Wide-angle lenses, typically with focal lengths under 35mm, capture a broader view. These lenses are ideal for landscape photography, architecture, and interior shots, where you want to capture more of the scene. The wider the focal length, the more expansive the field of view, which also leads to a greater depth of field, making them ideal for capturing larger areas in focus.

Standard lenses, usually in the 35mm-70mm range, offer a natural perspective similar to the human eye. These lenses are versatile for portraits, street photography, and general use. They tend to have a moderate field of view, making them well-suited for both wide and telephoto-style shots without distorting the image.

Telephoto lenses with focal lengths above 70mm allow you to magnify distant subjects, making them ideal for wildlife, sports, or portrait photography where you need to isolate your subject from the background. These lenses provide a shallow depth of field, helping you blur out the background, and allow for compression of the subject and its surroundings.

Macro lenses are designed for extreme close-up photography, allowing you to capture tiny subjects, such as insects or flowers, in great detail. These lenses are typically in the 50mm-200mm range and are known for their ability to focus on subjects at close distances while maintaining sharpness and detail.