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Home: Video University Forums: Digital Photography for Videographers:
wide angle suggestion

Shadow
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Nov 8, 2006, 9:59 AM

Post #1 of 19 (1260 views)
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wide angle suggestion	Can't Post

Hey folks

I'm going to be getting a wide angle lens, but wondered if anyone had any advice on what length mm to get or any thing I should consider? what have you found useful in your wide angle?
Thanks
Heidi

p.s. I'll probably end up getting either a canon or sigma lens for the 20d

Colvin ADTR
Enthusiast

Nov 8, 2006, 10:16 AM

Post #2 of 19 (1256 views)
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Re: [Shadow] wide angle suggestion [In reply to]	Can't Post

There's a little 10 - ? zoom that gets good press. I think Jenn m bought one.

Jenn M
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Nov 8, 2006, 1:31 PM

Post #3 of 19 (1245 views)
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Re: [Shadow] wide angle suggestion [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hi Heidi,

I got the Sigma 10-20mm used on Fred Miranda. I like it for super large groups and for landscapes. There is a very slight fisheye effect at the 10mm focal length - not enough to be considered a cool effect, but enough to distort the outter edges of the frame, so be careful when placing people near the edge. I took a shot of my boston terrier sniffing the lens close-up while at the 10 mm focal length and it looked hilarious!

I considered the Canon 10-22mm but since I'm using it on cropped cameras, I'm not able to fully maximize the wide end - so the camera can't really 'see' the outer edges of the glass, which is where flaws are more likely to appear, so going with the 'cheaper' glass on a cropped camera is sufficient.

I hope I expressed that properly. Does that make sense?

And for the amount I use it (frequency), the Sigma made more financial sense, as well.

Jenn M
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Nov 8, 2006, 1:32 PM

Post #4 of 19 (1244 views)
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Re: [Colvin ADTR] wide angle suggestion [In reply to]	Can't Post

good memory... Smile

Jenn M
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Nov 8, 2006, 1:35 PM

Post #5 of 19 (1240 views)
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Re: [Shadow] wide angle suggestion [In reply to]	Can't Post

By the way, what is the widest focal length you have now?

For a more practical 'widish' lense, you may want to consider the Canon 16-35, or even better (IMO, as I love this lens and anticipate using it most of the time indoor, in tight quarters) is the 17-55 IS.

But if you're looking for something wider, then you would go with the 10-20. I find that I could probably get away without it, though. I could see using it during the ceremony to get a wide overall shot from the balcony or something.

(This post was edited by Jenn M on Nov 8, 2006, 1:35 PM)

Shadow
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Nov 8, 2006, 1:39 PM

Post #6 of 19 (1237 views)
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Re: [Jenn M] wide angle suggestion [In reply to]	Can't Post

Thanks Jenn
That's exactly what I wanted to know.

Cheers
Heidi
Cool

Shadow
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Nov 8, 2006, 1:49 PM

Post #7 of 19 (1231 views)
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Re: [Jenn M] wide angle suggestion [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hi Jenn

My main lens that I use right now is a 25-60mm Sigma.
It is ok, but for large groups I have to back up. I was hoping for something wider. Then I want a telephoto, and a 50mm 1.4, and a second flash, and ....... :)

Jenn M
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Nov 8, 2006, 2:01 PM

Post #8 of 19 (1226 views)
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Re: [Shadow] wide angle suggestion [In reply to]	Can't Post

I hear ya... our next big purchase is likely going to be a 300mm tele. We have the 70-200 IS, but it doesn't quite reach as far as I want during the ceremony. I want to be able to stay in the back w/ both photo and video, so I need more zoom.

After that, we're seriously considering a 5D. gulp
Oh and another flash, possibly some monolites/strobes.

Shadow
Veteran

Nov 8, 2006, 2:11 PM

Post #9 of 19 (1223 views)
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Re: [Jenn M] wide angle suggestion [In reply to]	Can't Post

In Reply To

After that, we're seriously considering a 5D. gulp
Oh and another flash, possibly some monolites/strobes....

Oh there's always something else to buy. :)

My Dad and I are looking at portable back drops and lighting kits. The wide angle, and the back drop/lighting kits are the next purchase for us. But yeah, I could make a wish list a mile long just for photography.

Thanks for the input!

Scott Brooks
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Nov 8, 2006, 3:51 PM

Post #10 of 19 (1214 views)
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Re: [Shadow] wide angle suggestion [In reply to]	Can't Post

Depends on what you want it for. If you're just looking at a large group shots you would be hard pressed to beat the Canon 17-55IS.

