MASTER TELEPHOTO LENSES

Take your photography to the next level by harnessing the power of a long lens

- Kim Bunermann

Telephoto lenses are among the most popular pieces of photographic kit, offering opportunities for stunning close-up shots. It has never been easier to get close to the action and capture candid moments in rich detail. Through their versatility, telephoto lenses have become indispensable in many photographic genres, such as wildlife, where a photographer benefits from being able to shoot animals from a distance without frightening them or risking their own life.

One big advantage of telephoto lenses is their compressed perspective, which makes the background appear closer to the subject while excluding distracting elements. This is particularly useful when shooting action, as the compressed perspective creates a sense of pace. The distance from the subject combined with a wide aperture, makes backgrounds appear blurred, highlighting key features and drawing attention to the subject. Prime telephoto lenses are also used for portraits, delivering flattering results without optical distortion.

The flexibility of telephoto lenses encourages the photographer’s creativity. They aren’t easy to handle, as their weight and technical aspects are challenging, which makes it even more important to know how to use them, especially when shooting handheld. Over the next few pages, we’ll give you some insight into the versatility and power of telephoto lenses and show you how to take your project to a new level.

Find your telephoto

Telephoto lenses aren’t cheap, so let’s compare the different types of optic to find the most suitable one for your photographic needs