Opinions on 20mm vs wide-angle zoom

[michaelj]

Hello all.

I've had my 10d for about a month now, and have been reading here to supplement my picture taking. I'm very happy with the camera, and thought I'd ask for some lens help.

I currently have a used 50mm 1.8 (nice), and a new 100mm 2.8 macro USM (very very nice), but need something a bit wider, for my landscape shots, and an upcoming wedding (I'm not the main photographer, so no stress).

I was initially looking at the Sigma 15-30, and the Canon 17-40L, but I'm really enjoying working with primes, and the constraints of no zoom. (I don't want to turn this into a zoom vs prime debate)

Therefore, would a 20mm lens give me enough wide 'latitude' for group shots at a wedding, and also the specific 'wide look' ?

I hope you can understand what I'm saying. I don't envisage taking many very wide shots, but I do shoot old houses and landscapes quite a bit.

Thanks for any help.

Michael.

[Roger_Cavanagh]

Michael,

I have the EF20/2.8, which is a good quality, good values lens. I can't comment on how it might do for group portraits, but I've a few landscape shots from my old D30 here http://www.rogercavanagh.com/galleries/petrohue/index.htm that'll give you an idea of the results for landscapes - all but the first shot are with this lens - given the crop factor.

Regards,

[Andy_T]

Michael,

RDENNEY mentioned getting a 16 mm MF Zenitar FISHEYE lens (Russian, $ 150 new) in his thread 'For those who want wide', but hasn't posted any test pics so far.

Regards,
Andy

[cubfan]

I have a 20-35 USM and think that it is a true bargain among canon lenses. I use it at weddings, kitchen interiors, etc.....It is sharp fromm edge to edge at F8 and my group pictures are sharp from end to end. You can get one of these for around $300 in the US. Good luck. I also have the 17-40 L lens but that's more than twice the money and a little wider angle(3 degrees more). Good luck...Brian

[Marky UK]

Hello Michael,

I also have the 20mm f2.8, it is a nice lens.

Amazing depth of field when stopped down a little bit.

I am hoping to sell mine, as I hardly use it now, I am more interested in wildlife shots these days,

You can see one for sale in the adverts forum ;)


Mark.