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Archive 2017 · Another person that can't decide on FE wide angle lenses

mrcyc8
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · Another person that can't decide on FE wide angle lenses

So I'm buying an A7Riii in the next few days as an upgrade from the A6000. I generally shoot landscapes while traveling and hiking, but also the occasional family shots. I'm fairly set on getting the Sony 55mm f1.8 and the 70-200mm f4 G. However, as the title says I cannot for the life of me decide what wide angle lenses to get, and that is what will spend a lot of time on my camera.

Here's some possible combinations I've thought of:

-Laowa 15mm and Batis 25mm, later buy a fast 35mm.

-16-35GM, however I enjoy a fast 35mm for portraiture along with its landscape use and I would be missing out on that. I also think it is a bit large to carry on my camera on long hikes. However, I like the versatility.

-16-35 f4 for hiking use and the batis 25mm or loxia 21mm for more specialized stuff.

-loxia 21mm and a fast 35mm.

-Some other combination that a kind reader provides. As these show, this is fairly high budget. Probably ~$2500 or less.

I know this is a ton of options, but any insight to help my decision would be greatly appreciated. Along with landscapes I also love astrophotography, but I believe most of these options leave me with something that would do fine for astro.

Dec 11, 2017 at 02:22 PM

Dj R
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · Another person that can't decide on FE wide angle lenses

I don't know much about sony yet
but from all of the reading I've done, I bet the B25 is going to be your best option.

I don't think big zooms are what you want.

you may not need 25/35/55 right away
25/55 is a nice pairing, along with a bottle of red.
and just crop the 25 stuff for a while.

good luck

Dec 11, 2017 at 02:29 PM

sullivanrp
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · Another person that can't decide on FE wide angle lenses

The Batis 18mm is an excellent lightweight ultrawide. 18mm on full frame seems to be wide enough for most people, pretty close to the coveted 16mm of the ultrawide zooms.

If you pair that with a fast 35mm, another lens you enjoy, it may work for you.

Just another option to add more confusion to your decision making

Dec 11, 2017 at 02:33 PM

mrcyc8
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · Another person that can't decide on FE wide angle lenses

Dj R wrote:
25/55 is a nice pairing
and just crop the 25 stuff for a while.

Thank you! I do think that would be a great start for me, but I definitely want an option in the ultra-wide range too.

Dec 11, 2017 at 02:35 PM

mrcyc8
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · Another person that can't decide on FE wide angle lenses

sullivanrp wrote:
The Batis 18mm is an excellent lightweight ultrawide. 18mm on full frame seems to be wide enough for most people, pretty close to the coveted 16mm of the ultrawide zooms.

If you pair that with a fast 35mm, another lens you enjoy, it may work for you.

Just another option to add more confusion to your decision making

Thanks, I've definitely considered that option because I love the Rokinon 12mm on my A6000, and that would be an equivalent focal length. I feel like I would be leaving a huge focal length gap from 18 to 35 though. Especially since a lot of times when hiking you have to shoot from where you're standing rather than zooming with your feet. ie edge of a cliff or lake.

Dec 11, 2017 at 02:42 PM

sullivanrp
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p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · Another person that can't decide on FE wide angle lenses

mrcyc8 wrote:
Thanks, I've definitely considered that option because I love the Rokinon 12mm on my A6000, and that would be an equivalent focal length. I feel like I would be leaving a huge focal length gap from 18 to 35 though. Especially since a lot of times when hiking you have to shoot from where you're standing rather than zooming with your feet. ie edge of a cliff or lake.

I'd take a look at your photos in LR or wherever you edit them and look at EXIF data.

I came from a 16-35 zoom, and found that I shot nearly 90% ultrawide at 16mm or at 35mm. This was for event work, general day-to-day, and landscape. I did have more results in landscapes between 16mm-22mm I'd say, but even still, with cropping on a 42mp sensor, you can close some of that gap with just the 18mm. And it is remarkably light/small for its performance, in my opinion. I've hiked with it before and enjoyed it quite a bit.

Dec 11, 2017 at 02:46 PM

sullivanrp
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p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · Another person that can't decide on FE wide angle lenses

That being said, a 16-35mm f/4, fast 35, and a rokinon 14mm 2.8 (for astro, or the 20mm 1.8) may also fit your needs - this is the combo I am looking at right now to switch to.

