What is focal distance?

What is focal distance?

Focal distance, also known as focal length, is a property of a lens that determines how much the lens converges or diverges light. It is the distance between the center of the lens and the point where light rays converge after passing through the lens. In simple terms, it is the distance between the lens and the point where an object appears sharp and in focus.

.In photography and optics, the focal distance is measured in millimeters (mm) and it is one of the most important parameters that determine the magnification and field of view of a lens. Shorter focal lengths (e.g. 10mm) provide a wider field of view and make objects appear smaller, while longer focal lengths (e.g. 200mm) provide a narrower field of view and make objects appear larger.

Focal distance is also an important factor in determining the depth of field in a photograph, which is the range of distance in front of and behind the subject that appears acceptably sharp. A longer focal distance tends to create a shallower depth of field, while a shorter focal distance tends to create a deeper depth of field.