What is a telephoto lens? Key tips for using one and choosing the right


A telephoto lens allows you to capture distant subjects with incredible detail, making them appear closer. These lenses are commonly used for various purposes, such as sports, wildlife, and railway photography. However, many people might think that this category of lenses are only for professional photographers with specialized skills. In reality, especially tele zoom lenses are also handy for everyday photography, like portraits, landscapes, and even kids' sports events and recitals. In this article, we’ll explore the different types and features of these lenses, discuss when to use them, and offer tips on how to choose the right one for your needs.

What is a telephoto lens?

A lens with a focal length of around 80mm or more is typically classified as a telephoto lens. These lenses are known for their narrow field of view and ability to magnify distant subjects. One of their key features is their shallow depth of field, which makes it easier to create a blurred background, or "bokeh," helping the main subject stand out sharply in the frame.

Now, let’s dive deeper into the unique characteristics of telephoto lenses.

Telephoto lens characteristic

(1) Enlarging distant subjects

TAMRON 50-400mm F4.5-6.3 (Model A067) Focal length: 400mm Exposure: F6.3 Shutter Speed: 1/800sec ISO: 100

As noted earlier, one of the key characteristics of a tele lens is its ability to magnify distant subjects. Unlike a standard lens, a telephoto lens offers a narrower angle of view, which reduces the amount of background captured. This allows you to isolate and highlight your subject, making it the central focus of your image.

Additionally, this category lenses are excellent for capturing fine textures and intricate details, even when you can't physically approach your subject—such as when photographing shy or skittish animals. This makes them ideal for situations where maintaining distance is crucial while still achieving clear, detailed shots.

(2) Compression effect

TAMRON 150-500mm F5-6.7 (Model A057) Focal length: 500mm Exposure: F8 Shutter Speed: 1/1600sec ISO: 400

The second notable characteristic of a telephoto lens is the compression effect. This effect makes distant objects appear closer together, "compressing" the perceived distance between them. For instance, when photographing a series of buildings that are evenly spaced, a telephoto lens can make them look tightly packed together.

By leveraging the compression effect, you can create striking images that emphasize your main subject or intentionally increase the visual density within the frame. This technique allows for more impactful and visually dynamic photos, where the subject stands out amidst a seemingly condensed background.

(3) Ease of producing background bokeh

TAMRON 70-180mm F2.8 G2 (Model A065) Focal length: 116mm Exposure: F2.8 Shutter Speed: 1/250sec ISO: 200

The third characteristic is the ease with which a telephoto lens allows you to produce background bokeh. In general, the longer the focal length of a lens, the shallower its depth of field (the range over which a subject is in focus), making everything apart from the section in focus produce bokeh. When you make use of this characteristic when shooting, you can get your main subject, such as a person, animal or plant life to stand out against the background.

While you can take photos that utilize background bokeh with a standard lens and other lenses, by combining it with compression effects and framing shots using the narrow angle of view, you can enjoy capturing images that showcase the unique qualities of telephoto lenses.

(4) Being able to crop in on a certain part of a scene

TAMRON 70-180mm F2.8 G2 (Model A065) Focal length: 180mm Exposure: F4 Shutter Speed: 1/640sec ISO: 400

The fourth characteristic of a telephoto lens is its ability to "crop in" on specific parts of a scene. Thanks to its narrow angle of view, this lens lets you focus on a limited area within a broader scene.

For example, in a setting with a mix of subjects like buildings, people, or animals, you can isolate and capture just the subject you want to emphasize. This enables you to zoom in on fine details, such as facial expressions or surface textures, giving the impression of looking closely into a distant world.

Types of telephoto lenses according to focal length

The angle of view of a lens varies with its focal length, and this significantly impacts the mood and feel of your photos. Telephoto lenses are generally divided into three categories:

  • • Medium telephoto (around 80-100mm)
  • • Telephoto (around 100-300mm)
  • • Ultra-telephoto (300mm or more)

Each type has its own unique characteristics and is suited to different types of photography.

In the next section, we'll explore the specific features of each type and discuss the kinds of scenes where they shine.

Medium telephoto lens (approx. 80-100mm)

TAMRON 35-150mm F2-2.8 (Model A058) Focal length: 99mm Exposure: F2.8 Shutter Speed: 1/800sec ISO: 100

A medium telephoto lens typically has a focal length between 80-100mm, offering an angle of view that falls between a standard lens and a telephoto lens. This range retains many of the features of a tele lens, such as the ability to create bokeh and compression effects, while also maintaining some of the versatility of a standard lens. This combination makes medium telephoto lenses ideal for portrait photography and candid shots, where you can emphasize your subject while still achieving a natural feel.

