Best Wide Angle Lenses For Nikon [2024 Review]

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Wide-angle lenses are arguably the most important camera accessory for professional photographers shooting architecture and vast landscapes. Adding a wide-angle lens to a Nikon camera enables users are able to fill the entire frame with the subject. The lens further produces a wide perspective, making it perfect for shooting cityscapes, architecture, and landscapes.

From portraiture to travel shots and wedding photography, a quality wide-angle lens is a must for every camera bag.

To ensure you choose a lens that perfectly suits your needs, the following is a detailed guide that includes some of the best wide-angle lenses for Nikon, and the aspects to consider before buying one!

Review of the Best Wide-Angle Lenses For Nikon

Choosing the best wide-angle lens for your Nikon camera is no easy task. To help narrow down the options, the following are detailed reviews of the best wide-angle lenses available today. Read on to find the unit that best suits your needs!

Brand
Sigma
Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR
Sigma
Product
Sigma 10-20mm f/3.5 EX DC HSM ELD SLD Aspherical...
Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 24mm f/1.4G ED Wide-Angle...
Sigma 24mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens for Nikon F
Aperture
10-20mm
24mm
24mm
Focal Length
f/3.5
f/1.4G
f/1.4
Brand
Sigma
Product
Sigma 10-20mm f/3.5 EX DC HSM ELD SLD Aspherical...
Aperture
10-20mm
Focal Length
f/3.5
Brand
Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR
Product
Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 24mm f/1.4G ED Wide-Angle...
Aperture
24mm
Focal Length
f/1.4G
Brand
Sigma
Product
Sigma 24mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens for Nikon F
Aperture
24mm
Focal Length
f/1.4

Best Overall: Sigma 10-20mm f/3.5

Sigma 10-20mm f/3.5 EX DC HSM ELD SLD Aspherical...

PROS

  • Multi-layer coating helps reduce ghosting and flare
  • Hyper-sonic motor ensures speedy and quiet auto-focus
  • Comes with a lens hood, carrying case, and rear and front caps
  • Four aspherical lenses ensure distortions and color fringing are minimal
  • Inner focusing system completely eliminates the need for front lens rotation

CONS

  • The unit is not weather-sealed
  • Does not have the image stabilization feature

What Recent Buyers Report

Most buyers were extremely impressed with the quality of the Sigma 10-20mm f/3.5 and stated that it captured high-quality photos. Users were satisfied with the sharpness it provided and found that the auto-focus worked smoothly. However, some customers reported that the corners of the image were fuzzy, while some experienced flaring issues in sunlight.

Why it Stands Out to Us

Equipped with a seven-blade diaphragm and a quiet and fast ultrasonic auto-focus, the professional-grade Sigma really stands out from the crowd. Along with the contrast and sharpness being excellent, the unit is also incredibly consistent throughout the zoom range. Furthermore, color fringing is well controlled and distortion is barely noticeable, making it a truly superb lens.

Who Will Use This Most

The Sigma F3.5 is ideal for low-light photography. Designed with a super-short focal range and fixed aperture, the unit is the perfect option for architecture and landscapes, as well. It can also be used for wedding photography, building interiors, photojournalism, group pictures, and portraits.

Bottom Line

Bigger, better, and newer than the original 10-20mm, this high-performance DX-format lens simply cannot be beaten. Equipped with four aspherical lenses, a hyper-sonic motor, and an inner focusing system, the model helps capture high-quality photos. However, the lack of image stabilization might be troubling for some.

Sigma 10-20mm f/3.5 EX DC HSM ELD SLD Aspherical...
  • Ultra wide-angle of view with large maximum aperture of F3.5
  • Sharp images with high contrast and superior peripheral brightness
  • Super multi-layer lens coating reduces flare and ghosting

Runner-up: Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 24mm f/1.4G

Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 24mm f/1.4G ED Wide-Angle...

