Alaska - Should I get a wide angle lens? [canon]

SneakerzSneakerz Registered Users Posts: 18 Big grins
edited May 3, 2011 in Accessories
Hi all

I am on a trip around the world and just bought my DSLR half way through my trip. This happend about 4 months ago in Korea. I am getting to know the camera better and better and I have thought about a wide angle lens for a long time now. I didn't buy it initialy because I wanted to get to know the camera with the basic kit before getting any upgrades. Also I am reluctant about carrying more stuff around with me. This was also one of the reason why I didn't get a DSLR before I started my trip (needless to say I regret that decision).

My last two stops will be Alaska (going tomorrow) and then Canada after that. I think that a wide angle lens would really help to show the big expanses here.

Since I am currently not working and will have to look for a new job when I get back to switzerland, I am not looking to spend too much money but still I don't want to get something cheap just to realize that it sucks. I have been reading about the topic in the last few days but would love if you guys could give me some input on if and what I should get.

[edit] I am looking for a prime lens :).. or would you recommend zoom?

oh and I have a Canon D450

thanks for your help

ps: sorry if I don't make much sense, just got of the plane from Hawaii and not as awake as I would like to be.
my new blog

Comments

  • ziggy53ziggy53 Super Moderators Posts: 24,133 moderator
    edited May 2, 2011
    The Canon 450D/XSi is a pretty good little dSLR and deserving of pretty good lenses. Sadly, super-wide prime lenses, like for vista landscapes and interior wide shots, don't really exist for these crop cameras.

    I use the Sigma 10-20mm, f/4-5.6 EX DC HSM and I'm very pleased with its performance. I think it is a good compromise between cost and image quality and therefore a good value.

    There are other super-wide zooms available, some better, but they are all pretty good and not all that different except in light gathering. Of the super-wide zooms commonly available:

    Canon EF-S 10-22mm, f3.5-4.5 USM
    Sigma 8-16mm, f4.5-5.6 DC HSM
    Sigma 10-20mm, f3.5 EX DC HSM
    Sigma 10-20mm, f4-5.6 EX DC HSM
    Tamron 11-18mm, f4.5-5.6 XR DI-II LD Aspherical (IF)
    Tamron 10-24mm, f3.5-4.5 DI-II LD Aspherical (IF)
    Tokina 11-16mm, f2.8 ATX Pro DX
    Tokina 12-24mm, f4 PRO DX/DX II

    ... the Tokina 11-16mm, f2.8 ATX Pro DX is probably the stand-out best in all considerations.
    ziggy53
    Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
  • WillCADWillCAD Registered Users Posts: 722 Major grins
    edited May 2, 2011
    A few years ago, I took my first trip to the southwestern US, and did a lot of hiking in various state and national parks. I came home with a single sentence on my mind: "The wide ain't wide enough and the zoon don't zoom enough!"

    But even so, I think the 18-125 lens I had at the time was adequate for the wide-angle shots I took. Since you have a Canon kit lens, which is probably an 18-55, you should be okay for wide angles.

    I recommend that you study up on how to make multi-shot panoramic images. It's a fun activity that can produce beautiful images without a lot of effort; I simply use the automated utility in Photoshop Elements to stitch my frames together. And you don't need a tripod, either; you can shoot them hand-held. This gives you the ability to makd images as wide as 360-degrees, with any lens you have.

    Here is one I made of a snowfall in my apartment complex. I think this one was 10 individual frames:
    th2009-12-19_Panorama.jpg

    If you want to get a prime lens, though, that's a different animal. Primes have a lot of uses besides wide-angle shooting, and if you can get one at a reasonable cost, it's always a nice addition to your gear.
    What I said when I saw the Grand Canyon for the first time: "The wide ain't wide enough and the zoom don't zoom enough!"
  • ZanottiZanotti Registered Users Posts: 1,411 Major grins
    edited May 2, 2011
    Pano stitching is your friend. Learn to take several and put them together in Photoshop or other programs - effectively a free wide angle lens!
    It is the purpose of life that each of us strives to become actually what he is potentially. We should be obsessed with stretching towards that goal through the world we inhabit.
  • ZanottiZanotti Registered Users Posts: 1,411 Major grins
    edited May 2, 2011
    Zanotti wrote: »
    Pano stitching is your friend. Learn to take several and put them together in Photoshop or other programs - effectively a free wide angle lens!


    D'oh - beat out by tem seconds......
    It is the purpose of life that each of us strives to become actually what he is potentially. We should be obsessed with stretching towards that goal through the world we inhabit.
  • SneakerzSneakerz Registered Users Posts: 18 Big grins
    edited May 3, 2011
    thanks for all your advice. I am still undecided what to do but your input gave me some other view points. I appreciate it :)
    my new blog
  • Tee WhyTee Why Registered Users Posts: 2,390 Major grins
    edited May 3, 2011
    Ziggy gave you a good list of ultrawide zooms that will work on your camera.
    What is your budget?
    If you want the widest and the sharpest, I'd recommend the Sigma 8-16mm
    If you want the sharpest and the fastest, I'd recommend the Tokina 11-16mm
    If you want a bit more versatility for a lower price, I'd recommend the Sigma 10-20 or the Tokina 12-24.
    Canon 10-22mm is nice as well but more expensive than the third party lenses. But it's also a nice lens.
    Tamron's have not sold well b/c of price and image quality, so I personally wouldn't recommend them.

    There are many reviews and comparisons online if you do a search.
    Good luck.
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