The only way I would personally go wider is if I wanted a fish-eye lens. That's just not anything I'm into at this time.

Shadow
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Nov 8, 2006, 3:56 PM

Post #11 of 19 (1211 views)
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Re: [Sparky] wide angle suggestion [In reply to]	Can't Post

Thanks Sparky,

Do you find you use your wide angle more or your telephoto more. I guess the question is, if you only had so much money at the moment, which would you buy first?

Cheers
H

Scott Brooks
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Nov 8, 2006, 10:29 PM

Post #12 of 19 (1200 views)
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Re: [Shadow] wide angle suggestion [In reply to]	Can't Post

In Reply To

Thanks Sparky,

Do you find you use your wide angle more or your telephoto more. I guess the question is, if you only had so much money at the moment, which would you buy first?

Cheers
H

I have 3 20D bodies right now with a lens permanantly attached to each ... Canon 17-55 IS, Canon 70-200 IS, and Tamron 28-75. All at f/2.8.

I have to pick one??? That would be very tough to do in weddings, but if I was starting out and could only purchase one lens it probably wouldn't be any that I have. I would have to look it up on the DWF, but I was thinking Canon has a newer lens that is maybe a 28 - 135??? I would have to check that out.

Having said that ... there's no way I would go to a wedding with one lens, so if I HAD to ditch one of my current lens it would be the Tamron. I've been in too many tight places not to have my 17-55 and I wouldn't think of shooting a ceremony without my 70-200. BUT there are times where the 55 just isn't long enough for the shot that I want.

Now ... if I had to choose ONLY ONE lens that I currently have ... it would be the Tamron 28-75. Confused? I get a little bit of both worlds ... somewhat wide and a little bit of reach. In other words ... I'm perfectly satisfied with all three of my lenses.

During the ceremony I carry the 17-55 and 70-200 on me and my daughter is shooting with the 28-75. At the reception I'm almost always shooting with the 17-55. All my formals are shot with the 17-55. I can move in nice and close and either zoom in or out with it when needed.

One thing I've noticed (that I need to change) is that I'm almost getting TOO close on my formals (physically) and the flash can be too harsh if I'm not paying attention. I was so used to being farther away that I'm now somewhat re-learning and adjusting my flash settings. Other than that ... I'm good to go. Sly

Shadow
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Nov 8, 2006, 10:35 PM

Post #13 of 19 (1198 views)
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Re: [Sparky] wide angle suggestion [In reply to]	Can't Post

Thanks Sparky, Make perfect sense.

I have a 24 -60mm Sigma 2.8 lens that I use but am going to buy one lens within a week or two and another in the new year, just couldn't decide what to get first, a wide angle or more of a zoom lens.

Smile

Scott Brooks
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Nov 8, 2006, 10:45 PM

Post #14 of 19 (1195 views)
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Re: [Shadow] wide angle suggestion [In reply to]	Can't Post

I don't know how your lens performs, but if it were me and I was mainly concerned about getting great shots from the back or side aisles of the church ... I would be looking at something a little longer rather than wider.

My 28-75 is good in most dressing rooms and never really had a problem with formals. I think I did some with 30 people and it handled it fine.

It was my first wedding when I had no room for the cake cutting as everyone was crawling up my backside. I think that's when I decided I needed something wider.

I could easily shoot an entire wedding with the 28-75.

Shadow
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Nov 8, 2006, 11:37 PM

Post #15 of 19 (1192 views)
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Re: [Sparky] wide angle suggestion [In reply to]	Can't Post

The lens works really well, I'm very happy with it. But yes, I do wish for something more telephoto.

I think my problem is I want too many lenses and accessories!

Thanks for the input - it is most appreciated!

H

Brackish
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Nov 9, 2006, 12:30 AM

Post #16 of 19 (1188 views)
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Post deleted by Brackish [In reply to]

Jenn M
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Nov 9, 2006, 11:26 AM

Post #17 of 19 (1178 views)
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Re: [Brackish] wide angle suggestion [In reply to]	Can't Post

Well, it certainly can't hurt. And considering a majority of the venues I shoot in are dark caves, I'm sure it will come in handy.

WLR
User

Nov 28, 2006, 11:16 PM

Post #18 of 19 (1079 views)
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Re: [Shadow] wide angle suggestion [In reply to]	Can't Post

I've been thinking about the Canon 10-22, but attached is an image from the wide end of the Canon 17-85.

Friends don't let friends shoot jpeg.

Shadow
Veteran

Nov 28, 2006, 11:56 PM

Post #19 of 19 (1074 views)
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Re: [WLR] wide angle suggestion [In reply to]	Can't Post

I like that!