PROS

  • Weather-sealed unit ensures reliability, longevity, and durability
  • Rear focus eliminates front barrel rotation, providing fast and smooth auto-focus
  • Provides superior color correction and sharpness, at the widest aperture, as well
  • Nano-crystal coat reduces internal flare and ghosting, ensuring greater image clarity
  • Allows photographers to quickly and easily change between auto-focus and manual operation

CONS

  • The model is a bit large and heavy
  • Expensive compared to other units
  • Does not come with a vibration reduction feature

What Recent Buyers Report

Users were extremely impressed with the Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 24mm f/1.4G and constantly praised its steady performance, fast auto-focus, and the sharp, high-quality photos it captured. Buyers were also satisfied with the sturdy, quality build, with one user even stated he hadn’t noticed any field curvature. However, some buyers found it to be too expensive, while others reported that the focus was a bit off-the-mark.

Why it Stands Out to Us

The high-quality, amazingly contrasted images captured by the NIKKOR are what make it stand out. The unit provides a lot of detail in the highlights and shadows that other models are still struggling to achieve.

Furthermore, it enables photographers to shoot in low-light situations and at slower shutter speeds. Excellent separation of subjects and consistent, smooth bokeh further make this lens a close second.

Who Will Use This Most

The NIKKOR f/1.4G is extremely versatile and can be used for numerous types of photography. Since the unit beautifully isolates subjects from the background, it is the perfect option for portraiture. It further delivers an incredible performance from corner to center, making it ideal for architecture and landscape photography.

Bottom Line

A sharp, high-quality prime lens, the Nikon NIKKOR f/1.4G is sure to deliver exceptional results. With two ED elements, a nine-blade diaphragm, and a nano-crystal coat, the unit ensures a balanced performance through the entire aperture range. However, the Nikon is a bit expensive compared to other models.

Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 24mm f/1.4G ED Wide-Angle...
  • Compelling wide-angle perspective combined with an ultra-fast f/1.4 aperture serves the needs of...
  • Offers superior sharpness and color correction by effectively minimizing chromatic aberration, even...
  • Aspherical lens elements virtually eliminate coma and other types of aberration, even when shooting...

Best for the Money: Sigma 24mm f/1.4 DG

Sigma 24mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens for Nikon F

PROS

  • Smooth manual focus is incredibly easy to use
  • Hyper-sonic motor provides high-speed and quiet auto-focus
  • 9-blade diaphragm produces a beautiful out-of-focus background effect
  • Enables users to control focus position with shallow depth of field techniques better
  • Reduced chromatic aberration and distortion results in sharp images with incredible color rendition

CONS

  • Auto-focus might underperform sometimes
  • The unit is a bit heavy and is not weather-sealed

What Recent Buyers Report

Users were extremely impressed with the sharpness and optical quality of the Sigma 24mm f/1.4 provided. They liked the build quality and were particularly satisfied with the creamy bokeh. Customers also found the infinity focus reference to be extremely accurate, with one user even stating that it focused perfectly at far and near distances, and did not require any adjustments.

However, buyers reported that the focus speed was a bit slow and were disappointed with the lack of weather sealing.

Why it Stands Out to Us

Designed with four low-dispersion elements and fifteen elements in eleven groups, the Sigma f/1.4 DG has very impressive mechanics. At f/1.4, the lens creates an incredibly sharp center with softening in the corners. Details are also rendered extremely sharply at f/2 and images require very little additional improvement at narrower apertures.

Who Will Use This Most

The Sigma f/1.4 DG is ideal for videographers and photographers who need to shoot architecture, portraits, and landscape photography. As the unit has an impressive performance in low-light situations, it is also perfect for wedding photography where users need to capture dance floor shots or sunset portraits. It can also be used for indoor photography and astrophotography.

Bottom Line

A truly incredible model, the Sigma shines when it comes to sharpness and chromatic aberration and distortion characteristics. It is sturdily built, balances well, and auto-focuses with high precision and accuracy with the Sigma dock. However, the absence of weather sealing might be a problem for individuals who want to shoot outside in drizzly or windy conditions.

