Quote:
Originally Posted by Chris
.... Less sure about perspective as I am usually at the other end using FL 80-180 region and tele lens definitely forshortens distances ....
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I'm with Adey on this one... if you stand in the same place the perspective is the same whether you use a 35mm lens or a 300mm lens see examples in post 4 & 5 in
this thread It is actually standing back from your subject that forshortens perspective .... and a corallary of standing a long way from you subject is the requirement to use a long focal lenght lens to fill the frame.
The thing about a short focal lenght lens is the phenominal depth of field that allows you to get very close to a foreground object, and it is that closeness that gives the unusual perspective - not the short lens (although the distortion of verticals that is a by product of not having the camera sensor plane vertical somtimes typifies these shots).
As a excercise in understanding the perspective changes brought about by the photographers position & lens choice in relation to the subject, try this exercise: -
With a suitable subject - a (long suffering) friend/family member, favourite tree etc, set your lens on the widest angle setting....
1) move back until there in lots of space round your subject - take a shot, move forward 5 paces - take a shot, move forwards 5 paces ... etc until you are so close that you are at the limit of the closest focus of your lens - take a shot.
2) go back to your original position and kneal down - take a shot - move forward on your knees to position 2 - take a shot... keep moving fowards on your knees intil you reach the limit of focus - take a shot.
3) go back to your original position and lie down on your belly - take a shot - move forwards ....etc. Finally at the limit of focus, roll over onto your back and the a shot
4) Set you lens on a mid zoom setting and repeat 1-3
5) Set your lens on a max zoom setting and repeat 1-3
This exercise will give you a unique understanding of the relationship of your view point - distance & hight - and focal lenght choice to enable you to understand better the different perspectives