Archive 2021 · Focal Length 18mm & 21mm

Montymonkey
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · Focal Length 18mm & 21mm

Hi everyone.
I am really enjoying landscape photography and long exposures and I have a 21mm loxia lens. Im no expert but enjoy it a lot. I am keen to really concentrate on landscape and have longer focal lengths to mix up my shots. Im looking for peoples opinions if possible. Its not to do with the brand or specific quality of the lens itself but the focal length.
Do you think an 18mm will give different results than a 21mm? Enough to own both?
I enjoy seascapes with water covering rocks and the effect at sunrise and sunset with water motion swirling around them and capturing the sky also at the moment. You know the type of shot i mean! Adjusting shutter and nd filter to desired effect of water motion.
I have searched it a bit and was wondering about views from landscape photographers on here if you would own both and that they give enough difference in a photo perspective wise than just moving back a bit with tripod. Just your opinions if possible. I don't want a zoom lens as I love my 21mm. Its just between 18mm and 21mm im asking about.
Thanks

Sep 15, 2021 at 05:38 AM

guyharrison
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · Focal Length 18mm & 21mm

Rent the 18mm batis to see if the different perspective suits you.

Between the two, I would find the 21 a bit more versatile, as 18 is getting into really ultra-wide territory.

I would not own both, at all as they are pretty close in perspective.

For a wide angle two-lens set, if you are going to actually buy two lenses, keep the Loxia and invest in a 16-35 zoom as your second wide lens. The 16-35 f4 is pretty compact and optically excellent. The difference between 16 and 21 is dramatic (with the flexibility of adjustment with the zoom) And, the Loxia gives you more speed and great sunstars when you need those for a particular shot.

Sep 15, 2021 at 11:48 AM

Montymonkey
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · Focal Length 18mm & 21mm

Thanks for replying Guy. I have been looking at photos from the batis 18mm. Its really the difference in focal lengths from anyone that has used or owned both that im interested in hearing from. I don't rent lenses to be honest. I may have a look into it. I appreciate what you said that you wouldn't own both. Thats the type of information I'm after. Ive read it gives a 35% or similar extra field of view but im wondering if it enhances the perspective enough or is it similar taking the shot stepping backwards with a 21mm. Thanks for replying

Sep 15, 2021 at 12:54 PM

Luvwine
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · Focal Length 18mm & 21mm

Montymonkey wrote:
Thanks for replying Guy. I have been looking at photos from the batis 18mm. Its really the difference in focal lengths from anyone that has used or owned both that im interested in hearing from. I don't rent lenses to be honest. I may have a look into it. I appreciate what you said that you wouldn't own both. Thats the type of information I'm after. Ive read it gives a 35% or similar extra field of view but im wondering if it enhances the perspective enough or is it similar taking the shot stepping backwards with a 21mm. Thanks...Show more →

Of course, that depends if you can take the step back. I find a lot of locations where I cannot "zoom with my feet" as then I will be over the cliff, into the woods, or swept downstream. For a while I had the Loxia 21 as my widest lens. Most of the time, it was sufficient and the rendering was first rate. However, there were certainly times I wished for wider. I have switched systems and use the Fuji GFX system and currently the widest native lens is a 23mm which is the equivalent (more or less) of 18mm. I do like having the wider option. One can always crop, but stitching can sometimes be problematic. For Sony, I would rather have a Loxia 21 than a Batis 18 due to the characteristics of the lenses, but even more, I would rather have the Loxia and a wider option. YMMV.

Sep 15, 2021 at 01:10 PM

Camperjim
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · Focal Length 18mm & 21mm

Of course, there is a big difference between 21 and 18mm. I also like to shoot much wider at 16mm. There are plenty of times where 16 would define the shot I want to take. My photography is all about composition so I would never restrict myself with a prime or even a few of them.

Sep 15, 2021 at 02:02 PM

Montymonkey
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p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · Focal Length 18mm & 21mm

Thanks Luvwine and camperjim.
I always thought primes were better quality? Also i don't think the Sony 16 35 f4 is supposed to be up to much so I'm told so never thought of that. Im not keen on adapters for the Canon and I cant afford th gmaster 1635.
Ah ok so you think there is a big difference then between 18 and 21.
Luvwine, I had no idea the focal length on medium format went that way. I suppose now when I think about it, it makes sense but I've never looked at medium format due to price. Learn every day!

Sep 15, 2021 at 02:40 PM

Jeffrey
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p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · Focal Length 18mm & 21mm

Gear forum....

Sep 15, 2021 at 03:50 PM

Montymonkey
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p.1 #8 · p.1 #8 · Focal Length 18mm & 21mm

Ah sorry I've not been posting long. It sort of got off subject of 18mm v 21mm focal length and not specific lenses

Sep 15, 2021 at 04:06 PM

gocolts
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p.1 #9 · p.1 #9 · Focal Length 18mm & 21mm

I had the Batis 18...felt a lot of times I either needed wider or not as wide, and didn't need autofocus. So switch to the combo of the CV 15 & CV 21 3.5. Additionally, I appreciate the flare resistance and sunstars the CV's have for sunset shots.

Sep 17, 2021 at 02:57 PM


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