Concept / Wide-angle lens

Wide-angle lens

A lens characteristic that widens the field of view, emphasizes foreground scale, and expands apparent depth

A lens characteristic that widens the field of view, emphasizes foreground scale, and expands apparent depth.

A phrase to start with

Directs the image toward the field of view and perspective of a wide-angle lens.

Appearance and effects

Near forms appear larger while distant forms recede.

Visual traits

  • field of view
  • perspective
  • relative scale

Expected changes

  • Near forms appear larger while distant forms recede.

Five examples

1 — Medium-sized dog
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2 — Cat
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3 — Teenage boy
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4 — Unoccupied interior
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5 — Valley with a river and mountain ranges
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Meaning and scope

Definition

Wide-angle lens changes the visible field of view and perspective. Near forms appear larger while distant forms recede. It does not require a particular physical lens, camera model, or subject.

In more detail

It affects relative scale, depth cues, and the appearance of straight lines. Use it for captured appearance, not to place a lens itself in the image.

Includes

  • Visible field of view and perspective

Excludes

  • A lens as a pictured object, a camera model, post-processing, or capture-medium response

What this does not imply

  • A lens as a pictured object, a camera model, post-processing, or capture-medium response

Variability

Focal-length strength and composition can be adjusted separately.

Usage and adjustments

Usage

  • Use it as a captured appearance

Distinguish similar expressions

  • Do not require the lens itself as a pictured subject

Typical uses

  • Adjust field of view and perspective

Possible failure modes

  • The effect becomes extreme and obscures the subject

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