Telephoto lens (approx. 100-300mm)

TAMRON 70-300mm F4.5-6.3 (Model A047) Focal length: 300mm Exposure: F6.3 Shutter Speed: 1/320sec ISO: 1000

A telephoto lens typically has a focal length between 100-300mm, and this range is often what people refer to when discussing telephoto lenses. These lenses provide the characteristic angle of view and compression effects that telephotos are known for. With this lens, you can effectively capture distant subjects, making them perfect for sports events, school activities, wildlife photography, and other scenarios where getting physically close to the subject isn't possible.


Ultra-telephoto lens (approx. 300mm and greater)

TAMRON 150-500mm F5-6.7 (Model A057) Focal length: 500mm Exposure: F6.7 Shutter Speed: 1/2000sec ISO: 500

An ultra-telephoto lens has a focal length of 300mm or more, allowing you to zoom in on distant subjects or magnify smaller ones. For instance, with an ultra-telephoto, you can capture close-up views of aircraft, wildlife like birds that are easily startled, or intricate design details on large buildings. These lenses are also known for their strong compression effects, which can enhance creative expression, especially in portrait photography and other types of shots where you want to play with the sense of depth and distance.

Recommended scenes to shoot using a telephoto lens

A telephoto lens offers unique creative possibilities, not only by magnifying distant subjects but also through its compression effects and ability to create beautiful bokeh. By using a telephoto lens skillfully, you can achieve images that stand out from those captured with wide-angle or standard lenses, even when photographing the same subject. In this section, we will highlight specific scenes where a telephoto lens is highly recommended, giving you a clear sense of when and how to make the most of its distinctive capabilities.

Sporting events and school sports days

TAMRON 70-300mm F4.5-6.3 (Model A047) Focal length: 300mm Exposure: F6.3 Shutter Speed: 1/320sec ISO: 1000

Telephoto lenses excel in capturing distant subjects at events like sports matches, concerts, and performances. From stadium seats, you can get detailed shots of athletes in action that would be impossible with standard lenses. These lenses are particularly valuable at school sports days, where parents hope to document their children's achievements. While a standard lens might struggle to capture a child's determined expression during a race from far away, a telephoto lens can fill the frame with those precious moments, recording both subtle facial expressions and full-body movements in clear detail.


Wild birds and animals

TAMRON 150-500mm F5-6.7 (Model A057) Focal length: 500mm Exposure: F11 Shutter Speed: 1/500sec ISO: 640

A telephoto lens truly shines when photographing animals that are difficult to approach due to their alertness. This includes wild birds, zoo animals, and wildlife encountered in natural settings. Wild birds, for instance, are often small and tend to fly away when approached. In these cases, an ultra-telephoto lens is invaluable, allowing you to capture intricate details from a distance, making it possible to photograph these elusive subjects without disturbing them.


Trains, aircraft and other vehicles

TAMRON 150-500mm F5-6.7 (Model A057) Focal length: 500mm Exposure: F6.7 Shutter Speed: 1/1600sec ISO: 200

Telephoto lenses are ideal for photographing trains, aircraft, and other vehicles when getting close isn’t an option. From a distance, these lenses allow you to capture fine details that might otherwise be missed.

In addition to isolating a vehicle as the main subject, you can also experiment with compositions that include background elements, like natural landscapes or cityscapes. By incorporating the background, you can use the lens’s compression effect to create dynamic, visually impactful shots. This flexibility in framing allows telephoto lenses to offer a wide range of expressive possibilities, depending on how you choose to crop your subject within the scene.


Choosing a telephoto lens

With a wide range of telephoto lenses available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed when deciding which one to choose. To make the selection process easier, it’s essential to clarify the key features you need in a lens based on the subjects you plan to photograph and the environments you’ll be working in. In this section, we’ll offer guidance on how to select the ideal telephoto lens for your needs.

F-stop (wide-open aperture)

TAMRON 35-150mm F2-2.8 (Model A058) Focal length: 90mm Exposure: F2.8 Shutter Speed: 1/400sec ISO: 1600

The f-stop indicates the amount of light entering the lens. As the aperture narrows, the f-stop number increases, and as the aperture widens, the f-stop number decreases. At lower f-stop values, more light enters, resulting in greater bokeh, while higher f-stop values reduce light and decrease bokeh. A lens’s maximum or wide-open aperture refers to its largest aperture setting, corresponding to its lowest f-stop value.

A lens with a large wide-open aperture (low f-stop value) is beneficial for capturing bright, sharp photos, even in low light or at fast shutter speeds, such as indoors or under tree canopy. Choosing a lens with as large a wide-open aperture as possible offers flexibility for various shooting conditions.


