In recent months, I have been adding ultra-wide angle to my A700 to get a better indoor shot and some landscapes that were next to impossible using panorama ideas.
In my inventory, I currently have the:
- Samyang MF 8mm f/3.5 "Fisheye" ($379) (Full Frame)
- SIGMA AF 10-20mm f/4-5.6 DC EX ($499) (APS-C-only lens)
- TAMRON SP AF 14mm f/2.8 LD "Rectilinear" ($1000) (Full Frame)
which provide quite an array of choices, but having shot the
8mm f/3.5, I have to say that it being a Manual Focus lens does not seem to be much of a problem. The difference between "infinity" and 10-feet is next to nothing. The Depth of Field (DOF) is nearly infinite as it is and it delivers about a 170-degree Field of View (FOV) - basically everything your own eyes can see with peripheral vision.
In my estimation, if you need a "capture it all" lens, this is the one to get. You can save a ton of money and it delivers a "nifty-looking" shot.
Out the front window ...
8mm-example-1_HDR2-88k.jpg
3-pc panorama South Lincoln Park, Chicago, IL
8mm_Panorama1-South-Lincoln-Park.jpg
Chicago Air & Water Show, North Avenue Beach, 3-pc panorama, looking south - 180 degrees
North-Ave-Beach_Panorama1-800.jpg