Hope you guys are doing well!
This is Sarthak, in this thread i am discussing a buzzing hot topic with y'all for the VOL. #9 of our Tech Roundtable Series.
In the constantly evolving field of smartphone photography, the search of the perfect picture results in significant improvements in camera technology. Among these improvements, telephoto and periscope lenses stand out as important players in improving our smartphone zoom capabilities. But what differentiates these two types of lenses? This gives us our topic of discussion for the Tech Roundtable…
Telephoto vs Periscope Lens: Which Seems to Have Better Use Cases?
Telephoto lenses have been a common feature in smartphone cameras for many years. They work by having a longer focal length than regular lenses, allowing for magnification of distant scenes while maintaining image quality. Here are some important features:Telephoto Lens
- Optical Zoom: Telephoto lenses offer actual optical zoom, which means that the lens elements are physically adjusted to magnify the subject, resulting in clear, high-quality photos even from a distance.
- Portrait Photography: These lenses are ideal for portrait photography because they create a beautiful background blur (bokeh) that highlights the subject.
- Compact Design: Telephoto lenses are small in size and can fit into the slim bodies of modern smartphones without adding much weight.
Pros
- Enhanced zoom capabilities
- Better portrait shots
- Improved low-light performance for distant subjects
- Limited Field of View
Periscope lenses are a more modern innovation that aims to push the limits of smartphone zoom capabilities. These lenses, named after the periscopes used in submarines, have a unique shape that maximizes zoom capability. Here's what differentiates them:Periscope Lens
- Extended Optical Zoom: Periscope lenses use prisms and mirrors to extend the optical path within the phone's body, allowing for higher zoom levels—often up to 5x or even 10x optical zoom—while maintaining image quality.
- Space Efficiency: Periscope lenses can achieve higher focal lengths without taking up more space than regular telephoto lenses by aligning their lens elements horizontally.
- Advanced Engineering: Periscope lenses are more complex to design and manufacture, requiring precise alignment of optical parts to achieve great image quality with low distortion.
Pros
- Superior long-range zoom
- Maintains image quality at high zoom levels
- Slimmer design for high zoom capability
- Expensive
- More complex to manufacture
- Limited low-light performance
Choosing between telephoto and periscope lenses mainly depends on your photography needs and preferences.Comparing the Two
- For Everyday Use: Telephoto lenses are usually sufficient for most users, giving excellent portrait pictures and moderate zoom capabilities.
- For Enthusiasts and Professionals: Periscope lenses are ideal for those who want high zoom levels to capture distant subjects, such as wildlife or sports photography.
Both telephoto and periscope lenses offer significant improvements in smartphone photography, with each having its own set of benefits. As technology evolves we can expect even more innovative solutions to arrive, bringing professional-quality photography closer to our fingertips. Whether you're taking a quick portrait or zooming in on a distant scene, understanding the differences between these lenses will help you get the most out of your smartphone camera.Conclusion
As for myself, my support would go to the Telephoto Lens, because they are widely available, provide high-quality images, are cheap compared to periscope lenses and are ideal for daily life portraits and distant objects. They are also more compact and durable, making them an effective and affordable choice for the majority of users. Which side would you take? Let us discuss that in the Comments!
Signing off
sarthhkk
, amazing 
