Types of camera lenses: try it yourself
This is the practical for the lesson. Work through it in order. Nothing here is a test of memory. Keep the lesson open if you need it and check the instructions as often as you like.
Aim
You should be able to recognise broad lens categories and understand that focal length changes framing while your shooting position changes perspective.
What you need
Your own camera or phone, enough battery power to complete the exercise, and a memory card or free storage space where your equipment requires it. You do not need to buy anything specially for this practical.
Do this step by step
- If you have a zoom lens, photograph the same scene at its widest setting.
- Without moving your feet, zoom to the middle of the range and take another.
- Zoom to the longest setting and take a third.
- Now return to the wide setting and physically move closer until the main subject is similarly sized in the frame.
- Compare the backgrounds. This shows why zooming and moving are not the same thing.
What should happen
You should be able to recognise broad lens categories and understand that focal length changes framing while your shooting position changes perspective.
If it does not work
Stop rather than changing lots of things at once. Check that the camera is switched on, the battery has charge and the card or storage is available. Then return to the last step that definitely worked. If a named control is missing, your camera may use a different name or menu location. Check the manual for your exact model. Never force a card, battery, lens, door or control.
Before you finish
Explain out loud, or in one sentence on paper, what you changed and what happened. If you can explain the result in your own words, you have understood the exercise. If you cannot, repeat the part that was unclear.