What is a wide-angle lens? a tele-photo lens?

A wide-angle lens is technically defined as a lens that has a focal length shorter than that of a normal lens.  In a typical case, it's 1/2x.

 

A tele-photo lens is defined as a lens that has a focal length longer than that of a normal lens.  In a typical case, it's 2x.

 

 

Here's a table that I use;  it compares all the Canon and Nikon cameras and their important features:

 

 

 

Why is it good to know?

 

* When you buy, you want to know whether the lens that is packaged in a kit will do what you want it to do.  Retailers often package lenses willy-nilly, so you have to watch out.  You want to make sure that the lens(es) in the kit will cover the zoom range that you need.

 

* When you go on location, you want to bring the fewest number of lenses that will do their job, and you have to match your camera with your lenses.