If you’re a landscape photographer or astrophotographer looking for the most expansive field of view possible, then try to get close to 10mm. Frequently you’ll see a trend, maybe 27mm tends to pop up more often than not, giving you an idea of what focal range to shop for. One good way to determine whether you need a zoom is to examine the EXIF data of your favorite images. Generally, high-quality modern zoom lenses can match primes for a given focal length but will still be more expensive and usually have slower apertures (see below). They also have optics optimized for a given focal length for superior image quality. Prime lenses tend to be cheaper than zoom lenses. Zoom lenses can adjust between a specified focal range. Prime lenses have a fixed field of view you “zoom” by moving yourself around as needed. Lens focal length will vary depending on whether it is a zoom or a prime lens. Even the humble kit lens can tap into wide-angle territory.
As stated earlier, anything under 35mm full frame field of view can be considered a wide-angle lens.
The focal length is what determines whether a lens classifies as wide-angle or not. Canon users are spoiled for choice, and there are plenty of great options to look over.īut where to begin in the search for the perfect Canon wide-angle lens? What should I be looking for in a Wide-Angle Lens? Focal Length
It creates a sense of place and space around the main subject that gives excellent context for a given image.
Wide-angle lenses offer an expanded field of view that’s great for landscapes, architecture, street, nature, and event photography. Therefore, it is not a truly wide-angle lens. With a 1.6x crop factor, a 28mm lens on your T7i is actually a 44.8 mm full-frame equivalent. If you’re using an APS-C, then you’ll quickly start to understand why they’re known as “cropped” sensors.Ĭrop factor comes into play here if you’re using one of Canon’s many APS-C sensor cameras. Strictly speaking, anything under the standard full-frame equivalent of 35mm is considered “wide-angle” because it encompasses a view somewhat larger than that of normal human vision. Kit lenses usually offer a wide-angle field of view down to 18mm (27mm full-frame equivalent), but sometimes it’s nice to be able to go even wider. Of all the lenses a camera owner needs, the dedicated wide-angle lens is not always the first choice.