No matter how powerful your camera is, there are certain images you can’t capture without wide angle lenses. Though they are commonly used for shooting sweeping landscapes and architecture, these lenses are also important when you need to shoot interior images. Usually, they are essential in the gears of photojournalists but wedding, sports and portrait photographers also find them incredibly useful. At the end of the day, every serious photographer needs wide angle lenses: they will come to your rescue when space is limited and your back is up against the wall. Wide angle lenses will help you get more of the scene to your photograph. They also help to create images with extraordinary perspective effect, as well as huge depth of field.
But what exactly are considered wide range lenses? Technically, they are lenses with focal length equal to or wider than 35mm on a full frame camera. When the lens is 24mm and wider and attached to full cameras, they can be termed ultra-wide angle lenses. This means that even the popular 35mm lens in most cameras are considered wide angle most of the time. The only time it will not be considered as such is when it is attached to a crop sensor camera. The implication is that individuals shooting with APS-C, MFT and other crop sensor cameras need wide angle lenses with focal length wider than 35mm.
Thinking of investing in a wide angle lens? Here, you will find our selection of the top 10 best wide angle lenses you can get on the market. Check our comprehensive list below.
Top 10 Best Wide Angle Lenses
1. Canon EF
This is considered as Canon’s best prime wide angle lens available in the market today. There are several reasons to consider this device and the spec will convince you easily. With an aperture greater than f/2.8, this is the widest angle lens from Canon. With a focal length of 24mm the lens works best with full frame camera. This is an improved version that is better than the predecessor in key areas. Contrast is much better with this and though it is slightly larger, it is still well balanced on a pro dSLR body. This lens can be paired with a 50mm or 85mm on another body. Considering the value it offers, it is well worth the high price. This is one of the reasons it has become so popular.
2. Canon EF-S
This is one of the best-rated wide range lens. It can be the perfect lens for those in need of wide angle lens for crop sensor cameras. This simple lens is compact and lightweight; it can fit into any photographer’s bag easily. It is very impressive, optically, and adds Image Stabilization, a rare feature for a canon wide angle lens. Considering that this lens is remarkably good, it is surprising that it is a budget wide angle lens. In fact, it is one of the cheapest on the list but gives stellar performance always.
3. Nikon AF-S NIKKOR
This is an incredible wide angle lens from one of the top manufacturers in the industry. There are several reasons to spend the money and grab this lens: it is a top lens for top photographers, especially those that specialize in architecture and interior photography. Rated in the category of ultra-wide angle lenses, this is recommended for full frame but can also serve those that use crop sensor cameras. With an aperture of f/2.8, the Nikon 14-24mm lens offers unparalleled edge-to-edge sharpness. It is a must have for photographers that need the cleanest images at any aperture.
4. Nikon AF-S NIKKOR
As the sharpest fixed ultra-wide angle lens from Nikon, this is definitely one of the overall best in the market, currently. It is a lightweight lens that offers the sort of performance that are rare to come by. The autofocus of the device is fast and accurate. It is equally able to handle chromatic aberrations, distortion, ghosting, and flare excellently. Though recommended for full frame cameras, it can also work with crop sensor cameras. Only things is that it will offer 30mm field of view which keeps at the wide angle category. This lens is also inexpensive: another incredible thing, considering its functionality.
5. Panasonic H-E08018
Knowing that Panasonic is a very reliable company, you will expect this lens to be great. You will not be disappointed at all. The professional grade wide-angle lens is fun to use, delivering great details from wide angle to close in spaces. Even when shooting in low light or adverse condition, you will like the optical quality and enhanced performance offered by this quality zoom lens. The weatherproof design makes this lens tough and capable of withstanding really tough field conditions. You will enjoy its numerous benefits for years.
6. Samyang SYIO35AF-E
This is one of the most affordable products in the list but its place in the list is well deserved, however. The wide angle lens is a pleasure to use and suits photography hobbyist that need improved quality images but can’t afford the top-tier products in the market. This lens is not wanting in its technical quality. It is a truly fast and accurate lens that is compatible with Sony E-Mount interchangeable Lens cameras. It is a good alternative for budget buyers.
7. Sigma Art DC HSM
This is a standard zoom lens for APS-C format cameras. It is reputed as the first and fastest of its kind: being the first wide-angle to standard zoom lens to achieve a large aperture of 1.8. It also features internal focusing with full-time manual override. On a 35mm camera, the Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 Art DC HSM Lens translates to 27 – 52.5mm. Being a versatile wide angle lens, this sigma product is available in Canon EF (EF-S), Sony Alpha (dot), and Nikon f (DX) mounts. It is highly rated by users.
8. Sony SEL1224G
A top quality product from industry leaders Sony, this lens is expensive but offers so much value. If you want a top quality and reliable wide angle lens, you should consider it in spite of the price. Guaranteed superb performance for years is what you will get when you invest in it. Rated in the ultra-wide angle category, this is the widest full-frame E-mount lens from Sony. It features constant F4 max aperture that maintains exposure and depth of field at any focal length you zoom.
9. Sony Alpha FE
Another great lens from Sony, the Alpha 16-35mm F2.8 GM Wide Angle Zoom Lens deserves its place in the league of best wide angle lens available in the market today. There are so many great things about this lens but the only problem you may have is the price. What it offers, however, justifies the price. You will be able to explore the world better with your camera in a more creative way. You will capture top quality images without bothering yourself so much. This zoom lens delivers superb resolution from corner to corner on a consistent basis. There are so many great features that guarantees consistent superb performance.
10. Tokina AT-X 116 Pro
This is one of the best options when you are looking for a valuable wide range lens for cameras with APS-C Sensors. At 11mm, you are certain to get incredible field of view that can define an image. The Tokina 11-16mm digital zoom lens is a well-designed ultra-wide angle lens that is sharp and fun to use. Throughout its zoom range, this lens can offer a fixed f/2.8 aperture. The internal autofocus motor means it can work on different cameras. Another attractive thing about this lens is the fact that it is affordable. Yes, you don’t need to break the bank to get this amazing device.