Sigma 24mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens for Nikon F
  • Minimum focus distance of 7.1
  • Carrying case, lens hood, front & rear caps
  • Best optical preformance in its category

Best Wide-Angle Lens for Nikon FX: Sigma 12-24mm f/4 DG

Sigma 12-24mm f/4 DG HSM Art Lens for Nikon F...

PROS

  • FLD glass elements ensure exceptional image quality
  • 9-blade diaphragm creates smooth bokeh, resulting in improved image quality
  • Brass bayonet mount is splash and dust-proof, ensuring longevity and durability
  • The unit can be used with Sigma’s USB dock, allowing fine-tuning and firmware updates
  • Largest aspherical element ever used minimizes spherical aberration, coma flare, and distortion

CONS

  • A bit heavier and bigger than the older Mk II edition
  • Users might experience some corner sharpness problems

What Recent Buyers Report

Almost all buyers were extremely satisfied with their purchase and recommended Sigma 12-24mm f/4 lens to real estate photographers. Users found the build quality to be impeccable and loved the fast focusing and sharp wide-angle. While they reported little to no barrel distortion, customers found it to be too heavy.

Why it Stands Out to Us

Delivering an incredibly wide maximum viewing angle, excellent image quality, and exceptional performance, the newer Sigma is designed with a constant aperture rating. The f/4, along with an advanced critical path, allows users to capture stunning landscape shots.

Since it features f/4 aperture through the entire zoom range, it is also brighter than previous models and boasts a faster shutter speed.

Who Will Use This Most

As the Sigma has minimal distortion, it is the perfect option for several different types of photography, including architecture photography, landscape photography, and interior photography. It can also be used for city and nature photography.

Bottom Line

A highly versatile and capable optic, the FX Sigma is certainly the best wide-angle lens for Nikon. Featuring coatings for durability and element protection and upgraded auto-focus, the model captures high-quality images almost every time. However, the heavy weight might be a problem for some.

Sigma 12-24mm f/4 DG HSM Art Lens for Nikon F...
  • It allows photographers to enjoy the world of zero distortion that is ideal for landscape or...
  • Continuing the tradition of the ultra wide angle range with incredible perspective, this new lens...
  • With F4 throughout the zoom range, it is one stop brighter than the previous model, allowing...

Best Wide-Angle Lens for Nikon DX and D3300: Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 10-20mm f/4.5-5.6G

Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 10-20mm f/4.5-5.6G VR Lens

PROS

  • Lightweight and compact design makes it extremely easy to carry around
  • Three aspherical lenses virtually eliminate all naturally occurring distortion
  • 7-blade aperture creates a beautifully soft, round blurring background effect
  • Super Integrated Coating reduces lens flare and ghosting in cross-lit or backlit situations
  • Allows users to create videos and photos with dramatic leading lines and easily capture small interior spaces

CONS

  • Does not have a focus distance scale
  • Distortion at the wider end of the range
  • Mounting plate is manufactured with plastic and might not be very durable

What Recent Buyers Report

Almost all buyers agree that the Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 10-20mm f/4.5-5.6G is an absolute hit! Users were particularly impressed with its compact and lightweight design and found the focus to be fast and accurate. They also stated that optics were wonderful, and images were clear, crisp, and nearly distortion-free.

However, customers reported that manual focus takes some getting used to, while some were disappointed with the lack of weather sealing.

Why it Stands Out to Us

The Nikon AF-P NIKKOR stands out to us for several different reasons. Firstly, its lightweight and compact design make it extremely easy to carry around. Secondly, it features Nikon’s newer stepping auto-focus motor that focuses 30% faster than older models. Lastly, it’s designed with a built-in vibration reduction feature, making it one of the first Nikon units to do so.

Who Will Use This Most

The ultra-wide-angle lens is the perfect option for shooting cityscapes, sprawling landscapes, interiors, architecture, and lovely group photos. Its lightweight design further makes it the perfect travel companion. However, it can only be used with Nikon’s newer DSLRs, so if you have an older model, this lens might not be suitable for you.

Bottom Line

To put it simply, the Nikon AF-P NIKKOR certainly deserves a place on our list of top picks. Designed with a silent and fast auto-focus motor and a seven-blade aperture, the unit captures crisp, sharp images with a beautifully soft background effect. However, the lack of a focus distance scale might be disappointing for some.

Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 10-20mm f/4.5-5.6G VR Lens
  • Ultra-wide-angle view that surpasses any Kit Lens and lets you get creative with Composition
  • Compact, lightweight, durable design that's great for travel and outings.Angle of view:109 degree to...
  • Outstanding Optics deliver beautiful photos and videos, even in challenging situations. Minimum...

Best Wide-Angle Lens for Nikon D750: Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 24-120mm

Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4G ED Vibration...

PROS

  • Reduced interior flare and ghosting ensures greater image clarity
  • The unit practically eliminates coma and all other types of aberration
  • Exclusive Silent Wave Motor enables accurate, quiet, and fast auto-focus
  • Focus mode switch allows users to change between auto-focus and manual operation quickly
  • Super-integrated coating delivers superior color consistency by enhancing light transmission efficiency

CONS

  • Might not be able to track fast-moving subjects
  • Performance at 120mm zoom range is quite weak
  • Telephoto and wide ends might have a bit of vignetting and distortion

What Recent Buyers Report

The majority of people who invested in the Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4G were extremely happy with their purchase. Users loved the solid build and the smooth focus rings.

They also stated that the unit was sharp, found focus incredibly fast, and said it was reasonably distortion-free. However, some customers found it to be too heavy, while some reported too much vignetting in the corners.

Why it Stands Out to Us

The exceptional performance of the Nikon at shorter focal lengths truly sets it apart from its competitors. Although center sharpness is outstanding, even wide open, the best sharpness can be achieved at f/8. Furthermore, the auto-focus Silent Wave Motor is quick, accurate, and quiet, even in challenging light conditions, making it one of our top picks.

Who Will Use This Most

Specifically designed for advanced amateur and professional photographers that are looking for a mid-range lens equipped with image stabilization, the Nikon AF-S can be used for several different types of photography, including nature, wedding, travel, and street photography.

Bottom Line

The Nikon AF-S 24-120mm is undoubtedly a very versatile and sharp lens that can be optically compared to some of the professional lenses by Nikon, like the Nikon f/2.8G 24-70mm. Offering an exceptional performance at shorter focal lengths, the unit is perfect for wedding and nature photography. However, it might not be able to track fast-moving subjects.

Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4G ED Vibration...
  • Compact and versatile 5x standard zoom lens with f/4 maximum aperture
  • Maximum reproduction ratio: 0.24x.Focal Length Range : 24 to 120 millimeter, Minimum Focus Distance...
  • Extended range on Nikon DX format DSLR cameras

Best Nikon D3400 Wide-Angle Lens: Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 AT-X116 Pro DX II

Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 AT-X116 Pro DX II Digital...

PROS

  • Backed by a 3-year warranty
  • Helps create incredibly sharp images with excellent contrast
  • Nine shutter blades help create a soft, beautiful out-of-focus background effect
  • Multi-layer coatings enhance optical performance by minimizing light reflection
  • f/2.8 aperture ensures active auto-focus, minimal blur when shooting in low-light conditions, and fast shutter speeds

CONS

  • The unit has a shorter focal range than other models
  • Users might experience some barrel distortion at 11mm
  • Lens cap has virtually no depth for fingers on the squeeze buttons

What Recent Buyers Report

Most photographers had positive reviews for the Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 and recommended it to other potential buyers, as well. Users found the unit to be incredibly sharp and loved the auto-manual slip ring. They also stated that it worked beautifully with lens filters and had a very solid build. However, some customers reported that the focus motor was slow, while some were disappointed with the unit’s weight.

Why it Stands Out to Us

While there are several reasons why the Tokina Pro DX II deserves to be on this list, its f/2.8 aperture is what truly sets it apart. One of the fastest models available today, the aperture remains constant through the entire zoom range. Furthermore, it’s capable of stopping and capturing the action in low light conditions better than other models.

