Is this truly a wide angle lens? I've read that it is miss marked and I really want to shoot landscapes....
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It behaves as it is marked. Remember that this is a D-SLR only lens and is made for C-sized sensors. Consequently, it behaves like a 50mm lens (when compared to film camera). So it is definitely not a "wide" angle lens :-) So not a lens for the stereotypical landscape pictures but I am pretty sure one can take beautiful landscape pictures with just about any type of lens :-) The lens does have a wide aperture and behaves quite fast. I had bought it for my Minolta Maxxum 7D camera but I had to sell it since this lens was having focusing issues with my Minolta. The buyer had a Sony D-SLR and the lens performed perfectly fine on his camera :-) It behaves as it is marked. Remember that this is a D-SLR only lens and is made for C-sized sensors. Consequently, it behaves like a 50mm lens (when compared to film camera). So it is definitely not a "wide" angle lens :-) So not a lens for the stereotypical landscape pictures but I am pretty sure one can take beautiful landscape pictures with just about any type of lens :-) The lens does have a wide aperture and behaves quite fast. I had bought it for my Minolta Maxxum 7D camera but I had to sell it since this lens was having focusing issues with my Minolta. The buyer had a Sony... » Read More It behaves as it is marked. Remember that this is a D-SLR only lens and is made for C-sized sensors. Consequently, it behaves like a 50mm lens (when compared to film camera). So it is definitely not a "wide" angle lens :-) So not a lens for the stereotypical landscape pictures but I am pretty sure one can take beautiful landscape pictures with just about any type of lens :-) The lens does have a wide aperture and behaves quite fast. I had bought it for my Minolta Maxxum 7D camera but I had to sell it since this lens was having focusing issues with my Minolta. The buyer had a Sony D-SLR and the lens performed perfectly fine on his camera :-) « Show Less
1708284
I believe it is more for close ups. The detail is amazing. It can pass as a wide angle in a pinch.
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It is 50mm on a aps sensor and 35mm on a full frame. Normally landscapes are shot with a wider angle lens.
1913180
Hi Raymond,Canon has terrific email response to questions like yours. They respond within a day. I have used it more than once. I suspect the answer is yes, but it is best to check with them. I don't know where you live, but if there is a professional camera store they could also answer your question. I hope this helps even though I didn't directly answer your question.I can say it is an awesome lens. If you think about it we see in wide angel. This lens is great in every way.Bruce
1025742
This is a wide angle lens intended for taking pics of scenery and architecture. It's not optimal for taking pictures of people, but at 22mm it is capable without a doubt.
747378
For landscape it's amazing. I have not tried it yet for astrophotography. I did take some amazing sunsets with it but have not tried it with stars. For that i'm thinking of buying the Rokinon 24mm f1.4. That lens is a fixed lens but that's what you will need for shooting the stars. This is an amazing carry in your bag lens though. It takes incredible sharp photos! I love it! I will try to go out tonight and see about the stars but I think with the 3.5 aperture I probably won't get great images. I would buy this again.
441440
I would consider it a normal lens. That said it is definitely on the border between 'normal' and 'wide'.
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Hi Richard Yes it is a wider lens and very sharp minimal distortion. I use it a lot for landscapes etc. it's very small and light and for the price I think it's worth it
284509
It is a good all around lens, however it´s not particularly a wide angle. If you are really into landscape photography and you already have a standard zoom lens, i recomend to go for a tokina 11-16 or a sigma 10-20. I´ve owned the second one, and if you get a good copy, it´s one of the best values in the market for DX cameras.
477810
It's a very nice portrait lens but how you are going to use a 120mm lens for landscape It depends on you you!! The Lens is a perfect Macro lens and I love to have it with me whenever I use my EM5.
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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.
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Which one did you finish up with? I'm interested because you said that you shoot mainly lanscapes, so why would you part with the 17-40mm? If your option had been for the 16-35mm f2.8L, I could have understood the reason, but a 24mm lens on any new camera (assuming it's not a film body, 5D or 1Ds) is only going to give you 31mm (1D) or 38mm (the rest). Not much good for landscape work.BTW, the 24-70mm eats the 24-105mm alive when it comes to contrast and sharpness, IS or not!
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.
1381524
Like any tool, it depends on what you want to use it for. This is probably the best lens out there for wide angle, night sky photography (although the 35mm 1.4 is very good too), and will be good for a wide variety of applications. Either one will do well in low light, but since I usually take photos of people, I have a preference for the 35mm. Either lens, when used in bright light, loses a lot of their advantages unless you intentionally place your camera in aperture priority mode and keep shooting in wide apertures.
400573
Really a nice lens and I believe it can. Check 'NikonUSA' for more info. It's really good close up but also a nice 'Normal' lens. Have fun and keep shooting.
1356284
no. It is not a Macro lens. Try the Micro 105 or 60, depending on your camera sensor. Whoa... I just read the other comments. It is a very sharp lens with a short minimum focusing distance, but it is designed for wide shots... It's a wide angle lens. It's the lens you would use to photograph a mountain range. Close up, the distortion is horrible on an FX sensor. On a DX, it's the equivalent of a 42mm - still considered a wide angle lens. Research Macro photography... meaning close up. Most Flowers need the magnification to fill the frame.
2264754
it is a good lens for shots that are not close. The 55 does not do wide shots well if you are close to the subject.. I have one for sale if you want it. blubman@hotmail.com
94311
Definately get the Sony High Grade wide accessory lens....its sharp as a tack, and really lets you take advantage of the widescreen 16 X 9 format. Its wonderful for scenics....and helps with indoor shots too....secondly....get the largest battery you can afford.....and third...pick up an 8 or 16 gig pro duo memory stick to "trick out" this great camera. If you plan on doing some serious shooting the dedicated Sony VCT-80AV tripod is great...all the major control functions built into the tripod grip (including a great "slow zoom". It connects directly to the camera through a small port on the right side of the camera near the rear. Bill in Missouri
1125762
If taken outdoor pictures then this will be wonderful lens. I do most landscape and occasionally indoor portraits. It give you very sharp pictures and autofocus is so quick at dark environment. Remember this is a prime lens, not 24-70 nor 70-200 mm F2.8, you have to be very creative and zoom in/out by your foot. I sold mine Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 to get this one and no regret (I like the Sigma very well and was too heavy when hiking, nothing wrong with that lens, just to clarify)