WA experiments

[Deleted]

Some samples shot today with the Tokina 12-24mm zoom on the D300. On thing I have learned is that with really wide lenses you need to spot meter on what you want to be exposed correctly or things will tend to be underexposed like there shots. Even matrix metering has too much sky to contend with at 12mm. In complete overcast regular metering works OK.

BTW, the locomotives shown here were pushing, not pulling.

[nikonbob]

Wayne

I think I am not seeing a lot of noticeable distortion/WA effect from this lens at the 12mm FL. Looks good from where I sit.

Bob

[Deleted]

Bob:

On the one with the nose of the engine going out of the photo I tidied up perspective in Photoshop. The other two are unaltered.

I'm quite surprisen at the lack of distortion. I thought it would be a big factor.

I'm really pleased with the Tokina--especially when you compare what I paid for it to the Nikkor version.

Wayne

[nikonbob]

Wayne

Having used perspective control in PS is no biggie, I use it all the time for buildings an such. I too would be pleased with that kind of performance especially when you think what a similar Nikkor would cost. Thanks for posting, it gives me a viable alternative for replacing my WA Nikkors should I jump on the D300 bandwagon. That is getting more tempting by the minute.

Bob

[Deleted]

The bridge is about 12mm (cropped), The fireplug 24mm and the alley 19m.

[PeterW]

Wayne:

Looking at your pictures makes me realise why you like wide angle. The widest I go is 28mm. Now you've got me wondering.

BTW, nothing wrong with using PS to correct perspective. Much the same as stopping down an enlarging lens and tilting the baseboard - only a lot quicker and easier, and you can see what's happening while you do it. I find Free Transform easiest to use because you've got more individual 'handles' to play with and you can also rotate the picture slightly if needed.

PeterW

[Deleted]

Peter:

I have been a "wide-angle guy" since I put the 24mm on my Nikon F a looong time ago. If I could only have one lens for a camera it would be a medium wide not a telephoto.

Photoshop is just like having a pc lens or a view camera that tilts and swings. I think it's interesting however, that the alley photo shot with the Tokina was cropped slightly but was not otherwise modified. I was able to stand directly in the center of the roadway with the camera level, so it didn't distort.

[doubs43]

Wayne, those are excellent examples of wide-angle photography. The lack of distortion is impressive.

My shortest film lens is a 16mm in M-42 mount... a Zenitar f/2.8. I'm waiting for the day when I can afford a full-frame digital camera. They'll have to come down in price quite a lot, I'm afraid. When they get to my comfort zone financially, I may be too old to use one! LOL

Walker

[Deleted]

A 16mm Zenitar (good lens BTW) wouls bw a 24mm on a Nikon DSLR.

I'm one who isn't convinced we'll ever see a full frame DSLR for the masses. Since the smaller sensors already are outperforming film is many instances, what relevance does the 24x36 format really have? I think Nikon's and Canon's full frames are primarily throwing a bone to the pros.
If I was a manufacturer I wouldn't be aiming for a really affordable full frame DSLR because I want people to buy new DX lenses.

[Reiska]

I agree with you Wayne. Full frame sensors mean admittedly bigger and heavier cameras and this has become an issue too. Especially for us, older users. The tendency to smaller and lighter goods is also inevitable. Image stabilization is replacing the only advantage of weight.
As Peter writes photoshopping is more like a modern way to potter in a darkroom than a gimmickry like some is still thinking. Using and accepting the possibilities of the technology doesn't mean, that we are sending film cameras to Coventry. (Peter, please explain)

[PeterW]

Using and accepting the possibilities of the technology doesn't mean, that we are sending film cameras to Coventry. (Peter, please explain)

I assume you mean me, Reijo. OK.

The term 'sent to Coventry' dates back into the 17th century and is said to refer to Cromwell sending some of his argumentative officers to serve in the Midlands town of Coventry, too far away for them to have any effect on decisions taken in London.

Later it became a social rather than actual punishment, and in 1811, the meaning of the term was given in Grose's The Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue: as

"To send one to Coventry; a punishment inflicted by officers of the army on such of their brethren as are testy, or have been guilty of improper behaviour, not worthy the cognizance of a court martial. The person sent to Coventry is considered as absent; no one must speak to or answer any question he asks, except relative to duty, under penalty of being also sent to the same place. On a proper submission, the penitent is recalled, and welcomed by the mess, as just returned from a journey to Coventry."

PeterW

[Reiska]

I assume you mean me, Reijo. OK.

Who else Thanks Peter! I really wanted to know.
I promise not to make this a habit.