Shot types, focal length, sensor sizes and distance

The purpose with this page is to have a checklist  for which lens to use for each type of shot, depending on size of object and distance to subject (one person standing up)

The different shot sizes we use are:

  • Extreme Long Shot

  • Very Long Shot

  • Long Shot

  • Medium Long Shot

  • Mid shot / Medium Shot

  • Medium Close-up

  • Close-up

  • Big Close-up

  • Extreme Close-up

For each of these shot types, we describe which focal length should be used at a certain distance.

We assume a normal shot distance is between 2-4 meters, with 1-2 meter and 4-6 meters within a usable distance for filming.

APS-C & Super 35 sensors

The following table lists focal length and distance for various shot sizes for an APS-C or Super 35 sized sensor in 16:9 format line Sony FS5 & FS7 or A6X00 series of cameras.

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The list includes two of our basic lens kits for FS5 & FS7 and A6X00 series.

Full format sensors

The following table lists focal length and distance for various shot sizes for full format sized sensor in 16:9 format, like Sony FX9 or Sony A7 III.

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The list includes lenses usable for full-size from our basic lens kits for FX9 and A7 series.


This is an extract from our series of Film production handbooks.