A guide to camera lenses:
The different types explained
A great camera lens can transform your photography, unlocking creative possibilities and sharper images. But with so many options — from prime lenses to zoom and telephoto — how do you choose the best one?
We'll explain the different types of lenses, what they're used for, and things to consider when buying a lens. Plus, professional photographer Pete Walker at Jessops shares his real-world example images of the lens types in action.
With help from our product specialist, Lizzie James, at Jessops, we'll also recommend the best lenses for every occasion, from portraits to wildlife photography.
Contents
Types of camera lenses and what they’re used for
What to consider when buying a camera lens
The best camera lens for every occasion
Best for portraits: A 50mm prime lens
Best for street photography: A 35mm prime lens
Best for wildlife photography: A telephoto lens
What is a camera lens?
A camera lens is the part of your camera that focuses light onto the sensor, turning what you see into a sharp, detailed image. Think of it as your camera’s eye — without it, you wouldn’t be able to capture anything!
Lenses come in all shapes and sizes, from wide-angle for epic landscapes to telephoto models for zooming in on distant subjects. The type of lens you choose can completely change the look and feel of your photos, so picking the right one is key to getting the shots you want.
Key features of a camera lens
Every camera lens works by filtering and focusing light so it hits the sensor just right. But there’s more to a lens than just letting in light — different characteristics can dramatically change how your photos look. Here are a few key ones to know:
Focal length
The focal length determines how much of a scene your lens captures. Measured in millimeters (mm), it’s usually printed on the lens barrel (e.g., 24mm or 70-200mm).
A shorter focal length (like 24mm) gives you a wide view, perfect for landscapes and group shots. A longer focal length (like 200mm) zooms in, making it great for portraits or capturing subjects from a distance.
Some lenses have a fixed focal length (prime lenses), while others offer adjustable focal lengths (zoom lenses) — but more on that later!
Aperture
Aperture controls how much light enters the lens. A wide aperture (like f/1.8) lets in more light, which is ideal for low-light photography and creating that beautiful, blurred background (bokeh) in portraits. A narrow aperture (like f/16) allows less light but keeps more of the scene in focus, making it a good choice for landscapes and detailed shots.
You'll find the maximum and minimum aperture range listed on the lens itself, usually as an f-number (e.g., f/1.8, f/2.8–f/22). If you're using a camera with manual controls, you can adjust the aperture through the aperture ring on the lens (if available) or via the camera's settings — typically labelled as 'Av' (Aperture Priority) mode or 'M' (Manual) mode on DSLRs and mirrorless cameras. Some lenses have variable apertures, meaning the maximum f-number changes as you zoom.
Depth of field
You can control the depth of field (DoF) by adjusting:
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Aperture – A wider aperture (e.g., f/1.8) creates a shallower depth of field, making the background more blurred — perfect for portraits. A narrower aperture (e.g., f/16) increases the depth of field, keeping more of the scene in focus — ideal for landscapes.
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Focal length – Longer lenses (e.g., 200mm) naturally create a shallower depth of field, while shorter lenses (e.g., 24mm) keep more of the scene in focus.
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Distance to the subject – The closer you are to your subject, the shallower the depth of field, enhancing background blur. The farther away you are, the deeper the depth of field, making more of the scene sharp.
Some cameras also have DoF preview buttons to show how your final image will look before you take the shot.
By understanding these basic lens characteristics, you’ll have more control over how your photos turn out — and get one step closer to snapping the perfect shot!
Types of camera lenses and what they're used for
There are two main lens types: prime lenses and zoom lenses. Both have their advantages, so the best choice depends on what (and how) you like to shoot. Understanding the differences will help you decide which suits your photography style best.
Prime lenses
Prime lenses have a fixed focal length, meaning you can’t zoom in or out. You have to physically move closer or further from your subject to adjust your composition.
While you might wonder why you’d choose a lens with no zoom, the answer lies in the optics. A lens is a complex arrangement of glass elements designed to bend light in the best possible way before it reaches the camera sensor. With a prime lens, that optical design is much simpler, resulting in noticeably sharper images.
Another bonus? They’re typically smaller, lighter, and more affordable than zoom lenses, making them ideal for travel and situations where you don’t want to carry heavy gear.
