Buying Wide angle Lense (Considering Crop Factor)

[smphoto]

Hi All,

I have read the "What is Crop Facor ???" thread which was great for getting a simple explanation.

I own a Nikon D80, and am in the market for a wide angle lense. I want to take large group shots, and also landscapes that enable me to maintain focus on the distant background etc. for example taking a photo low to the ground at the beach to get the sand texture in close, and the sky/clouds in the backgound giving the pitcure a deep perspective... or something like that...

I am slightly confused. If i consider the Crop Factor of 1.5X does this mean that if i buy a 28mm lense such as the AF Nikkor 28mm f/2.8D, that it will act more like a 42mm lense????

If the above is true, should i be looking at the AF Nikkor 20mm f/2.8D ED lense to get a true wide angle lense.

Any suggestions will be appreciated:)

[ladyups]

I do believe you are thinking correctly. Since the crop factor of our digital cameras can't 'see' as much as the old 35 mm cameras, we have a crop factor. I came across this great article that explains it really well...hope it helps you make your decision. To me, if you are planning on landscape photography, you should go with the widest lens you can buy.

http://www.digital-slr-guide.com/crop-factor.html

[jerryph]

You do have the right thinking. However, don't limit yourself to just wide angles... for the Nikon, there are a few choices out there, like ultra-wide angles and even fisheye lenses.

Sigma makes the 10-20mm ultra-wide
Tokina makes the 11-16mm ultra-wide
Sigma and Nikon both make a 10.5mm fisheye

Whatever you decide on, try out the lens before paying for it, if you can. This is an area where tastes vary wildly and can make a the difference between very happy or disappointed.

My personal fav of this bunch is the Sigma 10-20mm. It is a little slow, but excellent quality lens.

[tekkies]

I do believe you are thinking correctly. Since the crop factor of our digital cameras can't 'see' as much as the old 35 mm cameras, we have a crop factor. I came across this great article that explains it really well...hope it helps you make your decision. To me, if you are planning on landscape photography, you should go with the widest lens you can buy.

http://www.digital-slr-guide.com/crop-factor.html

Hi ladyups, thanks for this link...great info to help me understand better

[ladyups]

You are most welcome! Glad the link was helpful.

[ddvitale]

You do have the right thinking. However, don't limit yourself to just wide angles... for the Nikon, there are a few choices out there, like ultra-wide angles and even fisheye lenses.

Sigma makes the 10-20mm ultra-wide
Tokina makes the 11-16mm ultra-wide
Sigma and Nikon both make a 10.5mm fisheye

Whatever you decide on, try out the lens before paying for it, if you can. This is an area where tastes vary wildly and can make a the difference between very happy or disappointed.

My personal fav of this bunch is the Sigma 10-20mm. It is a little slow, but excellent quality lens.

I have the Sigma 10-20mm and am quite happy with it. It handles quite well.

[RRRoger]

12-24mm f/4G ED-IF AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor AF Lens

This is the premium wide angle lense for your camera.
I have one and highly recommend it.

[jerryph]

Sigma have a new 10-20mm F/3.5 which is supposed to be excellent as well.

Wider and faster than the Nikon variant. I did not price the 2 lenses.