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Help me pick a lens?

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averageMIskier
Posts: 600 - Karma: 1,385
I have been perusing around the internet trying to determine what lens I should get to no avail. I know I want something that is a wide angle. Whether it is rectilinear or fisheye I am not really sure, but I don't think I want a fisheye because it can compromise image quality when I crop it down in order to put it in a rectilinear format? I am looking between the Canon 10-18mm f4.5, the Rokinon/Samyang 14mm f2.8, and the typical NS Tokina 11-16mm f2.8, Tokina 12-24 f4 and the odd one of the bunch: the Rokinon/Samyang 8mm f3.5 fisheye lens. I am looking for a lens that I can not only use for filming, but also for landscape shots as well as some stars and northern lights time lapses. (I spend a decent amount of time in the canadian wilderness leading canoe trips). They all seem to be somewhat decent options, apart from the fisheye, but I would like some input on which one would suit me best. I have been told to stick with canon, because thats what will have the best quality because the others are from 3rd party companies (not sure whether or not that is true). I will probably be using the lens about half and half between film and landscape shots if that helps at all.

I am extremely indecisive, and really would appreciate any input. Also I am somewhat new to digital photography and am overwhelmed by all of the options. I plan on buying some sort of wide angle lens, I would just like some NS input. Thank you so much.

+k for input.
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Dec 11 2014 8:00PM
20 4
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Michael_Thatcher
Posts: 523 - Karma: 3,469
I would get the Tokina
Dec 11 2014 9:18PM
1 0
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averageMIskier
Posts: 600 - Karma: 1,385
Michael_ThatcherI would get the Tokina


Why?
Dec 11 2014 9:30PM
1 0
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boomie
Posts: 1638 - Karma: 3,165
Another option to consider is the tamron 17-50 non vc
Dec 11 2014 9:49PM
0 0
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averageMIskier
Posts: 600 - Karma: 1,385
boomieAnother option to consider is the tamron 17-50 non vc


You can't just give me an option with no reasoning behind it
Dec 11 2014 10:10PM
1 1
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boomie
Posts: 1638 - Karma: 3,165
graemeskiiiiiYou can't just give me an option with no reasoning behind it


The main advantage of this lens over the other lenses is that it can actually zoom in and cover many more ranges than the other lenses. It's also a little cheaper than something like the tokina 11-16.

The main disadvantage is that it's not going to be quite as wide as the other lenses.

I bought the Tamron knowing I would mostly want to shoot like a wide angle, but it's nice having the flexibility of being able to zoom in for some shots. It produces a pretty good image, probably not as sharp as the tokina, but still pretty good. Feel free to check out my videos, as I use it for 90% of my shots.
Dec 11 2014 10:23PM
0 0
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gravel
Posts: 5518 - Karma: 42,202
graemeskiiiiiYou can't just give me an option with no reasoning behind it


And you could act like a little less of a bitch when someone makes a suggestion. Simply ask why he thinks that's a good lens choice, no need to be jumpy.
Dec 11 2014 10:29PM
7 1
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CameraWiz
Posts: 735 - Karma: 2,112
It also depends on what camera you're shooting on too. I bought a 17-40 canon L lens for my t3i and with it not having a full frame sensor, it is pretty much a 27.1-57 or something like that. So take that into account on your decision too.
Dec 11 2014 11:06PM
0 0
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Laurent.
Posts: 10056 - Karma: 25,313
graemeskiiiiiWhy?


God intended so.

Dec 12 2014 1:38AM
4 0
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erikK
Posts: 3245 - Karma: 2,328
i think you'll find those lenses too wide for most landscape shots
Dec 12 2014 1:50AM
1 0
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averageMIskier
Posts: 600 - Karma: 1,385
gavinrudyAnd you could act like a little less of a bitch when someone makes a suggestion. Simply ask why he thinks that's a good lens choice, no need to be jumpy.


I wasnt being a "bitch" merely curious. My fault for being jumpy.
Dec 12 2014 8:04AM
0 2
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DorianF
Posts: 239 - Karma: 882
I have used both the Tokina 11-16 F2.8 and the Tokina 12-24 F4. It really depends what you are doing with it. Photos i think 12-24 hands down because you can use bulb mode to compensate for the 1 less stop of light. for video see below

12-24
Pros: nice range, allows you to zoom a bit more,very sharp, nice bocah
cons: really low light is a bit of a problem, vignetting can be bad, flaring is brutal

11-16
Pros: low light capability is great, really sharp lens, nice bocah
cons: limited range, vignetting can be bad, flaring is also brutal

the descision is based around the low light capability. If you plan to film during daylight and don't really need low light then the 12-24 hands down. If your primary use is low light usage then 11-16. You can get away with using the 12-24 during an urban shoot if you have lots of light (generator etc)but its not quite as good as the 11-16 here.

to sum it up:

low light:
11-16 > 12-24

everywhere else (IMO):
12-24 > 11-16
Dec 18 2014 10:28PM
0 0
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