What describes a wide-angle lens?

A wide-angle lens is characterized by its ability to capture a broader field of view compared to standard or telephoto lenses. This capability comes with certain traits, one of which is geometric distortion. Wide-angle lenses can create an exaggerated perspective, particularly towards the edges of the frame, causing lines that should be straight to appear curved—a phenomenon often referred to as barrel distortion. This is especially evident in landscapes or architectural photos, where straight lines can bend outward.

In addition to distortion, wide-angle lenses usually have a greater depth of field. This means they can keep more of the scene in focus, which is particularly useful in landscape photography where the photographer often wants both the foreground and background to be sharp and clear. Therefore, the combination of geometric distortion and good depth of field accurately describes the characteristics of wide-angle lenses. This function allows photographers to create more dynamic compositions, especially in confined spaces or expansive vistas.

The other options don't align with the defining features of wide-angle lenses as closely. For instance, the first option mentions detail and light-gathering capabilities, which are more associated with other types of lenses. The zoomed-in perspective described in one of the choices pertains more to telephoto lenses, while interchangeable components are a feature of specific types of