Sure, focal length as proxy for field of view makes sense, but that still doesn’t mean it’s helpful to incorrectly claim it distorts the image. Using a shorter focal length doesn’t mean you have to get closer to the subject.
So? There is no law saying your subject has to fill the frame.
It’s useful to know what affects what. That way you can make informed decisions. Distance affects the ‘distortion’, while zoom is more of a tool for composition.
Sure, focal length as proxy for field of view makes sense, but that still doesn’t mean it’s helpful to incorrectly claim it distorts the image. Using a shorter focal length doesn’t mean you have to get closer to the subject.
But if you don’t get close, it makes the subject smaller on the sensor, though.
So? There is no law saying your subject has to fill the frame.
It’s useful to know what affects what. That way you can make informed decisions. Distance affects the ‘distortion’, while zoom is more of a tool for composition.