Comprehensive Overview of Camera Lenses — Detailed Explanation of Each Lens Type [Shot List Ep. 7]

The camera lens is an essential consideration in photography and cinematography. Camera lenses are on the front line of how an image is captured but not all are created equal. In this episode of The Shot List, we’ll walk through the gamut of camera lenses to differentiate both their inherent qualities and how they each tell a different story.

Let’s begin by making an important distinction between a zoom lens vs prime lens. Within each of these categories can be a variety of camera lenses but what separates them has to do with focal length. A prime lens has a fixed focal length while a zoom lens can operate through a range of focal lengths. There are pros and cons within the zoom lens vs prime lens debate, which we will cover in detail in the video.

The different types of camera lenses are mostly divided into categories based on their focal length, measured in millimeters. Focal length is the distance between the back of the lens and the image plane — the shorter the distance, the wider the field of view. For example, extreme wide angle lenses and fisheye lenses capture the widest field of view. The field of view with a telephoto lens is much more narrow but, in exchange, you can photograph subjects at a greater distance.

A standard lens is any lens where the focal length matches the size of the camera’s sensor. This gives the image a “natural” look that best approximates human vision. A macro lens is designed to capture subjects in extremely close proximity. Whereas most camera lenses align their elements perpendicularly to the image plane, a tilt-shift lens has a unique function that can “tilt” or “shift” that alignment. This leads to both subtle and extreme distortions.

Each of these camera lenses has unique properties that shape the look and texture of the image. As you work through your shot list, keep these options in mind and you’ll be that much closer to realizing your vision.