That said, a prime lens does require a bit of old-school technique — before zoom lenses existed, photographers would simply walk closer or further away to reframe their shot. While this might not be practical for architecture or landscape photography, prime lenses are a fantastic choice for weddings, portraits, and artistic compositions where high-quality images, sharpness and low-light performance matter most.
Zoom lens
Unlike a prime lens, zoom lenses cover multiple focal lengths, allowing you to adjust your framing without switching lenses. This makes them perfect for a wide range of subjects, from landscapes to fast-moving wildlife, where physically moving closer isn’t always possible.
However, zoom lenses tend to be larger and heavier due to the additional glass elements inside. And, while they offer convenience, their optical complexity means they don’t usually match the sharpness of a prime lens.
Lizzie says: "Before choosing between a prime and a zoom lens, think about how often you'll actually need to zoom in and out. If you want a versatile, all-in-one lens that can handle different scenarios, a zoom lens is really practical. But if you're after the sharpest image quality and don't mind moving around to frame your shot, a prime lens is the way to go!"
Within the broader categories of prime and zoom lenses, there are different lens types with various focal lengths. Many of these lenses are available in both prime (fixed focal length) and zoom (variable focal length) versions.
The main camera lens types include:
Image taken by Pete Walker using the Canon EOS R 50mm f/1.2L Lens (a standard prime lens) at 50mm F/2
A standard lens — also known as a normal lens — is one of the most versatile options you can have in your kit.
A 50mm lens is considered a standard lens because back in 35mm film days, people thought it equated to the angle of view that a normal person sees. However, standard lenses now go from 40mm to 85mm, with a standard zoom anywhere in the range of 24mm-85mm. A 50mm prime lens is a classic for portraits and sharp, detailed shots, while a 24-85mm zoom model gives you more flexibility.
A standard lens makes everything look just how you remember it — without the exaggerated wide-angle distortion or the extreme compression of a telephoto lens.
This balanced perspective makes it a go-to choice for photographers of all levels. It’s perfect for creating images that feel effortless and authentic, whether you’re capturing the hustle of a busy city or a candid shot of a friend. If you love photos that have a natural, documentary-style feel, this is the lens to reach for.
Telephoto lens
Image taken by Pete Walker on the Canon EOS R with a Sigma 70-200mm F/2.8 Lens (a medium telephoto lens) at 165mm F/2.8
A telephoto lens is designed to bring distant subjects closer, making them appear larger in the frame without needing to move physically closer. Technically, any lens with a focal length over 70mm is considered telephoto, with some stretching to 300mm, 400mm, or even further.
Telephoto lenses come in different ranges, with medium telephoto lenses (typically 70-200mm) being popular for portraits and events, while super telephoto lenses (300mm and beyond) are commonly used for wildlife, sports, and astrophotography.
The longer the focal length, the more zoomed-in the image appears, making capturing fine details from afar even easier. However, longer focal length lenses tend to be pricier due to the advanced optics and high-quality glass needed to keep images sharp at long distances.
You can get both prime and zoom telephoto lenses, depending on your needs:
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Telephoto prime lenses (e.g., 85mm or 135mm or 300mm) — These have a fixed focal length, meaning they don’t zoom but often provide exceptional sharpness, wider apertures, and better low-light performance. These are great for portraits and professional sports photography, where clarity and background blur (bokeh) matter most.
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Telephoto zoom lenses — These allow you to adjust the focal length, making them more flexible for situations where your subject is constantly moving, like wildlife and action photography. Depending on how much reach you need, telephoto zooms come in different ranges:
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Short telephoto zoom (e.g., 40-135mm) — These lenses sit just beyond the standard focal length range, making them great for natural-looking portraits, documentary-style photography, and street photography.
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Medium telephoto zoom (e.g., 70-135mm) — A versatile choice that offers a good balance of zoom and portability. At the 70mm end, these lenses are perfect for portrait photography, delivering sharp subjects with a beautifully blurred background (bokeh) that helps them stand out. As you zoom in towards 200mm, the lens allows you to capture candid moments from a distance, making it ideal for weddings, concerts, and sports, where you might not be able to get physically close to the action.
