Getting Up Close With A Wide Angle Lens.

[Dodge]

Well, I just fell in love with my 11-18mm lens. I had never really considered getting one, thinking it was a large outlay for something I would probably use very little. I spotted a bargain on Ebay at Christmas, and had just read an interesting section in Bill Pattersons 'Understanding Close Up Photography' in which he uses a wide angle lens to add drama to his compositions. I really liked his results and so I went for it.

I have posted two shots of the same subject, to hopefully illustrate what I mean (for fellow newbies).

Admittedly, this shot was taken with a 35mm compact before I got my DSLR, but should do for illustrative purposes (hark at me ).


And here's the wide angle version, I took it whilst standing by the lamp post, visible in the first shot, approx three feet away from the nearest tombstone.


I just thought I'd share my new found enthusiasm for this lens, and maybe inspire others who, like myself, would never have dreamed of using such a lens for anything other than open landscapes. I guess some may not like the overall effect, but I just can't wait now for the better weather so I can get out and experiment some more.

[Clickhead]

That blue sky is a bit over saturated next to the sweet brown stone of the church and tombstone but I'm loving the wide angle shot.

[Dodge]

yes, i can see where you are coming from, although I did not up the contrast or saturation in pp, although I did lighten the overall image. Would I be right in assuming that the polarizing filter has caused that? I still always forget that it's adjustable

[Clickhead]

Do you have any more before and afters? I think its really interesting to see the differences. You maybe even entice me to get a super wide angle.

[Dodge]

I'm afraid I don't have any more before/after shots, guess i'm going to be revisiting a few places soon, but heres a few more taken with the same lens to show it's use other than for traditional landscapes.




I can highly recommend it, it's totally changed how I am looking at things all of a sudden. I don't think I could have taken any of these shots without this lens, definately not the boats.

[Red_D]

I also just purchased the nikkor 12-24 f4 ultra wide angle lens, I haven't tried shooting with it yet but I am looking forward to test it this weekend here in Manila. I also plan to revisit the places that I've shot before with the 18-135 kit lens.

Thanks for sharing. Looking forward to see more of your shots.

[Lamper]

Dodge - Nice shots.

I know what what you mean about the wide angle - it really opens up a new way of looking at things and can add the extra drama that can turn an ordinary location into something much better. Be careful with the polarizer on the wide angle as you can/will get different degrees of polorization across something that wide (Polarizers)

Another thing worth trying is using it for portraits... You can get some great effects with it...

Anyway, here are a couple of my wide angles from Nepal / Everest Base Camp

[Dodge]

Nice shots Lamper, and yes I found out about the polarizer the hard way

Never thought of using it for portraits, I'll definately try a few shots with it as I have my first portrait project ongoing right now.

Hope the shoot with your new lens went well Red_D !

[LoveDSLR]

Originally Posted by Dodge

I can highly recommend it, it's totally changed how I am looking at things all of a sudden. I don't think I could have taken any of these shots without this lens, definately not the boats.

Didn't you take this up close one as well?

[Dodge]

Haha yes ! Double negative on my part.