fundamentals9 min read26 April 2026
Focal lengths explained: which lens to use and when
A practical guide to focal lengths from 14mm to 600mm — what each one does, why it matters, and which ones to buy first.
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What focal length actually means
Focal length is the distance (in mm) from the lens's optical centre to the camera sensor when focused at infinity. It determines the angle of view and the magnification of the image.
- —Short focal length (14mm–35mm) = wide angle, large field of view, objects appear further away
- —Standard focal length (50mm) = closest to human eye field of view
- —Long focal length (85mm–600mm) = telephoto, narrow field of view, objects appear closer and compressed
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