Ultimate Guide to Camera Lenses — Every Type of Camera Lens Explained [Shot List Ep. 7]

Summary by Krater

This video breaks down the six main types of camera lenses used in filmmaking—extreme wide angle, fisheye, wide angle, standard, telephoto, macro, and tilt-shift—explaining how their focal lengths and design characteristics impact visual storytelling, framing, depth of field, and mood.

From the video

Answers: What are the different types of camera lenses in filmmaking and how do they affect visual storytelling?

• camera lens types
• focal length in filmmaking
• prime vs zoom lenses
• depth of field in cinematography
• extreme wide angle lenses
• fisheye lenses
• wide angle lenses
• standard lenses
• telephoto lenses
• macro lenses
• tilt shift lenses

What it concludes

• Prime lenses have a fixed focal length and fewer lens elements, allowing them to produce sharper images and wider apertures for low-light shots.
• Zoom lenses allow cinematographers to shoot wide, medium, and close-up shots without changing lenses, saving valuable time on set.
• Extreme wide angle lenses (18mm-24mm) can simultaneously capture close-ups and sweeping landscapes in a single shot.
• Fisheye lenses introduce unnatural perspective and distortion to exaggerate facial features or underscore character absurdity.
• Wide angle lenses (24mm-35mm) are great for accentuating movement and creating a sense of distance in tight spaces.
• Standard lenses (35mm-50mm) mimic how the human eye sees the world, providing a grounded and natural presentation for cinema narratives.