What is the focal length?

Among photographers, both professionals and amateurs, the expression "focal length" is very popular. And many people who are far from photography often hear it and even use it, only they understand the meaning of this phrase is not always correct.

It is a common misconception that the focal length is the distance to the subject. The professionals amuse this interpretation, but neophytes often put it in an awkward position.

In fact, the focal length is one of the most important characteristics of the camera as such. It determines the viewing angle and the optimal (but not true!) Distance to the subject. The significance of this characteristic can not be overemphasized, because it is responsible for the clarity of the image.

Someone may ask: how do photographers equally well shoot objects both near and far, if the focal length is so important? In fact, this distance is not something unchanged. As a rule, at the same distance it is very easy to change - depending on the needs of the photographer. The most important thing is to be able to choose the optimal value for shooting each specific object. But this is not a problem - in our time progress has gone so far that the focal length changes automatically.

As already mentioned above, it is this distance that determines the viewing angle. Depending on the value of this angle, all lenses are divided into three types: normal, wide-angle and telephoto lenses.

In normal lenses, the focal length of the lens varies from 40 to 50 millimeters, and their viewing angle is as close as possible to the human eye angle. Photographs taken with this lens are the most natural. Looking at them, you can experience the so-called "effect of presence."

At wide-angle lenses the focal length exceeds 35 millimeters, and the viewing angle is much larger than the angle of the person. With their help it is very convenient to shoot the interior of tight spaces and landscapes. However, it should be borne in mind that although the large viewing angle will cover more than the human eye, space, objects in the background of the photograph will be significantly distorted.

Telephoto lenses have an even larger focal length - over 60 millimeters. Their distinctive feature is the zoom in effect, which makes it possible to make excellent portrait shots. Also such lenses are indispensable when there is a need to close a close-up object at a considerable distance. But the depth of the landscape and its naturalness the telephoto lens can not convey.

So, from the above text it is easy to understand which focal length is best used for filming certain subjects. However, it does not hurt to clarify that for portrait photos the optimal focal length will be from 60 to 135 millimeters, for shooting people in full growth - from 35 to 60 millimeters. For landscapes and interior - no more than 35 millimeters. For large objects located at a considerable distance - not less than 135 millimeters, and for distant small objects - not less than 30 millimeters.

But how can an inexperienced photographer determine the focal length of a camera? It's very simple. You just need to find the markings on his lens. Here it is important to pay attention to whether the lens has a fixed value (only one number is indicated) or several (values). In the event that the marking indicates the presence of several values, the user can easily change the focal length of his camera.

Now a beginner photographer only needs to start successfully applying the knowledge obtained from this article in practice, and it does not matter if at first the photographs become unnatural and blurry. Practice and practice again - that's it, the key to success!