A telephoto lens is a type of camera lens designed with a compact construction that provides a long focal length while maintaining a relatively short back focus. This design allows photographers to capture distant subjects without needing an extremely long physical lens.
Telephoto lenses are widely used in wildlife, sports, and portrait photography, where subjects are often far away or require a compressed perspective. Mastering telephoto lens techniques enables photographers to isolate subjects, create background blur, and achieve a professional look in images that demand reach and detail.