A lens that can be adjusted to a variety of focal lengths is called a

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

Answer: (B)

Adjustable focal length is the hallmark of a zoom lens, a lens whose focal length can be changed to alter magnification and field of view. By rotating the zoom ring, you can frame a shot more tightly or include more of the scene without moving your position. This flexibility is what defines a zoom lens, making it the go-to choice when you need to cover multiple framing options quickly.

In contrast, a prime lens has a single fixed focal length, so you’d need to move yourself or the camera to change the composition. Telephoto and wide-angle describe lenses by their typical focal lengths and resulting perspective: telephoto lenses are long focal lengths that magnify distant subjects, while wide-angle lenses are short focal lengths that capture a broader scene. They aren’t about adjustability; they describe the lens’s field of view and perspective characteristics.