Unlock the secrets of camera lens uses for every scenario, from sweeping wide shots to detailed telephoto close-ups. This guide explains all of that in detail, so your next shot becomes a pro shot.
If you want to become really good at what you do with your camera, then understanding camera lens uses and how to employ different types of these lenses effectively can elevate both your photos and videos from ordinary to extraordinary. We have explained here the basics of camera lens, from focal length to specific niches. Let's start:
Categories of Lenses by Focal Length
1. Ultra-Wide Lenses
They are designed with a focal length range of 8 mm to 24 mm and are used to create expansive and more immersive imagery.
2. Wide Lenses
They go a step up in focal length range, from 24mm to 35mm, and are considered the gold standard for landscape and group photos.
3. Standard Lenses
These are termed "standard" as they mimic the human eye perspective of vision and are designed with a focal length range of 35 mm to 70 mm.
4. Portrait Lenses
One of the most common camera lens uses is capturing portraits, and these lenses are designed with focal lengths from 70 mm to 135 mm. This focal length enables these lenses to capture images with flattering compression and a shallow depth of field, a feature in high demand.
5. Telephoto Lenses
Now we are entering a super expensive category of camera lenses that are built to work from far away and can zoom in on the subject without movement. This range of focal lengths starts from 135 mm to 400 mm (above this range are called super telephoto lenses). They are commonly used for capturing sports, wildlife, and images requiring distant details.
6. Macro Lenses
Commonly used for scientific and product photography, these lenses are designed for close-up shots and capture tiny details that the naked eye cannot see.
7. Fisheye Lenses
The optics in these lenses are built to create a 180° creative perspective. It is commonly used in situations where creative shots are required. Fisheye camera lens uses are often linked with music videos, skateboarding, and some extreme sports.
8. Anamorphic Lenses
Commonly used by movie production houses, these lenses are designed with special optics that can create a cinematic widescreen look with unique oval bokeh and horizontal lens flares. These lenses are prized in the filmmaking industry but are now increasingly used by photographers because of their wide field of view, signature horizontal lens flares, and super popular oval-shaped bokeh, even in low light.
One such lens kit is the SIRUI Saturn 35/50/75mm T2.9 1.6x Anamorphic Carbon Full-Frame Lens, which is designed to be a versatile anamorphic lens covering multiple focal lengths for more creative freedom and creates cinematic landscapes to intimate portraits with stunning clarity.
The T2.9 aperture in these three lenses works exceptionally well in low-light conditions and brings in crisp background separation. Ideal for hybrid photo and video shooters, this lens is also priced right and super portable with its lightweight carbon build. A must-have if you want versatility without compromise.
Categories of Lenses by Their Use
1. For Landscapes
Such natural scenes are often too wide for a regular camera lens to fit in. This is why camera lenses ranging from 14 to 24 mm wide, or ultra-wide, are commonly used for capturing pictures of landscapes.
2. For Travel
People during travel usually want to carry a camera that captures crisp images at different focal lengths for both wider and closer ranges. This is why the 24 mm to 70 mm zoom lenses are commonly used, which is one lens to cover most needs during travel.
3. For Cinematic Video
Someone looking to capture Hollywood-grade cinematic shots with a true wide-screen experience and stills should always opt for anamorphic lenses. They used to be quite expensive and limited to movie makers, but newer brands are now bringing this to the masses at affordable prices.
4. For Street Photography
Usually, 35 mm or 50 mm lenses are used with in-built stabilization and fast aperture to avoid movement in the shot, unless intentional.
5. For Portraits
85mm or 105mm prime lenses are considered the gold standard for portraits, as these focal lengths allow the lenses to bring in high object isolation and smooth bokeh.
6. Sports & Wildlife
Professionals use telephoto lenses to capture sports players far away while sitting in the crowd. The standard range is 200 mm to 400 mm for such work, though it can go even higher, and so does the price.
7. For Macro
Such camera lenses are constructed with special lenses that work between 90 mm and 105 mm focal lengths. Macro camera lens uses are usually limited to capturing insects, food, and small natural items.
Wrapping Up:
Professional photographers and videographers often experiment with various camera lenses to discover unique camera lens uses and creative effects. To get complete creative control in your professional work, consider investing in the trio of SIRUI Saturn 35/50/75mm Full-frame Carbon Fiber Anamorphic Lenses, which are built to bridge multiple focal lengths and cinematic styles.
