Bredvinkel

Bredvinkel is a term used in optics and photography to describe a lens or perspective with a wide field of view, produced by a short focal length relative to the size of the image sensor. In practical terms, bredvinkel lenses gather more of a scene than standard lenses and are commonly used for landscapes, architecture, interiors, and reportage where space or perspective matters. The exact focal length that qualifies as bredvinkel depends on the sensor format; on a full-frame camera, lenses around 24 mm or shorter are typically considered bredvinkel, while on APS-C or Micro Four Thirds sensors the equivalent field of view is reached with shorter focal lengths.

Optically, bredvinkel lenses enable a greater sense of depth and can exaggerate perspective, making near objects appear disproportionately large compared with distant ones. They also offer increased depth of field, allowing much of the scene to remain in focus from close range to infinity. Distortion, especially barrel distortion, is common in wide-angle designs and varies by optical configuration. Close focusing distances and compact overall length are typical advantages, along with the ability to frame unusual compositions.

Different classes exist within bredvinkel: standard wide-angle primes, ultra-wide angles, and zooms. Wide-angle design often involves retrofocus configurations to accommodate reflex camera bodies, as well as special optics and coatings to control flare and chromatic aberration. When used carefully, bredvinkel can convey expansive space and architectural features, but distortion and edge softness can require careful framing and post-processing.