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Super-telephoto zoom (e.g., 100-400mm or 150-600mm) — For those needing extreme reach, super-telephoto zoom lenses (typically 300mm and beyond) offer even more magnification. They're great for capturing faraway wildlife or even the moon!
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Both types have their advantages — prime lenses offer superior image quality, while zoom lenses give you the versatility to reframe without switching lenses.
Image taken by Pete Walker on the Sony a7 III Camera and Tamron 150-500 F/5-6.7 Lens (a super telephoto lens) at 500mm f/6.7
Wide-angle lens
Image taken with a wide-angle lens (2.35mm)
A wide-angle lens is generally used for interior or architecture shots, where you can’t get back far enough to get everything into the frame.
Wide-angle lenses typically range from 35mm down to 14mm — and the smaller the number, the more your camera sees. Anything below 17mm is classed as ultra-wide, giving you an even more exaggerated perspective. The lenses are often used for creative shots or getting an entire room in frame without cutting anything off.
Lizzie says: "With wide-angle lenses, one thing to keep an eye on is distortion — sometimes straight lines, like buildings or door frames, can look curved at the edges of your shot."
"So when choosing a wide-angle lens, pay attention to how well it keeps things sharp in the corners, especially if you’re shooting architecture."
Macro lens
Image taken by Pete Walker on a Canon EOS R and Sigma 105 f/2.8 Macro Lens at 105mm F/4
A macro lens is designed for capturing extreme close-ups, making it perfect for photographing tiny details like a bumblebee or flower head.
What makes a macro lens special is its 1:1 reproduction ratio, meaning the subject appears life-size on the camera sensor. Some lenses offer 1:2 magnification, meaning the subject appears half its actual size, but a true macro lens is always 1:1 for maximum detail.
All macro lenses are prime lenses, meaning they have a fixed focal length rather than zooming in and out. This is because macro photography requires extreme sharpness and minimal distortion, and prime lenses provide the best optical quality to capture every fine detail.
Macro lenses come in a range of fixed-focal lengths, each suited to different subjects:
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Short macro (35mm–60mm) — Best for product photography and still life, but requires getting close to your subject, which isn’t ideal for insects or shy wildlife.
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Mid-range macro (90mm–105mm) — The most versatile option, offering a good balance between working distance and background blur, making it great for flowers, textures, and general close-ups.
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Telephoto macro (150mm–200mm) — Lets you shoot from further away, perfect for insects, butterflies, and small wildlife without disturbing them. It also creates a beautifully compressed background for smooth bokeh.
To learn more, read our Beginner’s Guide to Macro Photography.
Fisheye lens
Image by Urban Jyden on Unsplash
Most of the lenses we’ve talked about so far are rectilinear, meaning they keep straight lines looking straight. But there’s another type of lens that plays by different rules — the fisheye lens.
A fisheye lens creates an exaggerated, distorted effect, curving straight lines as if the image is wrapped around a bubble in the centre of the shot. While often used for fun, quirky photos, they’re also great for architecture, creative portraits, and even action sports photography, thanks to their ultra-wide field of view — sometimes close to 180°.
Fisheye lenses typically range from 14mm down to around 4mm. The shorter the focal length, the more extreme the effect. At 8mm or lower, the image becomes a perfect circle, completely enclosed within the frame.
Most fisheye lenses are prime because a fixed focal length helps preserve the extreme distortion effect while keeping the image sharp.
However, fisheye zoom lenses (e.g., 8-15mm) offer more flexibility in framing while still maintaining that signature curved look. At the wider end, they create a circular fisheye effect, where the image appears as a full circle within the frame, while at the longer end, they produce a full-frame fisheye effect, filling the entire image with distortion but without the circular border.
Tilt-shift lens
Image by Tim Easley on Unsplash
A tilt-shift lens is a high-end, specialised lens that lets you control the angle at which light hits the camera sensor. Unlike regular rectilinear lenses, a tilt-shift lens tilts or shifts to correct distortion or create unique effects.
These lenses are a favourite for architecture photography because they help straighten out converging lines — so tall buildings don't look like they're leaning backwards. But they're also used to create the famous 'miniature effect', where the centre of the image is sharp while the edges blur out, making real-life scenes look like tiny models.
