Focal Length Comparison
Compare field of view across sensors and focal lengths to pick the right lens
Focal length sets how much fits in the frame and how strongly the background is compressed. A small number (24mm) gives a wide view, a large number (200mm) pulls distant subjects closer. Compare any focal length on any sensor and see the field of view at a glance.
Field of view
Comparison with other lenses
Focal Length Comparison: how it works
The Focal Length Comparison tool shows you the field of view a given focal length produces across different sensor sizes, from full frame to Micro Four Thirds. Use it when you're deciding between lenses or switching camera systems and want to know how your existing glass translates. Enter a focal length and crop factor, and the tool calculates the equivalent instantly.
Crop factor and equivalent focal length
Sensor size determines how much of a scene your lens captures. A 50mm lens on an APS-C body with a 1.5x crop factor behaves like a 75mm on full frame. That single number makes a real difference when you're choosing between a 35mm and a 50mm for street work or portraiture.
This tool handles the conversion for any focal length and crop factor you enter. No mental arithmetic, no switching between tabs to find a chart.
Choosing glass when switching systems or adding a second body
When photographers move from APS-C to full frame, familiar lenses stop behaving the way they expect. A lens that worked as a short telephoto suddenly feels like a standard lens. The field of view shifts, and so does the way you frame shots.
Running a quick comparison before buying saves you from picking up a focal length that duplicates what you already own, or missing the angle of view you actually shoot with. This tool gives you the numbers to make that call before you spend anything.
Frequently asked questions
Which focal length on APS-C gives the same field of view as an 85mm on full frame?
Divide 85mm by your crop factor. On a 1.5x APS-C body that's around 56mm, on a 1.6x Canon body it's closer to 53mm. The tool lets you compare several combinations side by side.
How does a 24mm lens behave differently on full frame versus Micro Four Thirds?
On full frame a 24mm is a wide-angle with a roughly 84-degree diagonal field of view. On Micro Four Thirds the 2x crop factor makes it equivalent to a 48mm, which is closer to a standard lens. That's a significant difference if you're shooting architecture or landscapes.
Can I use this tool to plan which lenses to bring on a shoot with two different camera bodies?
Yes, that's one of the more practical uses. Enter the focal lengths you're carrying for each body and compare the equivalent angles of view. You'll quickly spot gaps or overlaps in your coverage before you leave the house.