Wide-Angle Lenses For Real Estate Photography: How Wide is Wide?
December 31st, 2007
I’ve talked to several Real Estate Photographers recently in the process of purchasing new DSLRs and noticed that there is a misunderstanding about what lenses are appropriate for real estate photography on the new DSLRs.
First of all there are two types of DSLRs:
- Full frame DSLRs that have digital sensors the same, or nearly the same size as a 35mm frame of film. Examples of full frame DSLRs are Canon 1Ds, 1Ds-MkI, MkII or MkIII, Canon 5D and Nikon D3.
- APS DSLRs that have sensors smaller than a 35mm film frame. Examples of APS or small sensor DSLRs are- D300, D200, D40, D80, D70, D50, 40D, 400D/Xti, 30D, 20D etc.
What does this have to do with wide-angle lenses? Everything! When you mount a lens, say for example a 18-55mm, on a full frame DSLR, it’s a 18-55mm lens just like you expect. But when you mount the 18-55mm lens on a APS DSLR the lens doesn’t act like a 18-55mm it acts like a 28.8-88mm lens! This is because the smaller sensor size of APS cameras have the effect of multiplying the focal length by a focal length multiplier (1.5 for Nikon and 1.6 for Canon). The term used to refer to the the focal length after the multiplier is 35mm effective focal length.
This focal length multiplier is a big deal for real estate photographers because this means the standard kit lens that comes on most DSLRs (18-55mm) isn’t optimal for real estate work. You may be able to squeak by in big rooms but as soon as things get tight you’re in trouble because you won’t be able get the shot because your back is against the wall.
Real estate photographers find the effective focal lengths between 16mm and 24mm to be the “sweet spot” for shooting interiors. It’s best to have a zoom that covers this whole range between 16 and 24 but at a minimum you need to work at 24mm or below. This is why the Sigma 10-20mm lens (available for both Nikon and Canon) is so popular with real estate photographers, because with a 1.6 multiplier it allows you to work between 16 and 32mm effective focal length and it’s an inexpensive alternative. For full frame DSLRs the Canon 17-40mm, Canon 16-35mm and Nikon 17-35mm lenses are popular choices for interiors.
What are the wide-angle alternatives for APS DSLRs? I’m only going to cover Canon and Nikon because I recommend that you stick with these two manufacturers. It will make your life easier and give you more flexibility and alternatives in the long run because 3rd party vendors provide accessories for these two brands.
- For Canon DSLRs: Canon 10-22mm, Sigma 10-20mm, Tokina 12-24mm, Tamron 11-18mm, Canon 14mm fixed focal length
- For Nikon DSLRs: Nikon 12-24mm, Nikon 14-24mm, Sigma 10-20mm, Tokina 12-24mm, Tamron 11-18mm
To help you decide which wide-angle lens is best for you check out Ken Rockwell’s reviews of wide-angle lenses and the wide-angle lens tests at www.16-9.net.
Notice that I put the Canon 14mm fixed lens on the Canon list. This lens is legendary for it’s lack of barrel distortion. It is pricey but as high a quality as you’ll find. Zoom lenses all have varying degrees of barrel distortion that can be removed in Photoshop or other photo-editing software.
The bottom line here is that you need to pay careful attention to which lens you choose for real estate work. It maybe the most important equipment decision you make for real estate photography. It’s way more important than which camera body you choose.
24 Responses to “Wide-Angle Lenses For Real Estate Photography: How Wide is Wide?”
Athol Kay December 31st, 2007 at 2:20 pm #
I think the sweet spot varies around the country and by price range. I’m shooting using 28mm and still getting occassional complaint that I’m “faking that the room is larger than it is”.
Still a great post though, I’d hate to misspend the money on the wrong gear.
Wide-Angle Lenses For Real Estate Photography: How Wide is Wide? at Imaging Insider December 31st, 2007 at 2:28 pm #
[…] Read More… […]
larry December 31st, 2007 at 3:00 pm #
Athol,
Wow, that’s interesting! I’ve gotten complaints at 16mm, which is understandable, but complaints at 28mm is surprising.
I think you are right what looks strange is dependent on what you are use to seeing. Until you see a few sub-24mm shots they can look exaggerated. I had one client call my 16mm shots “cartoon like”.
Brad December 31st, 2007 at 4:57 pm #
It’s a minor thing, but the focal length multiplier for Canon is actually 1.6 and Nikon is 1.5.
Nice article for people looking for wide angle solutions.
larry December 31st, 2007 at 7:09 pm #
Brad,
Oops, you are right, I got it backwards. I’ll fix that. Thanks for pointing that out.
Justin Soles January 1st, 2008 at 6:54 am #
Great post, Larry!
