Looking for a Wide Angle Lens/Adapter for a Nikon D50. Any advice on them?

Question

I shoot real estate for a magazine (freelance), and this past job, I was shooting 400 sq. foot furnished studios for a magazine, and found it hard to really get the "overall" interior shot because of my lens.

My main lens is an 28-80, but looking to pick up a wide angle lens or adapter. But I want something good (since a company will be picking up the tab). Ineed something that will give me a wide view without much distortion (like a fish eye). Any suggestions?

Answer 1

The 28-80 is terrible for wide angle.  Instead, look at a Sigma 10-20mm.  Many people will point you towards a ridiculous test by that gadfly Ken Rockwell, who doesn't use a lens hood on his lenses.  Instead, see Thom Hogan, who is a real working photographer:

http://www.bythom.com/sigma10to20.htm

Also, E. David Luria, who I have met and observed, uses the Sigma 10-20mm to do his architectural clients in the DC area.  Here's his website, and I'm sure if you wrote to him he'd tell you what lenses he uses:

http://www.edavidluriaphotography.com/ab...

Or you could spend a lot of money on a Nikon 12-24mm.  Your choice.  I suggest going to the camera store and trying out some lenses:  Nikon 12-24mm, Sigma 10-20mm, or Tokina 12-24mm.  Your bucks after all.  Forget that adapter on the front of your lens.  Terrible idea.

Answer 2

Just buy a wide angle lens the adapter will give mediocre results and cost you almost the amount of a new lens. The 18-55 af-s VR is great an inexpensive. and if you want to go wider there is the 12-24 wich is a great lens but a lot more money. 28-80 is made by Tamron and you will have better result with a Nikkor belive me.

Answer 3

The lens I use for architectural (indoors and out) is the Nikon 12-24 mm f/4 lens.

If you write me, I can send you some samples of interiors.

The important thing as you know, is to have the cameras back parallel to the walls to you do not get "key-stoning" with the camera on a tripod positioned in a point midway between the ceiling and floor