offer a range of focal lengths providing versatility and convenience. This versatility allows you to adjust the composition of your photos very quickly without having to change your physical position.
Each lens type brings its own advantages and special characteristics that you should know as a photographer.