Tilt-shift lenses are prime-only, meaning they have a fixed focal length rather than zooming in or out. They typically range between 17mm and 90mm, depending on what they're designed for:
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Standard tilt-shift lenses (45mm–50mm) — The most versatile option. They allow you to control focus and depth of field with precision, making objects appear sharper and more defined.
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Wide-angle tilt-shift lenses (17mm–24mm) — Perfect for architecture and interiors, these lenses help straighten lines in tall buildings and tight spaces, preventing the 'leaning' effect you can get with wide-angle shots.
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Telephoto tilt-shift lenses (85mm–90mm) — Often used for portraits and product photography, they allow for a selective focus effect, making the subject stand out while blurring the background and foreground.
While they take some practice to master, tilt-shift lenses give incredible creative control, making them a go-to for professional photographers shooting architecture, landscapes, and artistic effects.
What to consider when buying a camera lens
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Your budget — Lenses can be one of the biggest investments in photography — sometimes costing more than the camera itself. If you're just starting out, a 50mm prime or an entry-level zoom are great budget-friendly options that still deliver sharp results. Or, for something more advanced without the high price tag, pre-owned lenses are a great alternative. At Jessops, our used lenses are carefully tested and come with up to a 12-month guarantee, so you can get high-quality gear for less.
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Photography style and use —Your choice of lens depends on what you’ll be shooting. From prime lenses for portraits to wide-angle lenses for landscape photography, picking the right lens for your style will help you get the best results!
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Camera type — Some lenses can be used across both mirrorless and DSLR cameras, but it depends on the mount and compatibility. For example, adapters from brands like Canon (EF to RF adapter) and Nikon (FTZ adapter) make it possible to use older DSLR lenses on newer mirrorless models.
However, mirrorless-specific lenses (like Canon RF or Nikon Z) can't be used on DSLRs, as they're designed for cameras with a shorter flange distance (the space between the lens and sensor).
If you're switching camera types, check if an adapter is available or if you'll need lenses designed for your system.
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Brand — Different camera brands use their own lens mounts, so not all lenses are interchangeable. Canon, Nikon, Sony, Fujifilm, and Panasonic each have unique mount systems, meaning a Canon RF lens won't fit a Nikon Z camera and vice versa — unless you use an adapter.
Some brands, like Sony, have both E-mount (mirrorless) and A-mount (older DSLRs), so it's important to check compatibility within the same brand, too.
Third-party manufacturers like Sigma and Tamron make lenses for multiple mounts, but you still need to choose the right version for your camera. Mount type is usually listed in the lens description, so always check that it matches your camera lens mount before buying.
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Sensor size — When choosing a lens, it’s important to consider what type of sensor your digital camera has — full-frame or crop sensor — as this affects how a lens’ focal length behaves.
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Full-frame cameras — These use lenses at their true focal length. For example, a 50mm lens acts as a 50mm lens.
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Crop sensor cameras (APS-C or DX) — These apply a crop factor (1.5x for Nikon, 1.6x for Canon), which magnifies the field of view. This means a 10mm lens on a crop sensor behaves more like a 15mm lens (10mm x 1.5 crop factor). Wide-angle lenses appear less wide, while telephoto lenses provide extra reach — which can be great for wildlife and macro photography.
Before buying a lens, check if it’s designed for your sensor type — some lenses are made specifically for crop sensor cameras and won’t work properly on full-frame bodies.
The best camera lens for every occasion
Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM Lens
For portraits, you'll want a lens that keeps your subject looking natural, creates sharp focus, and delivers that beautiful blurred background (bokeh) to make them stand out. That's why a 50mm prime lens, like the Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM Lens, is a great choice. Its focal length closely matches what the human eye sees, resulting in natural, well-proportioned portraits without distortion.
Lizzie explains: "The Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM really flatters facial features. The wide f/1.4 aperture makes it easy to shoot in different lighting conditions while keeping your subject sharp and well-defined. It's also lightweight and compact, so it's a great option whether you're shooting on location or in a studio."
"The autofocus is quick and accurate, thanks to the ultrasonic motor, which makes a real difference when capturing natural expressions. Plus, you can fine-tune the focus manually without switching out of auto focus mode — really useful when working with shallow depth of field."