Who Will Use This Most 

Particularly designed for DSLRs with APS-C size CCD or CMOS sensors, the Tokina Pro DX II is the ideal option for environmental portraits and group photos. The unit can also be used for automobile, landscape, architecture, and interior photography.

Bottom Line

All in all, the Tokina Pro DX II is certainly the best Nikon D3400 wide-angle lens. The nine shutter blades create a beautiful out-of-focus background effect, while the f/2.8 aperture ensures quick auto-focus, minimal blur, and fast shutter speeds. However, the heavy weight of the model might be disappointing for some.

Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 AT-X116 Pro DX II Digital...
  • USA Version. 3 Year Tokina Warranty included. Intended for sale within the USA.
  • Aperture Range: f/2.8 to f/22 Designed for Cameras with APS-C Sensors
  • Two Aspheric Lens Elements Two Super-Low Dispersion Lens Elements

Best Nikon D3200 Wide-Angle Lens: Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6

PROS

  • Comes with a hood, carrying case, and rear and front caps
  • Hyper Sonic Motor ensures high-speed, quiet auto-focusing
  • Ensures optimum image quality through the entire zoom range
  • Wide 102º angle helps offer greater and better freedom of expression
  • 2 hybrid aspherical lenses and glass mold offer incredible correction for distortion

CONS

  • Focus ring is a bit stiff
  • The unit is unable to control flare well
  • Light falloff or vignetting and chromatic aberration are a bit high

What Recent Buyers Report

Most people were extremely satisfied with the Sigma 10-20mm and were impressed with the images it captured. They found the unit to be incredibly solid and stated that it had a fast focus. Users also reported that it captured sharp images and loved the quick manual focus override.

However, customers experienced distortion at 12mm and were disappointed that the images were soft and blurry towards the edges.

Why it Stands Out to Us

The Sigma 10-20mm stands out from the crowd for several different reasons. First, its build quality is incredible and ensures durability, reliability, and longevity. Secondly, the zoom and focus controls operate smoothly, while the wide-open aperture offers good sharpness through the focal length range and frame. Lastly, the Hypersonic Motor focuses quietly and quickly without rotating any filter threads.

Who Will Use This Most

The Sigma 10-20mm is an incredibly powerful tool for landscape photography, indoor shooting, and numerous different wide-angle applications. It can also be used for shooting building interiors and for party and group pictures.

Bottom Line

To put it simply, the Sigma 10-20mm certainly deserves to be on our list of top picks. Designed with a wide 102º angle, the unit is perfect for landscape photography. The Hyper Sonic Motor further ensures fast and quiet auto-focus, while the two hybrid aspherical lenses minimize distortion. However, the Sigma is unable to control flare well.

Best Nikon D5200 Wide-Angle Lens: Nikon 70-300 mm f/4-5.6G

Nikon 70-300 mm f/4-5.6G Zoom Lens with Auto Focus...

PROS

  • Offers excellent value for money
  • The unit is incredibly lightweight and easy to carry around
  • High-quality construction ensures reliability, longevity, and durability
  • Main zoom barrel is designed with a deep rubber grip, making it extremely comfortable to use
  • D-type design delivers accurate distance information for ambient light and flash exposure process

CONS

  • Auto-focus speed is a bit slow
  • Has a poor performance at 300mm
  • The model does not have dust protection

What Recent Buyers Report

Many buyers stated that the Nikon 70-300 mm f/4-5.6G was fun to use and helped them shoot with a newer and fresher perspective. They loved the smooth zoom and found the pictures to be beautiful and sharp. One user even said that the unit extracted tiny elements from the environment that were previously ignored.

However, customers were disappointed with the quality of the plastic lens connections and reported that the unit was unable to track fast-moving objects.

Why it Stands Out to Us

The easy-to-handle zoom lens captures incredible images, especially when it’s used with a tripod. Equipped with a 300mm focal length, the model is capable of bringing even the farthest action closer. The unit’s innovative D-type design further offers precise metering and distance information to fully compatible DSLRs.

Who Will Use This Most

The Nikon 70-300mm is the ideal option for many daylight telephoto subjects and can be used for portraiture and wildlife photography. It is also the perfect model for candids, sports, and travel photography.

