Which lens type lets you select among multiple focal lengths without changing your position?

• A. Telephoto lens
• B. Prime lens
• C. Zoom lens
• D. Wide-angle lens

Answer: (C)

Being able to change how much of the scene you capture without changing your position is what a zoom lens provides. A zoom lens has a range of focal lengths in one optic, so you can rotate the zoom to go from wide to telephoto (or anywhere in between) while you stay in the same spot. That adjustable magnification without moving is the defining feature here. A prime lens has a fixed focal length, so you’d need to move to alter the framing. A telephoto lens describes long focal lengths and isn’t inherently about changing focal length on the fly unless it’s a zoom telephoto. A wide-angle lens uses short focal lengths to capture more of the scene, but changing focal length within that category would require a zoom, which is what the zoom lens provides.