How do telephoto lenses differ from wide-angle lenses?

Telephoto lenses are designed to have a longer focal length, which allows them to magnify distant subjects, making them appear closer than they would with a standard or wide-angle lens. This characteristic makes telephoto lenses ideal for wildlife, sports, and portrait photography, where capturing details from a distance is essential.

In contrast, wide-angle lenses have a shorter focal length, enabling them to capture a broader field of view, making them suitable for landscape and architectural photography where conveying depth and space is important. Understanding this difference in functionality helps photographers choose the right lens based on the requirements of their subject and composition.