Bottom Line

Featuring thirteen elements in nine groups, the Nikon 70-300mm is undoubtedly the best Nikon D5200 wide-angle lens. The deep rubber grip makes it extremely comfortable to use, while the compact design makes it extremely easy to carry around. Although the Nikon has outstanding performance at shorter ends, the image quality deteriorates when you zoom.

Nikon 70-300 mm f/4-5.6G Zoom Lens with Auto Focus...
  • Nikon 70 300 millimeter f/4 5.6G AF Nikkor SLR Camera Lens; Maximum Reproduction Ratio 0.26x
  • Focal length range: 70 300 millimeter, minimum focus distance: 4.9 ft.; (1.5 m); maximum angle of...
  • Accepts 62 millimeter filters, count on genuine Nikon optics for outstanding picture quality;...

Comparison of the Best Wide Angle Lenses For Nikon Cameras

What is a Wide-Angle Lens?

A wide-angle lens can be defined as a lens with a wide field of view and a short focal length. In simpler terms, the lens enables the DSLR to capture and include more of the scene compared to a normal lens, making it ideal for applications that require photographers to capture more background information, such as landscape and architectural photography.

black nikon camera with on a black surface

Source

A wide-angle lens also enables photographers to get incredibly close to the subject without excluding essential elements from the background, giving you the feeling of viewing the scene or landscape with your own eyes, instead of from a photograph.

When Would You Use a Wide-Angle Lens?

As mentioned above, wide-angle lenses are usually used for scenes where photographers need to capture and include as much as possible. Some common uses include:

Wedding Photography

Wedding photographers are often faced with the challenge of including a large number of people in photographs. Thus, wide-angle lenses are perfect for wedding photography, as they allow the extra expansiveness needed for group and wedding photos that include the entire family.

Landscape Photography

Wide-angle lenses are the perfect option for capturing the alluring seascapes, landscapes, and populous cityscapes. In order to capture landscape images that truly stand out from the crowd, you’ll need to shoot from a different perspective, and this perspective can be delivered by a wide-angle lens.

Sports Photographers

Most venues for sports, including courts and fields, are incredibly wide. Thus, if you want to include the entire field when photographing soccer, baseball, rugby, or any other sport, a wide-angle lens is essential. Wide-angle lenses also have lower apertures and allow more light in, enabling photographers to increase the shutter speed.  

How to Choose a Wide-Angle Lens

With so many different models available today, choosing the best wide-angle lens can be a very time-consuming and difficult task. To ensure you purchase a quality model, the following are some things you should consider before making your purchase:

Mount

Probably the most essential feature to consider is the style of camera mount the lens supports. It’s important that the wide-angle lens you purchase is designed with the same type of mount that your DSLR has, or else the lens won’t fit onto your camera.

Size and Weight

A wide-angle lens can be heavy. Some models have the same weight as telephotos and easily pass the two-pound mark. If you’re planning on shooting a lot of travel and landscape photography, then a lightweight and compact model might be better.

Depth of Field

A wider focal length results in a greater zone of acceptable sharpness. Quality lenses maximize the depth of field, enabling photographers to shoot quickly without taking a lot of time, for precise and accurate focusing.

Able to Withstand Meteorological Conditions

Quality lenses are usually weather-sealed. If you’re planning on shooting in areas where the weather can negatively affect the lens, it’s essential that you choose a model that’s dust and weather-sealed, so nothing gets damaged.

Aspects to Consider Before Buying

Choosing the right lens can be a very technical and time-consuming task. To help you find the right model, the following are some factors you should consider before you add the lens to your camera bag:

Focal Length

Wide-angle lenses can be divided into ultra-wide-angle lenses and moderate-wide-angle lenses. A moderate-wide-angle is ideal for wedding, street, and travel photography, as it enables users to photograph quickly without focusing on a single point. On the other hand, ultra-wide-angle lenses are ideal for capturing silhouettes, seascapes, and real estate photography.

