Focal Length and Lenses

Focal Length is the distance between a camera sensor and the optical centre of the lens and determines the angle of a picture and how much of a subject will be magnified at one given time. Smaller focal lengths (1-35mm) give a much wider perspective, being suited to more landscape imagery while larger ones (70-300mm) give a much narrower field of view. 50-70mm is recommend for portait and standard photography as these are the most similar to the human eye.
Focal Length Measurments:
1-35mm: Wide Angle
35-70: Normal (Portrait)
70-135: Medium Telephoto
135-300: Telephoto


Zoom Lens: These allow for a user to manipulate the focal length on the lens within a given range. A benefit to these are the amount of flexibility that can be achieved at one time (e.g. a 75-300mm) meaning a variety of different compositions and perspectives can be achieved with less effort when compared to using a prime. Previously zoom lenses used to lose optical quality when adjust the length, however with modern technology most high end models can now avoid this.

Prime Lens: These have existed far longer than zoom lenses and are in general, the cheaper and often diputed higher quality alternative. Despite only have one focal length, the do not lose any optical quality and have greater light gathering ability. Also they are considered faster at processing an image, making them ideal for more fast paced photography.

I feel this can help me a lot when it comes to filmaking and photography as it allows me to be a bit more precise and will involve more pre-planing when coming up with ideas. However I feel as if I require a lot morw practice with a variety  of different lenses, particularly telephoto.