Focal length

As mentioned earlier, telephoto lenses are generally divided into three types based on focal length: medium telephoto, telephoto, and ultra-telephoto. For most general photography needs, a lens covering the medium to standard telephoto range will suffice. However, for specific subjects like wild birds, wildlife, or railway photography, an ultra-telephoto lens may be necessary. Selecting the right focal length depends on the type of images you aim to capture, so choose accordingly for the best results.


Weight and size

Portability is an important factor when selecting a telephoto lens. A lighter, more compact lens is easier to carry on long trips, keeping your gear manageable. Additionally, a lightweight lens puts less strain on your body, which can help reduce camera shake—particularly useful in situations where you can’t use a tripod. This can make it easier to achieve high-quality images, even when shooting handheld.


Autofocus (AF) and vibration compensation mechanisms

When choosing a telephoto lens, it’s also essential to consider whether it includes autofocus (AF) and vibration compensation features. Look for an AF system that can lock onto subjects quickly and accurately. In settings like wildlife photography or indoor shooting, minimal operating noise is important, so check how quietly the AF operates.

Vibration compensation is key for minimizing camera shake with telephoto lenses. A built-in vibration compensation mechanism allows for steadier shots, giving you greater confidence when capturing images handheld.


MOD (Minimum Object Distance)

TAMRON 70-180mm F2.8 G2 (Model A065) Focal length: 70mm Exposure: F4.5 Shutter Speed: 1/8sec ISO: 100

The minimum object distance is the closest distance at which a lens can focus on a subject, determining how near you can get and still achieve sharp focus. A lens with a shorter minimum object distance allows for greater creative flexibility, enabling you to get closer to your subject and enhance background bokeh, which can add depth and drama to your images.


Lens Featured in this Impression

Model A058

35-150mm F/2-2.8 Di III VXD (Model A058)

The 35-150mm F/2-2.8 Di III VXD (Model A058) is a high resolution travel zoom lens that covers everything from the 35mm wide angle to the 150mm telephoto focal length, the first zoom lens achieving an aperture of F2 at the wide angle end. It has a groundbreaking fast-aperture and utilizes the linear motor focus mechanism VXD (Voice-coil eXtreme-torque Drive), thereby achieving high speed, high precision autofocusing. The innovative lens design enabled us to greatly improve the lens's grip and functionality. The software, developed in-house, enables to easily customize functions and to update firmware.

Learn More
Model A069

50-300mm F/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD (Model A069)

50-300mm F/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD (Model A069) is a 6x telephoto zoom lens for Sony E-mount that delivers outstanding convenience and image quality. Discover the groundbreaking capabilities of a 300mm telephoto zoom that starts from 50mm at the wide end.

Learn More
Model A065

70-180mm F/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 (Model A065)

70-180mm F/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 (Model A065) has evolved to G2 level.This is the world’s smallest and lightest, fast-aperture telephoto zoom lens for Sony E-mount with astounding portability and superb image quality.

Learn More
Model  A047

70-300mm F/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD (Model A047)

The 70-300mm F/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD (Model A047) for full-frame mirrorless cameras is a telephoto zoom lens designed and created so photographers of all skill levels can enjoy high quality images comfortably. The 70-300mm F4.5-6.3 covers a broad telephoto zoom range yet is the small and lightest weight. With special emphasis on resolving power, TAMRON has deployed special lens elements appropriately arranged to correct chromatic aberration, generally very strong in a telephoto lens, as well as other aberrations. Users can enjoy high-resolution images combined with stunning bokeh qualities that are achievable only with a telephoto lens. The lens also incorporates the RXD, a high-speed precision AF drive system that is remarkably quiet. The 70-300mm F4.5-6.3 is a versatile lens for photographing landscapes, sports and other action, pets, wildlife, and more. The lens also demonstrates its potential for portrait shooting, casual snapshots, and scenarios that require you to be mobile and shoot handheld, like sporting events.

Learn More
Model A067

50-400mm F/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD (Model A067)

The 50-400mm F/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD (Model A067) is unprecedented and next-level ultra-telephoto zoom lens for full-frame mirrorless cameras. Featuring a stunning 8x zoom ratio, it provides a wide range of focal lengths covering from the standard 50mm up to 400mm at the ultra-telephoto end. At the starting 50mm focal length lets you capture surrounding backgrounds as well as the full body. The wider end of this unique mirrorless zoom lens is particularly useful for side-line sports, wildlife and other subjects that move closer as you are shooting, allowing you to continue photographing without changing lenses.

Learn More
Model A057

150-500mm F/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD (Model A057)

The 150-500mm F/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD (Model A057) is compact enough to be handheld while maintaining a focal length of 500mm on the telephoto end. It allows users to easily enjoy the world of the 500mm ultra-telephoto lens while maintaining its high image quality. The high-speed, high-precision AF with excellent tracking performance and the VC mechanism support handheld shooting in the ultra-telephoto range.

Learn More