telefoto

Telefoto, also referred to as telephoto, is a lens category defined by a long focal length that magnifies distant subjects and produces a narrow field of view. The term covers both fixed-focal-length telephotos (prime lenses) and zoom lenses with long reach. In practical terms, telephoto lenses are longer and heavier than standard lenses and are chosen for subjects that are far away or for achieving strong subject isolation.

Focal ranges are commonly grouped as short telephotos (roughly 60–135 mm), mid-telephotos (about 135–300 mm), and supertelephotos (300 mm and up). Popular zooms include 70–200 mm or 100–400 mm, while common primes include 85 mm, 135 mm, and 300 mm. Telephotos may include features such as image stabilization, fast autofocus, and weather sealing to support use in challenging conditions.

Optically, telephoto lenses gather light through a long focal length, resulting in a magnified image and a narrow field of view. They typically produce a shallow depth of field at common subject distances, enabling pronounced background blur and subject isolation. Because magnification increases sensitivity to camera shake, proper technique is important: use faster shutter speeds, stabilization, or a support like a tripod or monopod.

Common uses include wildlife and sports photography, where distance to the subject matters, as well as portrait work to achieve background compression and separation. Telephoto lenses impose practical considerations such as greater size and weight, higher cost, and the need for careful focusing and stabilization in routine shooting.