A lens is an instrument used to bring light into a fixed focal point. In a film camera, the lens sends light through the film strip, while in a digital camera (such as DSLRs or mirrorless cameras), the lens directs light to a digital sensor. There are 5 types of basic camera lenses as macro lenses. This type of camera lens is used to create close-up photos. Telephoto lenses. Telephoto is a type of zoom with multiple focal points. Wide angle lens. Standard glasses. Special glasses. The two most common types of concave and convex lenses, as shown below in Figure 1. A common bifacial lens is considered a positive lens because it converges or focuses light rays to form a true lens. picture.