Dec 11, 2017 at 02:47 PM

carrg1954
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p.1 #8 · p.1 #8 · Another person that can't decide on FE wide angle lenses

Hi
My selection was the 25 mm batis.
You can't go wrong with the 55.
Can't say on your choice of 70-200, as
I have the canon is f4.
Regards

Edited on Dec 11, 2017 at 02:51 PM · View previous versions

Dec 11, 2017 at 02:50 PM

carrg1954
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p.1 #9 · p.1 #9 · Another person that can't decide on FE wide angle lenses

Hi
My selection was the 25 mm batis.
You can't go wrong with the 55.
Can't say on your choice of 70-200, as
I have the canon is f4.
Regards

Dec 11, 2017 at 02:50 PM

mrcyc8
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p.1 #10 · p.1 #10 · Another person that can't decide on FE wide angle lenses

sullivanrp wrote:
I'd take a look at your photos in LR or wherever you edit them and look at EXIF data.

I came from a 16-35 zoom, and found that I shot nearly 90% ultrawide at 16mm or at 35mm. This was for event work, general day-to-day, and landscape. I did have more results in landscapes between 16mm-22mm I'd say, but even still, with cropping on a 42mp sensor, you can close some of that gap with just the 18mm. And it is remarkably light/small for its performance, in my opinion. I've hiked with it before and enjoyed it quite a bit.

Thanks for the response. EXIF won't help much as I'm not coming from a wide angle zoom. The full frame equivalent focal lengths I have are 18mm, 45mm, and a 27-155mm zoom.

With that said, I love the 18mm and rarely desire much wider (except for when I visited Horseshoe Bend). However it is too wide for my normal use. The short side of the zoom at 27mm is what most of my pictures are taken at, however I always wish it was a bit shorter which is why I consider the Batis 25mm or Loxia 21mm. Maybe it would be best for me to pick up a used 16-35 f4 for a bit of time to test out what I shoot the most in that range.

Dec 11, 2017 at 03:13 PM

mrcyc8
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p.1 #11 · p.1 #11 · Another person that can't decide on FE wide angle lenses

carrg1954 wrote:
Hi
My selection was the 25 mm batis.
You can't go wrong with the 55.
Can't say on your choice of 70-200, as
I have the canon is f4.
Regards

I'm definitely 100% set on the 55mm! Do you still think the Batis 25mm was the right way to go?

I was planning to stick with native glass, but what's your opinion of the canon 70-200 on an A7 series camera?

Dec 11, 2017 at 03:15 PM

ugdog
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p.1 #12 · p.1 #12 · Another person that can't decide on FE wide angle lenses

I like the Batis 25mm & 85mm combo

Dec 11, 2017 at 03:18 PM

WestTexas Sky
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p.1 #13 · p.1 #13 · Another person that can't decide on FE wide angle lenses

The good news is there is really no bad choice, only different options.

A 16-35/4 would be a good all round wide zoom that is reasonably size. I think the f/2.8 is too big for hiking but the f/4 works.

The Sony 12-24 sounds amazing and would pair well with a 35mm lens.

Lots of primes as options too
Voigtlander 10, 12, 15
Batis 18 or 25
Loxia 21
Sony 28/2

Plus others like the Venus 15 and some Samyang lenses.

I have gen one bodies that I think all the zooms are too big and front heavy on the bodies so I went small primes.
Voigtlander 15mm and Loxia 21.

Both are super optics. They work for my needs for hiking, backpacking and landscape photography. Very happy.

I think it comes down to how much you want to carry and spend. But there are no bad choices. Good luck

Dec 11, 2017 at 03:22 PM

mrcyc8
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p.1 #14 · p.1 #14 · Another person that can't decide on FE wide angle lenses

WestTexas Sky wrote:
The good news is there is really no bad choice, only different options.

A 16-35/4 would be a good all round wide zoom that is reasonably size. I think the f/2.8 is too big for hiking but the f/4 works.

I think it comes down to how much you want to carry and spend. But there are no bad choices. Good luck

Thank you! The fact that they are all good options is what makes deciding so Hard!

The only reason I don't grab the 16-35/4 and a fast 35mm is because that is the one option that really limits astrophotography. Which would also be the same situation for the 12-24 and a fast 35mm. I agree with you that the GM seems too big for hiking and backpacking even though it is optically stunning.

Dec 11, 2017 at 03:28 PM

smpetty
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p.1 #15 · p.1 #15 · Another person that can't decide on FE wide angle lenses

WestTexas Sky wrote:
The good news is there is really no bad choice, only different options.

A 16-35/4 would be a good all round wide zoom that is reasonably size. I think the f/2.8 is too big for hiking but the f/4 works.

The Sony 12-24 sounds amazing and would pair well with a 35mm lens.

Lots of primes as options too
Voigtlander 10, 12, 15
Batis 18 or 25
Loxia 21
Sony 28/2

Plus others like the Venus 15 and some Samyang lenses.

I have gen one bodies that I think all the zooms are too big and front heavy on the bodies so I went...Show more →

Good synopsis.

