A telephoto lens is a type of camera lens designed to capture distant subjects with clarity. It has a long focal length, which allows photographers to zoom in on faraway objects without losing detail. This makes telephoto lenses popular for wildlife photography, sports events, and portraiture, where getting close to the subject may not be possible. These lenses can vary in size and aperture, affecting their performance in different lighting conditions. A wider aperture allows more light to enter, making it easier to shoot in low-light situations. Many photographers use telephoto lenses to create a shallow depth of field, which helps to blur the background and emphasize the subject, enhancing the overall composition.