Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Telephoto Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

📸
Add to dictionary

telephoto

[ˈtɛlɪˌfoʊtəʊ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

photography lens

A telephoto lens is a type of camera lens that allows photographers to focus on subjects that are far away. It achieves this by using a longer focal length, which magnifies the subject and provides a narrow field of view. Telephoto lenses are commonly used in sports, wildlife, and portrait photography where capturing distant subjects is essential. They can create a sense of compression in the image, making background elements appear closer to the subject.

Synonyms

long-focus lens, zoom lens.

Examples of usage

  • She used her telephoto lens to capture the bird in flight.
  • The photographer switched to a telephoto lens to zoom in on the action.
  • His telephoto shots of the sunset captured stunning details.
  • With a telephoto lens, you can get close-up shots from a distance.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Technology

  • Telephoto lenses can be quite large and heavy, making them popular for professional photography and sports events.
  • Newer smartphones often include telephoto capabilities, allowing easy shooting of faraway subjects with just a phone.

Pop Culture

  • Many famous wildlife photographers use telephoto lenses to take stunning images of animals in their natural habitats without disturbing them.
  • In movies, telephoto lenses help filmmakers create dramatic scenes by isolating subjects against blurred backgrounds.

Art

  • Photographers often use telephoto lenses to capture details in landscapes that would be missed with standard lenses.
  • In portrait photography, a telephoto lens can create beautiful images by blurring the background and emphasizing the subject.

Science

  • In astronomy, telephoto equipment helps astronomers take pictures of distant celestial bodies, allowing for better study and discovery.
  • Some telephoto lenses are specifically designed for use in scientific research, including studying wildlife behaviors from afar.

Origin of 'telephoto'

Main points about word origin

  • The term comes from the Greek word 'tele,' meaning 'far,' and 'photo,' meaning 'light' or 'picture.'
  • Telephoto lenses were first developed in the early 20th century to help capture distant subjects without losing detail.

The term 'telephoto' derives from the Greek roots 'tele', meaning 'distant', and 'photo', meaning 'light' or 'painting'. The concept of telephoto photography emerged in the early 20th century as advancements in lens technology allowed for the creation of lenses that could magnify distant subjects without requiring the photographer to be physically close. The first commercially successful telephoto lens was developed by the American company Eastman Kodak in the 1910s. This innovation transformed photography, granting photographers the ability to capture images that were previously inaccessible while maintaining image quality. Telephoto lenses have evolved significantly over the decades, with contemporary designs incorporating advanced optics and coatings to enhance clarity and reduce distortions. Today, telephoto lenses remain a staple in various fields of photography, enabling unique perspectives and creative compositions.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,262 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.