Telephoto Lens

Everything about telephoto lenses

Are you regularly heading out to spot birds or wildlife? Or are you a big sports fan?

What is a telephoto lens?

A telephoto lens is a lens with which a remote object can easily be brought closer and be captured. The concept for this type of lens is already several hundred years old, but only got more attention at the end of the 19th century. With the introduction of this type of lens it has become possible to take nature, portrait and sports photography to a higher level. The maximum focal length of this type of camera ranges from 70mm to 1500mm and ranges from the light telephoto lenses to the heavy super-telephoto lenses. The big ones are mainly used in an environment where the distance can range from a few to hundreds of kilometres, for example safari and astrophotography.

Limited depth of field

In addition to the fact that the images look as if they have been compressed, telephoto lenses are known for their low depth of field. This ensures that an object can be distinguished well from the background, since only the object is displayed in detail. This effect has a great advantage in sports and nature photography, as it disconnects animals and humans from disturbing environmental objects. In addition, this type of lens has the effect of increasing certain objects, so that they can be better visualised

Image stabilisation

Due to the length and weight of a telephoto lens, it is often difficult to capture an object without any vibration. Many modern telephoto lenses therefore use image stabilisation techniques to reflect as little noise as possible in your shot. This support also ensures images do not lose focus, even if you take the photo by hand. Of course, tripods are necessary with the larger telephoto lenses to both control the weight and stabilise the image. Either without and with a tripod, it is advisable to keep the shutter speed as short as possible, to exclude negative effects of vibrations.

Fixed focal point

Among the telephoto lenses are several lenses that work with a fixed focal length. You cannot zoom in and out with these lenses, and it is important to find the ideal place from where to take the photo. Thus, each situation is approached very differently and you learn to work consciously and focused. Every circumstance presents a new challenge and must be planned in advance.

Super telephoto lenses

Super telephoto lenses have a focal length of at least 300mm and are located in the higher price range of telephoto lenses. The up side, however, these lenses get the most out of game, sports and news photography and can capture images perfectly focused. The weight varies per camera, but in general, these models weigh several kilos. However, due to the use of a variety of materials, the weight has decreased rapidly in recent years, and even these mega lenses are comfortable to handle.

Support for full frame cameras

Under telephoto lenses, you'll find different models that can work in combination with a full frame camera. These lenses are therefore highly suitable for getting even more out of the large size of the photo, without being confronted with the influence of dark corners, for instance. The improved definition can ensure a brilliant result with a telephoto lens.

Which brand will you choose?

Do you want a particular brand? We have various top brands:

Samyang | Sigma | Tamron | Canon | Sony | Nikon