Super wide and wide angles lenses have a shorter focal length than normal lenses, their degree of view covering more than 46 degrees. This gives a much wider field of view. Their depth of field makes these lenses indispensable for news photographers, quick shooting, sports, shooting where there is limited room to back up, photographing large groups of people and pictures of buildings. However, their true value and creative

potential through juxtaposition of subject matter, is unlimited in the hands of a thinking photographer.

Super wide and wide angles lenses have an optical performance of exaggerating perspective depth, this can of course be utilized for special effects.

A "fish-eye" lens delivers a different effect than true wide-angle lenses. Usually a 180 degree angle of view - making a circular image measuring about 23 millimeters

on 35mm film. Fish-eves are available for 2 1/4 cameras but are extremely expensive. The image size is correspondingly larger. There are also fish-eye lens attachments that go on top of normal lenses but the quality is not too superb.

Standard lenses have a focal length equal to the film they are designed to cover i.e., 50mm for 35mm film, 75 - 8Omm for 2 1./4, 135 - 150mm for 4x5 film, etc. They usually cover an angle of view of 46 to S4 degrees. This approximates normal vision. Because they deliver natural perspective, these lenses have the widest range of

application.

Because they are usually the fastest lenses (largest aperture for light gathering) they are ideal for low light level photography. -

These are special lenses designed for extreme close-up photography such as copy work, nature, medical photography, and an extended range of creative applications. .

Telephoto lenses have a narrower angle-of-view and focal length than normal lenses. There are several types of telephotos.

Because of their narrower angle of acceptance, these lenses have the characteristic of clearly delineating distant scenes. They are, therefore ideal for shooting difficult-to-approach subjects, scenics, sports, and news work. "Short" telephotos (85 - 135mm) are widely used for portrait work and commercial photography because they allow a comfortable working distance between the subject and the photographer and give a slightly more natural perspective to people.

Telephotos have relatively narrow depth of field compared to normal lenses and consequently are often used to blur backgrounds to emphasize subject sharpness.

Beside conventional telephotos, there is a unique design employing mirrors instead of lenses and is called, naturally enough, a mirror lens. Photographs taken with

these lenses are conspicuous by the "donut" shape circles of confusion in the blurred background high lights.

Under actual shooting conditions, there are occasions when a longer or shorter focal length may suddenly be required, a deeper depth of field is needed, a certain telephoto effect is desired or an exaggeration of perspective may be needed. Zoom lenses have a "flexible" focal length and are very convenient for these changing requirements. They are particularly well suited for impromptu shooting, moving subjects and to use when

alternate overall shots and close ups are wanted. Due to their design, they generally do not match the quality obtained by separate. lenses of the individual focal lengths. They are also usually "slower" lenses. However, they serve as an inexpensive way to get "a lot" of lenses in one lens.

Zooming (changing the focal length) during exposure can also be employed as a means to create abstracts, photographic art and is sometimes used this way commercially. Many zooms today also have a facility for converting them to a Macro type lens.

Generally, these are lenses of greater focal length, (200 - 1000mm) weight, and cost. The ultimate objective of using a super-tele is to photograph subjects at great distances, bringing the subject in close with sharp declination throughout the entire image.

They are often used by wild life and sports photographers. They have limited portability and must be used on a tripod (or monopod). They also are used for creative expression in unusual applications.

There are, of course, many other types of specialized lenses including ones that: Shift the optical center for architectural work; are used for medical work; used for radiography; etc., etc. You will discover these as your need for them arise.