Nikon 20
I initially bought this lens to take pictures of the night sky where the large field of view (94 degrees) and large aperture would help (It does). I like the challenge of wide angle lenses, and try to use them, but it is not as easy to get good shots with a wide angle, especially if you are this wide. The lens will exaggerate all your mistakes and it will be difficult to hide the unnatural view angle for many pictures.
It is certainly not for everyone, and much less practical than for example the Nikon 24.
Versions
- There is an older f/2.8 version with autofocus.
- An even older f/2.8 AI-S version without autofocus.
These two are much lighter, and can be had found at reasonable prices used.
| Price | Expensive |
|---|---|
| Weight | Light, 350g |
| Good for | People, interiors, architecture, landscape |
| New or used | 700 new, not so common used |
This is practically a full frame only lens. The question is whether or not you want a wide angle zoom or a prime lens. The speed helps with night and indoor situations, and the weight is much less than a zoom. The downside is that, it is a difficult focal length to shoot, and you will certainly need a second lens/camera with you.
Gallery / see also
A view of Bosphorus, Istanbul Turkey. This is actually not a good shot. All the interesting part of the image is condensed in the middle of the picture. See Media:Wide.jpg for a cropped version at the title of the Wide angle page. This is a classical, "I thought wide angle would help me with getting more into my picture" problem.
The Hagia Sophia in Istanbul Turkey. One shot where you really love to have such a wide angle lens. Note that if you do not hold it straight all sorts of lines will be going crazy in the picture.
The Hagia Sophia in Istanbul Turkey, this time in a shot that is really bad. Yes you get everything in one shot, but everyhting feels wrong about this picture (it is embarrassing to show it here actually). It is not natural, things that are straight are visibly skewed, and it disturbs a lot. It is a good example of what you end up with most of the time if you do not have much experience with a very wide angle.
Wide angle lenses actually work much better when you are close. They are good for interior shots, where you do not have the space to be able to capture such a scene with a longer lens.
Just to demonstrate that a 20mm is actually a pretty good lens to get people. The only problem is that you have to be very close, and keep your subject centered.
Waterfall near Davos, Switzerland, a long exposure shot at 1/8s.
These pages are for Amateur Photographers and not really for seasoned photographers and professionals. I have no affiliation or commercial interest with any brand/make. I write from my own experience. I ended up using mainly Nikon, so I am more familiar with this brand than others. See price for notes on pricing as well as photography related links.