How well does this lense perform wide angle applications?
1587466
To be completely honest, my life got on hold shortly after I got this lens, so I haven't had a chance to play with it. Sorry.
1587467
In my opinion it performs well in the lower numbers, 17-35ish mm. But you would probably be better off renting one for half a day or w/e your local photography stores rent them by; per day, half day, hour.
1587468
I use my Canon 17-85mm lens to shoot underwater either for people shots or when I think there's a chance of seeing some large charismatic megafauna, but don't want to risk missing the other smaller subjects. I find it to be a decent all around lens, but as you can imagine, its not quite wide enough (originally wanted the 15-85mm, but it wouldn't fit in the Ikelite housing/port) for really big critters and its macro doesn't allow the photographer to approach close enough to the subject - especially if it's a small target. If you have the money and are solely interested in wide angle photography, invest in a superwide zoom 10-22mm or similar. If you're looking for an all purpose lens, this is a decent choice for the price.
1587469
the 17-85 gives a slight wide angle. I use it outdoors all the time (yosemite, grand canyon, etc.). I personally find that true wide-angle lenses are too specific in function. This lens makes for a great all-around lens to have on hand when out and about in a natural setting where you don't want to haul in multiple lenses.
62012
I don't have experience with a large lens, but the base is very sturdy so I would expect it to do well.
342852
Overall I am delighted with the image quality of this lens. I'd prefer to use the 24mm setting to minimize distortion in a group of people (if conditions permit). I use it mainly as a landscape lens and still use it extensively.
1354146
It depends on how close you're talking about. 17mm isn't extremely wide like say a 10mm but it should unless you're standing really close to them. With any focal length running in that range you're still apt to get the occasional focal distortion such as rounded edges. To me it's still maybe my favorite lens that I've ever owned.
1356282
It doesn't get super close, but it's really damn sharp. If you want to get closer, I'd suggest Sigma's 28mm f1.8 macro (they also have a 24, a 50, etc.)The macros are reviewed well enough, may not be as optimal in the corners, but for center-frame macro shots, everything else will be bokeh-d out anyway. This is more of a perfect travel lens- sharp as anything corner to corner for the landscape shots, and wide f1.8 for the people shots, while still being practical and relatively distortion-free.
694137
I use this lens with the NEX7, and it has become my most used lens. Some slight distortion on close ups but very predictable and does not mar the great quality shots. This is an extension lens, you can only use it with the basic wide angle. Together they make a very good flexible combination, and this clips on and off in seconds.
1696785
This is a great lens for the money. I use mine for all the reasons you stated, and have been pleased with the photos I have gotten. I have used it with an A700, A350, A55, and A77 and it performered great with these cameras. It is plastic housing which many think derides the lens, but I have found nothing to support this complaint. It is a good general lens, and I would buy this again if needed.
879554
It is a more versatile wide lens. It isn't super wide, just really wide. There is no fish-eye effect. It is far too wide for most portraits. However, it isn't quite sharp enough for landscape in my opinion. It is nothing more than an affordable lens that gives you a somewhat quality product for the price.
637624
No, the wide angle view is fine with the standard lense. Yes, it has a remote that works great.
2060160
I have had no issues with fast and accurate focusing on this lens, in any lighting situation it has preformed great!
1663406
I purchased this lens specifically for group shots. The wide angle allows you to fit everyone comfortably in the frame. You definitely have to change the aperture to ensure everyone is in focus. I probably stand around 15-20ft away from the group and use an f/stop of 4 or 5.. Possibly higher depending on the situation. You can always test different settings to see what works best at the time. Awesome lens! Bring great depth to your images
692355
Great lens man, its very stable and fluid; I find it to be incredibly helpful for wides as well as shots in tighter. No buyers regret at all. Get this lens!! It is far more versatile with a full frame for sure. And good luck on your project! Would love to hear about it! Connect with me through facebook at facebook.com/ryan.monolopolus . Take care!!
1671727
I have several L lenses, and my sense is that this lens is not inferior to those lenses. I think it captures excellent images; but, I am not a professional photographer. And I am not rough on lenses; I take great care not to expose any lens to situations that might damage them. In other words, the build quality may or may not be L level, but I will never know. It's great for walking around and getting shots that might otherwise be inaccessible. If you want a lens that is small in size but big in reach, this is it.
1662822
Great for Macro work and I am still experimenting with wide angle views. Best images appear at F/32 and F/45 with a 90mm 1.8 Schneider-Kreuznach , mounted on a Master Technika Linhof 4x5. Hope this helps.
621855
I just got this lens but so far it seem good for general purpose photography. It helps to use a smaller aperture for wider depth of field.
835235
It's a good wide angle lens for full frame cameras that is less expensive than the 14-24f2.8 or a tilt shift lens (for real estate). It's not as fast as the f2.8 lens however, but using a tripod can solve that. If you are using a crop frame camera (i.e. not a D3, D4, D800, D600, etc), then you don't need this, as it provides similar results to the kit 18-55mm lens.
1695327
I agree it not a super/ ultra wide. I'm not sure that is it's best use anyways. It is as wide as I could find at f/1.8 at 18mm (27mm relative) at this price point with near perfect clarity. I use mine for indoor group shots and can tell you it is wide enough for that and the pictures are amazing with this glass. If you really want wide angle then I would consider prime lens.