telephoto lens

American  

noun

Photography.

1. a lens constructed so as to produce a relatively large image with a focal length shorter than that required by an ordinary lens producing an image of the same size: used to photograph small or distant objects.

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telephoto lens British  

/ ˈtɛlɪˌfəʊtəʊ /

noun

1. a compound camera lens in which the focal length is greater than that of a simple lens of the same dimensions and thus produces a magnified image of a distant object See also zoom lens

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Etymology

Origin of telephoto lens

First recorded in 1940–45

Compare meaning

How does telephoto-lens compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• telephoto lens vs. wide-angle
• telephoto lens vs. zoom lens

Example Sentences

Its single rear camera lacks the telephoto lens of the Pro models and the ultrawide lens in the entry-level iPhone 17, which costs $200 less.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 8, 2025

A telephoto lens offers higher resolution, while a wide-angle lens allows a larger field of view.

From BBC • Mar. 3, 2025

If the rumor mill pans out, this year’s iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max may feature a periscope-style telephoto lens that will improve the quality of photos taken from far distances.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 12, 2023

It’s a little too far away for me to get a nice shot with my telephoto lens, but it’s unmistakably a bald eagle.

From Washington Post • Apr. 5, 2023

My telephoto lens got the requisite shots of warm-ups and victory fists before it noticed someone packing away audio equipment at the announcer’s table.

From "Saints and Misfits" by S.K. Ali