A wide-angle lens is a type of camera lens that has a shorter focal length than normal lenses, enabling it to capture a wider field of view. This type of lens is commonly used in photography to include more of the scene within the frame. Wide-angle lenses are ideal for shooting landscapes, architecture, and interior spaces where you want to showcase a larger perspective. They can add depth to images and create a sense of spatial context. However, wide-angle lenses can sometimes distort images near the edges, so it's essential to be mindful of composition when using them.