How to Shoot with a Telephoto Lens
The Bergreens
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Welcome to our channel—your go-to source for practical photography education and honest gear reviews from adventurous professional photographers and filmmakers. We’re Marc and Brenda Bergreen, a husband-and-wife team specializing in capturing people in nature and sharing real-world insights to help you grow creatively. Learn how to shoot professional-quality photos and videos with step-by-step tutorials, in-depth guides, and practical tips for using cameras, lenses, drones, backpacks, and more. Whether you’re exploring landscapes, shooting portraits, vlogging your travels, or building a creative business, we’re here to help. Subscribe for weekly videos (Fridays at 6am) packed with tutorials, gear reviews, and inspiration to elevate your work behind the lens. Education + adventure to help you rise higher, live deeper, and create with purpose.
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Want to capture dreamy portraits, epic mountains, or wildlife from afar? In this video, I’ll show you how to shoot with a telephoto lens like a pro — whether you’re using an 85mm, 70–200mm, or 100–400mm. Learn how to get creamy background blur, flattering compression, and cinematic shots that pop. READ MORE ON THE BLOG: https://www.bergreenphotography.com/how-to-shoot-with-a-telephoto-lens-complete-guide/ 🧠 WHAT YOU’LL LEARN How to use a telephoto lens for portraits, landscapes, and action shots The difference between 85mm, 70–200mm, and 100–400mm lenses When to choose a zoom vs. a prime lens How to get creamy bokeh and flattering compression Essential telephoto shooting techniques for sharp, cinematic results 🛒 MY FAVORITE TELEPHOTO LENSES (Affiliate Links) 📷 85mm Prime Lenses: – Viltrox 85mm f/1.4 → https://viltrox.com/?ref=marcbergreen (use "bergreen5" for discount) – Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS → https://amzn.to/45RkpjA – Nikon Z 85mm f/1.8 S → https://amzn.to/4o7nAsV 📷 70–200mm Zoom Lenses: – Sony 70–200mm f/4 G II → https://amzn.to/3DUeXQV – Canon RF 70–200mm f/4 → https://amzn.to/3FkhX9K – Nikon Z 70–180mm f/2.8 → https://amzn.to/4nJO0jV 📷 100–400mm / Super Telephoto: – Sony 100–400mm GM → https://amzn.to/4iuYroR – Canon RF 100–400mm → https://amzn.to/3LvqNVq – Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 → https://amzn.to/444AekX 🧳 Support Gear: – Peak Design Camera Strap → https://amzn.to/4jhmWaY – Solid Full Size Tripod → https://amzn.to/3ZQH37V – Best Camera Backpack → https://amzn.to/3DVNbU3 (As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases — thanks for supporting the channel!) Check out This Video on Deciding what Focal Length You Need: https://youtu.be/_7VUjjrRgiY Get Our Travel Photography Guide: https://www.bergreenphotography.com/product/shoot-your-adventures-travel-photography-guide/ Get Our FREE Money and Gear Guide: https://www.bergreenphotography.com/money/ Best AI Editing Software: https://aftershoot.com/friends?ref=marc36 Building a portfolio website? Try Pixpa! It’s easy to use and looks great: https://www.pixpa.com/?via=brenda39 💌 Subscribe for More Photography Tips We are Marc and Brenda Bergreen, professional photographers + videographers helping you learn, create, and elevate your photography. Subscribe for weekly videos: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBergreens 🔥 Let’s Connect: Instagram – https://instagram.com/bergreenphotography Website – https://www.bergreenphotography.com.com Free Money & Gear Guide – https://www.bergreenphotography.com/money/ 🕒 TIMESTAMPS 00:00 — Why telephoto lenses are amazing 01:12 — What makes telephoto lenses special (compression, blur, reach) 01:35 — Why telephotos are great for weddings & landscapes 02:12 — Choosing the right telephoto lens for your needs 03:14 — Macro & specialty telephotos 04:01 — Budget and lens comparisons 04:47 — Telephoto vs. wide & standard lenses 05:13 — Practical telephoto shooting tips 05:37 — Using compression to your advantage 05:57 — Managing the weight and fatigue 06:37 — Creative framing techniques (shoot through foregrounds) 06:58 — Exposure, shutter speed & autofocus tips 07:18 — Tracking action and anticipating moments 07:38 — Recap: pros, cons & best use cases 08:26 — Closing & subscribe reminder 🔑 SEO KEYWORDS how to shoot with a telephoto lens, telephoto lens photography tips, 70-200mm lens tutorial, 85mm lens photography, telephoto vs wide angle, portrait photography tips, lens compression explained, bokeh background tips, how to photograph wildlife with telephoto, best telephoto lens for Sony Canon Nikon, photography tutorials, how to shoot portraits with telephoto, photography for beginners, telephoto lens tricks
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