Focal Length Examples

To help illustrate the differences in focal lengths, I shot a variety of photos from the same position of the same subject (a sign across the street from my studio). All focal lengths listed are calculated based on the camera body’s crop factor (1.6) and also the factor of a teleconverter (is used, it was 1.4).

So if I used a 300mm lens on my 7D, the 35mm equivalent would be 480mm: 300mm X 1.6 = 480mm. If I used the 300mm plus a 1.4x teleconverter you have 672mm: 300 X 1.6 = 480, 480 X 1.4 = 672mm. That make sense?

Take a look at the video below, it’s pretty amazing to see the difference between 672mm versus 16mm. Also, watch it in HD at full screen. It has a lot more impact.

Examples of different focal lengths.

Thanks for reading! Check out the blog later, the topic will be the basics of composition.

-Ken.