Which lens is best suited for a natural perspective in photography?

A standard lens is best suited for achieving a natural perspective in photography because it typically has a focal length that closely resembles the field of view of the human eye, often around 50mm on a full-frame camera. This means that images captured with a standard lens maintain a realistic portrayal of the scene, including proper proportions and depth perception, making them appear more natural and lifelike.

In contrast, a macro lens is mainly designed for extreme close-ups and is used to capture fine details of small subjects; it alters perspective due to its short working distance. A telephoto lens compresses the perspective, making objects appear closer together and can distort spatial relationships, which is not ideal for a natural viewpoint. A wide-angle lens captures a broader scene but can introduce distortion, particularly at the edges, making objects appear exaggerated or further away than they are. Thus, while these other lenses serve specific purposes, the standard lens stands out for its ability to replicate how we see the world.