What is the focal length on cameras? - An explanation

The focal length and what defines it

• The lens consists of a system of lenses. These focus the light on the film surface or at Digital cameras on the so-called CCD sensor. This creates the picture.
• The focal length is given in millimeters. It indicates how big the distance from the main lens plane and the CCD chip resp. the movie is.
• When the focal length is larger, the angle of view is also narrowed. This therefore reduces the image section that is recorded, which, however, shows it accordingly enlarged.
• The maximum possible focal length is also called the telephoto focal length. The zoom indicates how many times the telephoto focal length is greater than the initial focal length.

The focal lengths of cameras

• A 50 mm lens is generally considered to be a normal lens, because it roughly corresponds to the viewing angle of the human eye, which is 46 ° for humans. Such a lens should be used if the images are to be presented as you see them.
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Use a lens with a focal length of 18-55 mm correctly - this is how it works

A lens with a focal length range of 18-55 mm is used on most cameras ...

• Lensesthat have a focal length shorter than 50 mm are called wide-angle lenses. Here you have a correspondingly larger perspective. If the focal length is then 20 mm or less, one speaks of a super wide-angle lens. These are especially recommended for recordings such as B. Landscape photos, interior photos or architecture photos.
• If the lens of a camera has a focal length of more than 50 mm, one speaks of telephoto lenses or from 300 mm of super telephoto lenses. Since these lenses can bring distant things closer, they are particularly suitable for animal or sports photos or other situations where you prefer to stay at a distance.