"The lens itself delivers crisp, clean images with excellent colour and contrast, helped by Super Spectra coatings that reduce flare and ghosting. If you're looking for a reliable, high-quality portrait lens, this is one to consider!"
Nikon Nikkor Z 35mm f/1.8 S Lens
Most street photographers prefer prime lenses because they're small, lightweight, and have wider apertures for shooting in low light.
Lizzie says: "For street photography, I'd probably recommend a 35mm prime lens. They're often considered the classic for street photography, and they offer a natural field of view that captures plenty of the scene while keeping subjects well-proportioned."
"The Nikkor Z 35mm f/1.8 S is a solid choice for Nikon mirrorless users. The silent autofocus is great for staying discreet, so you can capture natural, unposed moments without drawing attention."
"The weather sealing means you don't have to worry about sudden rain showers, and the in-camera Vibration Reduction helps keep your shots steady, even when shooting handheld in low light."
"The control ring is a nice touch, too — you can set it to adjust focus smoothly for video or use it for exposure compensation when shooting stills. And because it handles ghosting and flare so well, your shots will stay crisp, even in bright city lights or strong sunlight."
Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM Lens
Lizzie says: "I'd say a telephoto zoom lens is the best choice for wildlife photography because it lets you capture detailed shots from a distance without disturbing the animals. The ability to zoom in means you can frame your subject perfectly, even if they're far away, making it easier to photograph wildlife in their natural habitat."
"The Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM is designed for both reach and portability, making it excellent for shooting wildlife. At just 635g, it's incredibly lightweight for a telephoto zoom, so it's much easier to carry on long shoots or when hiking to find the perfect spot."
"Even though it's nice and compact, this lens still delivers super sharp, detailed shots, thanks to the Ultra-low Dispersion (UD) glass. The image stabilisation is a real game-changer, too — it helps keep your shots steady when you're out in nature without a tripod, which is especially handy for capturing fast-moving wildlife. Plus, the Nano USM autofocus is quick and smooth, making it easy to track animals without missing a moment."
Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM Lens
Lizzie says: "A zoom lens is a great choice for beginners because it gives you the flexibility to try out different styles of photography without needing multiple lenses."
"The Canon EF-S 55-250mm Zoom Lens is a solid option — it covers everything from landscapes to close-up portraits and even some wildlife shots. Plus, the Super Spectra coatings help keep images crisp and high-contrast throughout the zoom range. And at £319, it's great value for beginners who want a versatile lens without spending a fortune."
Frequently asked questions
What does mm mean on a camera lens?
The mm (millimetre) number on a lens refers to its focal length — how much of a scene the lens captures. A lower number (e.g., 24mm) gives a wider view, great for landscapes, while a higher number (e.g., 200mm) zooms in on distant subjects, ideal for wildlife or sports photography.
Can I use DSLR lenses on a mirrorless camera?
"Yes, but you’ll need an adapter," explains Lizzie. "Brands like Canon (EF to RF adapter) and Nikon (FTZ adapter) allow you to use older DSLR lenses on their mirrorless cameras. However, while most features still work, autofocus may be slower, and some advanced functions (like eye-tracking AF) might not perform as well as they would with lenses designed specifically for mirrorless systems."
How do I clean my camera lens?
Lizzie explains: "To clean your lens, it's best to use a lens blower to remove dust, then gently wipe the glass with a microfibre cloth and lens cleaning solution if needed."
"Just avoid using tissues or rough fabrics, as they can scratch the surface. And always keep your lens capped when not in use to prevent dirt buildup!"
Shop Camera Lens at Jessops today
At Jessops, we offer a wide range of camera lenses and accessories from top brands like Canon, Nikon, Sony, and trusted third-party manufacturers like Sigma and Tamron.
Whether you're looking for a versatile zoom lens, a sharp prime lens, or specialist options for macro and wildlife photography, we've got you covered.
Need a camera to go with your lens? Explore our fantastic selection of digital cameras and photography gear to help you get started.
Not sure where to begin? Check out our Beginner's Guide to Digital Cameras for expert tips, or visit our blog for inspiration and advice. If you need help choosing the right lens, feel free to contact us — we're happy to help!
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