Reading Time: 6 minutesWhat is a telephoto lens? Definition & Meaning A telephoto lens is a long focal length lens that magnifies distant subjects and compresses space in the frame. Typically defined as any lens over 85mm, telephoto lenses bring far-away objects closer and flatten the distance between foreground and background. Telephoto lenses are popular for isolating subjects,… Continue reading What is a Telephoto Lens? Definition & Film Examples