Need a Wide Angle Lens

kisswells · Aug 5, 2011

Hello, I am new to the forum and photography. I've recently purchased a Nikon D5000 and have a 28-105 Lens and a 50-300. Heading out to Sedona,Page and the Grand Canyon and want to take great pics. Any and all help will be appreciated about the best ways in which to capture such an amazing area. However, I am looking for info. on purchasing a wide angle lens. I know nothing about this topic, that's right zilch, so all help is great! It has been said over and over that this area is best captured with wide angle. I don't really want to spend $600 so can anyone help me out?
Thanks so much.

480sparky · Aug 5, 2011

You need to go to the Super Secret Camera Store That Sells High-Quality Gear at 80% Off Every Day.

Seriously, there really is no such thing as a good, cheap ultra wide-angle. The reason good lenses are good is because they're not cheap, and the reason cheap lenses are cheap is they aren't good.

The Super-Secret Camera Store that Sells High-Quality Gear at 80% off Every Day is located at the Greyhound Bus station, through the lobby, past the Men's Room, third door along. Sign on the door states, "Electrical Room". Knock three times, pause for two seconds, then cough twice. Bruno or Vinny will let you in. Tell them "Carlos the Cutter" sent you.

MissCream · Aug 5, 2011

Look into Panorama photography

Big Mike · Aug 5, 2011

Your cheapest option would be to use a 'wide angle adapter'. This is something that would screw into the threads on the front of your lens and give you a wider view. The quality won't be great, but at least they are cheap.

Another option, would be to take several photos and later use software to stitch them together. As mention, look up 'panorama photography' for tips on how to do this. I'd certainly suggest a tripod.

And of course, the best option is probably to buy an ultra wide angle lens. I'd suggest looking at the Sigma 10-20mm. You may be able to find a used on in the $300-$400 range. I think they are around $500 to buy new.

Rafal · Aug 5, 2011

I'm a beginner too and I recently purchased my two lenses to upgrade my equipment from the kit lens. Before I did I was very hesitent to spend $600 on a lens, but after long research, getting advice from pros, reading tons of posts I came to a conclusion. If I want to buy a lens why would I spend $300 to get a crapy lens and not be happy with the results. So now I look at it as a good investment because in my case I want to learn about photography so I could take better pictures of places and moments in my life.
I don't know if it goes for everyone, but after making that leap and spending $500 on my first good lens ,50mm 1.4 lens , I was more drawn into learning because I started getting amazing picture quality. To avoid the high upfront cost I took advatage of the "Bill me Later" plan at B&H, no intrest for 6 months

A few weeks ago I felt the same need as you to get the wide angle lens (super wide angle in my case sinse I have 1.6 crop factor to deal with) and after reseraching tons of reviews, posts etc. I got the Tokina 11-16 lens for Canon, spend another $650

I haven't really had the chance to take any decent photos but I'm already happy with it and can't wait to apply what I've learned so far. Correct me if I'm wrong but my point is that if you plan to learn photography and get the stunning results you'll have to invest in good lenses

molested_cow · Aug 5, 2011

A AF-D F2.8 20mm will be about $300 used. You can also get the Ai-S version for less, but optics are the same. However 20mm isn't exactly wide on a cropped sensor, so too bad for ya.

StillGotIt · Aug 5, 2011

i picked up a sigma 10-20 for just under 400 used. great lens!

adversus · Aug 5, 2011

Look at the Tokina 12-24mm. It's $399 and gets great reviews. It has some softness/CA issues but for $400, it's considered a stellar wide angle.

kisswells · Aug 6, 2011

Ok, if I need to spend the money that's fine, that is what I will do. Just need to know what is best for my NIkon and what the differences are? Will the Tokina and the others fit my Nikon? Which one does what thing?
Sorry, I know I'm really not knowledgeable here. I usually buy the VR, haven't seen this as an option. I see Sigma 18-50, sigma 10-20, NIkon 35mm, and Tokina 11-16. Can anyone help my out on the differences?
Thanks again, you folks are great, but a little above my skill level.... Tokina 12-24 has some softness, does that mean pictures are tack sharp. I think I want tack sharp for sure.