Telephoto lenses: reach, compression and technique
Telephotos bring distant subjects close and flatter portraits. Learn focal lengths, stabilization and how to get sharp results.
Photo by James Bold on Unsplash
A telephoto lens, from about 70mm up, magnifies distant subjects and compresses space.
Uses
- Wildlife and birds: 300mm to 600mm
- Sports: 200mm to 400mm
- Portraits: 85mm to 200mm for flattering compression
- Landscapes: isolating distant details
- Events: shooting from the back of a hall
Super telephoto zooms
Lenses like the Tamron 150-500mm offer huge reach in a portable size, perfect for flamingos in Celestún or the moon.
Getting sharp images
- Shutter speed at least 1/focal length, faster for moving subjects
- Use stabilization in lens and body
- Brace yourself or use a monopod
- Avoid heat haze by shooting early or late
Aperture
Telephoto zooms often have f/5 to f/6.7 apertures. Modern sensors handle the higher ISO needed.
APS-C advantage
On the α6700, a 500mm lens behaves like 750mm, extending reach for wildlife.
Weight
Big telephotos are heavy. Renting for specific trips avoids carrying them every day.
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