Im debating on this lens or a fixed 14mm for landscape/astrophotography, any suggestions?
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.
747379
This lens would provide you with more versatility than a prime lens. It would also be less expensive than a 14mm with AF. Have a look at the photos I've captured with this lens: http://dustinwhitson.wix.com/photography#!landscapes/c8u2
747380
This was my first lens bought for the exact same purpose you've stated in your question. The lens is great for parties, architectural shots, landscape and maybe some night shots but definitely not the best for astrophotography. I would recommend the Tokina 11 - 16mm F/2.8, its a far much better lens. Also I need to mention that the Tamron is quite soft around the edges.
747381
A fixed lens will always have superior performance and a larger aperture than a zoom lens- this is a given. I have used the Tamron zoom as my normal lens for over two years and have been quite happy with it. It has no egregious flaws. If you plan to use it only as a 14mm lens, you should buy a fixed lens. If you plan to use it for a variety of things, the Tamron should do well.
1463261
Did you ever get a lens? I'm making the same decision now. If so, what did you buy? Are you happy with your decision? Is there anything else you would add that would help me make a decision. Thanks!
1606758
No problem at all. This lens is a quality piece of glass. I took pictures of the moon hand held and they turned out great. On a tripod they would be even better. Hope this helps.
1139200
It's a phenomenal lens ... One of my favs ! It does however have a very specific place in my lenses , meaning : it's not for everything . It's an ultra wide lens and in as much there is image distortion around the outer rim (like a bubble /fisheye but not as pronounced) ...when used correctly it's breathtaking though -- I also shoot a lot of weddings and this lens may only come out once or twice at a wedding ...maybe you're looking for something a little more rounded (productivity wise) ? You can see some sample images on my Facebook page Dreamshift Photography ...my cover photo (among others ) are with the 14mm ...if you have any further questions I'll be glad to answer them :) Jeremiah.gribble@gmail.com or dreamshift photography on Facebook :)
173418
Hi, I was faced with the same dilemma last year. I chose 14-45. It is a sharp lens with good auto focus and stabilization. I use it mainly as a travel lens and photograph historical monuments.Prakash
927307
Try a 9mm,, 4mm is even better. I can see 4 of jupiter's moons pretty clearly when focused.
1260178
I don't know about this lens specifically, but I would want a wider range lens. I got a 14mm - 200mm lens and find I use that most and a 14mm (pancake) lens that I use to keep the camera in a pocket. I think the lens you suggested has most of the size of the larger one without as much of the range, but I am not a professional photographer.
528653
Does that lack of image stabilization in the 20 mm lens factor in against choosing it over the 14-45 lens? I think I'm all set to get the 20 mm lens after doing my research and reading these comments, but that was one area I was still questioning.
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.
465320
I would recommend the 17-40mm unless you are really into wide angle nature shots.
1856383
It is a hell of a great lens for its price. If you have extra money you can consider other lenses such as: Nikon 17-35mm f/2.8D ED-IF AF-S Zoom Nikkor Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras (http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-17-35mm-Nikkor-Digital-Cameras/dp/B00005LEOS) again, if you have extra money. I have used both but I was happier with this 18-35mm lens because it's so light weight. Unless you have an old camera with not-so-great ISO performance or you like to do astrophotography, I think this lens can make many people happy.
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.
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.
2175608
You will get more coverage with the 14. I have the lens and I am very impressed with image qulity and the minimal distortion from such a wide lens...its still not cheap but is a great lens.
1929240
14mm if the majority of what you shoot is lanscape/outdoor 20mm is king for indoor or portrait.
385634
I don't know, but the 14-40 is designated PRO and is sharp wide open. A F2 lens is often soft wide open. At 14mm my lens has little distortion if any and is sharp and contrasty at all focal lengths. Good luck on your decision!
1139205
I would generally use the 85mm f1.2. The only use I could imagine for the 14 mm in wedding photography would be at destination weddings where you want to combine wedding party and landscape. However, the lens will give plenty sharp images hand-held unless you are shooting in the dark or have a tremor. Please note that there is significant edge distortion despite a sharp image. If you want the entire wedding party on the beach in front of Diamond Head, this is your lens. Otherwise, not so much.