Wide-angle models can be as long as 35mm, while super-wide options are as short as 8mm. A smaller focal length allows you to fit more elements in a single shot, so make sure you consider the focal length of the lens before purchasing one.

Prime or Zoom

Zoom lenses are more versatile, while prime lenses usually capture sharper images. If you need a model for a particular purpose, such as for wedding photography, then a prime lens is a better option. However, if you need a lens for travel or street photography, then a versatile zoom lens is advisable.

Aperture

The aperture or F-stop of a lens determines the amount of light it lets in and how well it isolates a subject from the background with a soft blur effect. Lenses with lower F-stops are ideal for low-light situations, while a higher F-stop number captures more of the image in complete focus.

How to Use a Wide-Angle Lens

Wide-angle lenses are one of the most difficult units to use in videography and photography. The wider the lens, the more challenging and difficult it is to handle. To help you capture stunning images, the following are some tips on how to use a wide-angle lens:

Understand the Properties of the Lens

Perhaps the most important aspect of using this unit is to fully understand how it renders objects and subjects at different distances. Objects closer to the lens appear disproportionally large, while objects further away appear disproportionally small.

Get in Close and Fill Your Frame

In order to get the subjects in the frame look the way you want, it’s essential to move the DSLR farther, closer, up, or down.

Keep the DSLR Level

Keystoning is one of the biggest concerns when it comes to wide-angle lenses. That’s why it’s essential that you check the pitch of the lens. If you want the vertical lines to be vertical, then it’s essential that the DSLR’s sensor is completely vertical.

Check the Edges

When you frame the image, make sure to check the corners and edges of the frame. While a small change in the angle might not drastically affect the subject, it can significantly affect the background. A slight shake of the hand can be the difference between cropping or including the roof of a building.

People Also Ask

Selecting the best wide-angle lens can be a very technical and difficult task. To ensure you make a well-informed decision, here are some frequently asked questions:

What is the Best Focal Length For a Wide-Angle Lens?

A focal length of 17-35mm is perfect for photographers who need a wide or an ultra-wide-angle lens. A focal length of 17mm enables users to include more in the frame, while 35mm is usually preferred by most photojournalists.

Do I Need a Wide-Angle Lens For Landscapes?

Yes, a wide-angle lens is essential if you want to capture stunning landscape photographs. Wide-angle lenses are able to fit more into the scene, allowing photographers to capture and include as many elements as possible. The optics of wide-angle lenses are also incredibly more complex than telephoto or normal lenses.

Is 18mm a Wide-Angle Lens?

An 18mm lens can be defined as a moderate-wide-angle lens and is a great option for architecture, landscapes, and environmental portraiture.

Is a 50mm a Wide-Angle Lens?

A 50mm equates to approximately 35mm for cropped sensors or APS-C and is considered a normal focal length for full-frame cameras. A focal length wider than 35mm for APS-C or 50mm for full-frame can be defined as a wide-angle lens.

Is 55mm a Wide-Angle Lens?

A lens with a focal length of 55mm is not a wide-angle lens, but a short telephoto lens that’s perfect for taking portraits and compressing perspective and closing or focusing in on details.

What are Standard Sizes of a Wide-Angle Lens?

Common focal lengths of wide-angle lenses include 14mm, 17mm, 21mm, 24mm, 28mm, and 35mm. However, some companies develop lenses that have a focal length as low as 6mm.

What is the Difference Between a Wide-Angle Lens and a Telephoto Lens?

The main difference between a telephoto and a wide-angle lens is the field of view offered. A wide-angle lens offers a field of view ranging from 64° to 84°, while ultra-wide-angle lenses offer more than 100°. On the other hand, telephoto lenses cover a narrower field of view, ranging from 30°-10°, with super-telephoto lenses offering a field of view of 8°–1°.

Conclusion

Due to the sheer number of models, choosing the best wide-angle lens is no easy task. All the aforementioned lenses are excellent choices that can help photographers capture stunning, amazing photos. For us, the best wide-angle lens is the Sigma 10-20mm, but make sure you read all the reviews to find the lens that best suits your needs!