A telephoto lens is a type of camera lens designed to capture distant subjects with clarity and detail. It has a long focal length, which allows photographers to zoom in on faraway objects without moving closer. This makes telephoto lenses popular for wildlife photography, sports events, and portrait photography, where getting close to the subject may not be possible. These lenses compress the perspective, making objects appear closer together than they actually are. Telephoto lenses can vary in size and aperture, with some being compact and others quite large. They are often used in combination with cameras like DSLRs or mirrorless cameras for enhanced photographic capabilities.