Changing your camera’s focal length in Blender is not only possible but it’s crucial for controlling distortion, framing, and overall composition. Let’s break down how to do it, why it matters, and offer a few tips to get the most out of your scenes. By the end, you’ll be able to easily tweak focal lengths for realistic portraits, architectural fly-throughs, or cinematic shots.
Why Focal Length Matters
Focal length essentially dictates your camera’s “lens.” A shorter focal length (e.g., 18mm) captures a wider field of view but can introduce distortion, while a longer focal length (e.g., 85mm) offers a more telephoto look that compresses space. Striking the right balance sets the tone of your render whether that’s a sweeping landscape or a tight character portrait.
Quick Example:
- Wide Shot (18mm): Great for vast environments or group shots but might distort faces.
- Portrait Shot (50–85mm): Minimizes distortion and feels closer to real-world photography.
How to Change the Focal Length in Blender
- Select Your Camera
In the Outliner, click on the camera object you want to adjust. - Camera Properties Panel
In the Properties window, select the Camera icon. - Lens Settings
Under the Lens dropdown, locate the Focal Length input box. Enter a value (in mm) that suits your scene—common portrait focal lengths range from 50mm to 85mm. - Sensor Size (Optional)
Adjusting the Sensor Size can further refine perspective. Blender’s default of 36mm approximates a full-frame camera.
Pro Tip: If you see heavy distortion, your focal length might be too low. Try going above 35mm for a more natural look.
Making the Most of Different Focal Lengths
1. Character Renders
When rendering characters, a focal length between 50–85mm is ideal to avoid facial stretching. However, stretching can also be a storytelling tool in animation. For instance, using a lower focal length can emphasize the surreal nature of a dream state, adding depth to the narrative.
- Managing Multiple Focal Lengths: Plugins like The View Keeper let you store multiple focal lengths for a single camera. This means you can easily reuse camera setups without constantly readjusting settings, saving time and enhancing your workflow.
2. Architectural & Environment Scenes
A wider lens (20–35mm) captures more of the scene, which is handy for interiors or sweeping landscapes.
- Keep an Eye on Distortion: Too wide, and objects at the edges can appear unnaturally stretched.
3. Product Shots
Mid-range focal lengths (35–50mm) let viewers appreciate the product’s shape without significant distortion.
Questions People Often Have
“Is It Better to Use a Single Focal Length for All Shots?”
Not necessarily. Wide shots emphasize scale and environment, while longer focal lengths are ideal for close-ups. Mixing them can create visual interest throughout your project. With plugins like The View Keeper mixing multiple focal length is a lot easier.
“Can I Adjust Depth of Field Alongside Focal Length?”
Absolutely. After setting your desired focal length, enable Depth of Field in the camera settings and choose a focus object. A slight blur can help direct attention where you want it.
“Does Changing Focal Length Affect Render Times?”
Not directly. Render times are more influenced by lighting, materials, and scene complexity. However, extremely wide angles may require more careful lighting to avoid unwanted artifacts.
Conclusion
Yes, you can absolutely change the focal length of a camera in Blender and doing so is pivotal for achieving the best look for your scene. Whether you’re creating close-ups of a character or showcasing sprawling environments, experiment with various focal lengths to find the perfect balance of depth, distortion, and focus. Combine these camera tricks with efficient tools and assets, and your renders will look polished and professional every time.
