Is Lens Compression Fact or Fiction? Debunking Myths in Photography
Even seasoned photographers can be confused by concepts such as lens compression. This article will unravel the mysteries of lens compression by separating fact and fiction, as well as shedding light on how it is used in photography.
Confusion: An Introduction
There is much confusion in the world of photography, especially when it comes concepts such as parallax and compression. These terms are confusing to many photographers, who don’t know their full implications. We will dispel the myths surrounding lens compression and give you some clarity.
Definitions
Let’s first establish what the terms mean. Lens compression is the effect of telephoto lenses that makes background objects look closer together. Parallax, on the other hand is the apparent displacement between foreground and backgrounds in an image. These definitions are the basis for our investigation into lens compression.
Test for Parallax
Practical experimentation is essential to understand the intricacies and nuances of lens compression. We observed the parallax effects in a series tests with different lenses including the Fuji XF XF50-140mm and XF10-24mm. We were surprised to find that there was no parallax between lenses when the photographer was in the same position. It is important to change perspective in order to accurately observe these effects.
Testing for Lens Compression
We continue our exploration with a deeper look at the concept of compression. We demonstrated that the distance between the photographer and the subject, rather than the focal-length of the lens, is what influences compression. We used a hands-on method to demystify the complexities of lens compression.
Clarification regarding Lens Compression
In an effort to clarify the situation, we suggest that “focal compress” is a better term. We aim to dispel common misconceptions about lens compression by highlighting the fact that the perceived compressive effect is caused by the distance between the photographer and the subject, rather than the actual lens.
Conclusion and the Author’s Insights
We conclude by pointing out that the lens compression when using telephotos is greater due to increased distance from the object, and not just due to focal length. We encourage photographers, for better photography practice, to improve their understanding of these concepts.
About the Author
Matt Brandon is the author of the article and brings with him a wealth experience and expertise. Matt Brandon, who has a background in the photography industry and is passionate about unraveling the complexity of the craft, shares his knowledge and insights with other photographers to help them achieve mastery.