I don't think that the 16-35 GM is too heavy for hiking IF your alternative is several primes. For a while, I've carried the Batis 18, Batis 25, and the Zony 35 f/2.8 on my hikes. I was thrilled with the IQ of these lenses, but I got tired of lens switching and I got tired of carrying multiple filter sizes. I tried a friend's 16-35 f/4 and liked it - it was a much easier carry and took great images. But it wasn't as sharp across the field as any of the primes and I couldn't do astrophotography very well at f/4.

So... I sold the Batis 18 and the Batis 25. My 16-35 GM arrives tomorrow. The 16-35 GM is an all-in-one solution for landscapes, waterfalls, and astro. One set of filters (82mm). IQ is essentially on par with the primes I'm replacing. Not much bigger or heavier than the 16-35 f/4 and smaller and lighter than the 3 lens prime combo that I used to carry. I kept the 35 f/2.8 - it's so small and so sharp that I consider it to be a must have on the Sony A7R series.

Still... I've put the Batis 25 on my wish list. Best lens that I've ever used. Hope I can say the same of the 16-35 GM.

As others have said - you really can't go wrong with the choices you've outlined.

Dec 11, 2017 at 03:45 PM

Faraday
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p.1 #16 · p.1 #16 · Another person that can't decide on FE wide angle lenses

If 18mm is too wide for you I'd say the Loxia 21 and a fast 35mm of your choice.

Dec 11, 2017 at 04:04 PM

Fred Miranda
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p.1 #17 · p.1 #17 · Another person that can't decide on FE wide angle lenses

smpetty wrote:
Good synopsis.

I don't think that the 16-35 GM is too heavy for hiking IF your alternative is several primes. For a while, I've carried the Batis 18, Batis 25, and the Zony 35 f/2.8 on my hikes. I was thrilled with the IQ of these lenses, but I got tired of lens switching and I got tired of carrying multiple filter sizes. I tried a friend's 16-35 f/4 and liked it - it was a much easier carry and took great images. But it wasn't as sharp across the field as any of the primes and I couldn't do...Show more →

I really wish the 16-35GM was all that you are describing. I know some sites say it's the best lens ever!

I found it to be a great zoom lens but the corners are lacking after 21mm and tried 4 copies. (similar performance)
It's indeed pretty low in coma at 16 and 21mm wide open though.

Dec 11, 2017 at 04:43 PM

smpetty
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p.1 #18 · p.1 #18 · Another person that can't decide on FE wide angle lenses

Fred Miranda wrote:
I really wish the 16-35GM was all that you are describing. I know some sites say it's the best lens ever!

I found it to be a great zoom lens but the corners are lacking after 21mm and tried 4 copies. (similar performance)
It's indeed pretty low in coma at 16 and 21mm wide open though.

If the 16-35 GM is not good in the corners from 21-35, I'll return it. It's too big and expensive NOT to be a one lens solution.

I know that you're a fan of the 12-24. How difficult is it to use screw-on 77mm ND and CPL filters on the 12-24?

Dec 11, 2017 at 04:52 PM

MrTMan
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p.1 #19 · p.1 #19 · Another person that can't decide on FE wide angle lenses

It sounds like a fast 35mm is a priority for you. So I don't think you'd be fully satisfied with a zoom.

And given that you don't typically need anything wider than 18mm, I think the ideal combo for you would be Batis 18, Batis 25, and 35/1.4 (or one of the MF options like the Loxia 35/2 or Voigtalnder 35/1.7). That's what I've got, and that's worked well for me. And keep in mind that you can crop the 25 to 35mm on the A7rIII, if you don't want to carry all those lenses with you at all times.

But that might blow your budget. So if I were you I think I might lean towards Loxia 21 + a 35mm... if you think you can get away with 21mm as being your widest lens (you could always add the Laowa later).

Dec 11, 2017 at 04:56 PM

Fred Miranda
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p.1 #20 · p.1 #20 · Another person that can't decide on FE wide angle lenses

smpetty wrote:
If the 16-35 GM is not good in the corners from 21-35, I'll return it. It's too big and expensive NOT to be a one lens solution.

I know that you're a fan of the 12-24. How difficult is it to use screw-on 77mm ND and CPL filters on the 12-24?

At 21mm it's actually great but at infinity, corner resolution starts to deteriorate after 24mm. I'd say it's an outstanding zoom from 16-24mm which is pretty much expected. At this range, it also has less astigmatism than the 16-35/4 ZA which in turn has a similar optimal range. My issue with the GM is that I still need the 12-14mm range and it's not that great at 28-35mm in the corners.

The 12-24/4 works great with 77mm filters but you need to take your time to build them. It's easy to attach/remove the filters in the field.

My personal choice is having the 12-24/4 which is strong throughout the entire range + a 35mm prime. (CV 35/1.7 or FE 35/2.8 ZA). I carry (4) 77mm filters for it. (ND 3, 6 and 10 + a C-POL)

Dec 11, 2017 at 05:05 PM

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