Lens Compression Calculator
Understand lens compression effects. See how focal length and shooting distance affect the apparent size relationship between subject and background.
Scene Parameters
For framing calculation
Compression Ratio
0.197
Strong compression
SSubject Magnification
2.041%
BBackground Magnification
0.402%
FField of View
10.3 deg
%Subject Frame Fill
68.0%
Compression at Different Focal Lengths
Distance adjusted to maintain same subject size:
24mm @ 1.2m0.024
35mm @ 1.8m0.034
50mm @ 2.5m0.049
85mm @ 4.3m0.083
135mm @ 6.8m0.133
200mm @ 10.0m0.197
300mm @ 15.0m0.296
Key Insights
- Compression is determined by distance, not focal length alone
- Longer focal lengths require more distance for same framing
- Greater distance = more compressed perspective
- 85-135mm at typical portrait distance gives flattering compression
- Wide angles at close range exaggerate features