How much do you need a wide-angle zoom lens?

4 years 5 months ago #666334 by joshumike
I'm wondering how much use you guys get out of the zoom part of your wide-angle zoom lens. Is it worth sacrificing the superior aperture of a prime lens for the zoom range?Why I ask (skip if you don't care): I need a wide-angle lens for my Sony A7iii. I mostly do portrait photography (with my Zeiss 55mm) but I'd like a single do-it-all wide lens. Something for indoor portraits/events, street photography, and landscapes. I shoot wide open a lot of the time with portraits for the creamy background. It's also nice for handling low-light indoor conditions. I could get the Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8, which is a solid lens at a reasonable price. Or I could get the Sigma 24mm f/1.4 prime lens for the same price. On the one hand, you've got some zoom to play with, and on the other, you've got a much wider aperture. I'm not sure if I should care enough about 11mm of zoom to lose the low-light performance and bokeh you get with the prime.I know 24mm isn't exactly the most flattering focal length for portraits, but I really just want a single wide-angle lens. I could step up to 35mm but 24 seems like a nice middle ground for when I want to use it with landscapes. Forget the GM, I don't have a spare $2200 lying around.Thanks for your input!


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4 years 5 months ago - 4 years 5 months ago #666452 by effron
I don't need any lens, desire is what drives me, and I like my wide zooms. I use them at mid ranges most I guess, but even at the extremes a quality modern zoom is pretty good....

Why so serious?
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4 years 5 months ago #666460 by Nikon Shooter
Part of the lens trinity is the 14~24mm zoom…
wouldn't start a day without it… ever!

Light is free… capturing it is not!
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4 years 5 months ago #666468 by John Landolfi
+1


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4 years 5 months ago #666572 by J Photo Man
Man, IMO yes.  Absolutely you need one.  


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4 years 5 months ago #666640 by michaelsmith
I would go for the Sigma prime, since you are into portraits. The zoom you get on the Tamron will be useful at times and will give you more freedom of movement, but the quality you get with the Sigma will be better definitely! 


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4 years 4 months ago #667326 by KCook
For a fast prime I would find more use for a 28 or 30mm than 24.

Kelly

Canon 50D, Olympus PL2
kellycook.zenfolio.com/

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4 years 4 months ago #667650 by Don Granger
If you are shooting landscapes, a wide angle zoom is nearly a must have if you want my 2 cents. 


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