I’d also add that Tokina is supposed to be releasing an 11-16mm f2.8 lens sometime in 2008. (Japanese press release is at http://www.tokina.co.jp/news/4961607atx116news.html ) Given Tokina’s good reputation w/their 12-24mm lens, I suspect this new lens will become a favorite amoung RE photographers when it finally comes to North America…
rd3 January 1st, 2008 at 9:31 am #
Just a quick note, it appears that you have the same link for the Nikon 12-24 as the Nikon 14-24. Not a big deal, thanks for the information.
larry January 1st, 2008 at 9:44 am #
rd3,
Thanks. It’s fixed now.
Myles January 1st, 2008 at 1:17 pm #
I’m an Olympus guy… always have been… How bout making those recommendations include Olympus!
larry January 1st, 2008 at 3:03 pm #
Myles,
For the Olympus 500 DSLR the wide-angle lens you want for re photography is the Zoiko 7-14mm which gives you a 35mm equivalent focal length of 14-28mm. See the following for more details: http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/OlympusE714mm/
Scott January 1st, 2008 at 4:05 pm #
I have used a 14mm on my Canon Rebel XT for some time, and have had good feedback. Sellers and buyers seem to both appreciate that you can see more of what a room has to offer than with a narrower lens.
Dave Weiss January 1st, 2008 at 10:15 pm #
I use the Canon 10-22mm with my XTi.
It is truly amazing how much of a room can be captured with the lens, and the distortion or barreling is minimal. Great shots of a master suite’s bathroom were never easier.
The lens costs as much as the body of the camera, but it’s worth it. Now, I just need to master the art of lighting and finding a flash (the pros call them “strobes” I think) that can cover the tremendous angles captured by this lens.
Chris January 2nd, 2008 at 3:24 am #
Personally love the sigma 10-20mm for wide angle shots - but I can see why clients may think the 10mm end is a little ‘too’ wide.
Still, I love it for allsorts of shots, not just the real estate ones.
Thanks
Chris
Justin Soles January 2nd, 2008 at 5:26 am #
Chris - I use the Sigma 10-20mm as well and try to avoid the 10mm end. FWIW, I’ll try to compose and shoot at 12mm or higher, which reduces the “bowling-alley” effect from this lens when it’s wide-open.
Dave - You make a good point about the lens being as important (if not more so) than the body. I’m a Nikon guy but have heard great things about this lens!
Cherie Irwin January 2nd, 2008 at 3:32 pm #
I shoot with the Canon 10-22mm, also. I traded in the Tokina 12-24 for it. The Tokina had quite a bit of noticeable barrel distortion and bowing on the left side when it was wide open, and I was tired of fixing it in every image. When I was shopping, I did some comparison shots with the Sigma, Tokina and Canon lenses. The Canon was the clear winner, and I like that I have the extra 2mm when I need it…for instance when all of the corners in a room are stuffed full of junk, or furniture. I rarely have to fix distortion with the Canon, and I like that it has a little cooler color than the Tokina. My White Balance was always too warm with the Tokina. If you are shopping and can afford the Canon 10-22mm, it is an excellent choice. BTW, I think that Canon is offering Instant Rebates on it this month. I bought mine for $799, but I saw it on B&H for around $659…They also have a rebate on the Canon 580EX II Speedlight, it’s $359.
Jon January 4th, 2008 at 12:47 pm #
Nice writeup, but I HIGHLY recommend that people avoid Ken Rockwell’s advice. Sometimes his advice is correct, but only because the advice that will make him the most money happened to also be good advice. Usually he’s just wrong. The real clue is that he doesn’t earn a living with photography. He even quit his dayjob because he makes enough from advertising on his ridiculous site.
Stick to www.bythom.com for Nikon, and www.robgalbraith.com and www.fredmiranda.com for better (though still sometimes biased) advice for all makes.
Marc Lacoste January 4th, 2008 at 3:07 pm #
Ken is funnier and almost everything he writes is OK. I learned a lot on his website, I’m glad he could live with it. At least he recognize earning something with.
Stacy Thomas January 11th, 2008 at 5:34 pm #
Great post! Our company, Video Openhouse (http://www.vopenhouse.ca) provides photography services to Realtors in Vancouver, Canada. We have been regularly using a Nikon D50 with a Sigma 10-20mm lens. Despite the occasional complaint that the rooms are smaller than they appear in person, our clients have been tremendously happy with their photos!
Marlene Colucci January 14th, 2008 at 7:45 pm #
It’s the first time I’ve been on this site, and I’ve found the articles & comments to be quite interesting. I would like to get into the Real Estate Photography field & was wondering if you had any suggestions, tips, advice as to how I would go about this? I have a Pentax 35mm but have been wanting to sell it for a better camera. What so you think about the Pentax cameras? I would be doing this in New York (upstate) & Honolulu, Hawaii. Adivce?? Any books, dvd’s, etc to learn on. Much appreciated.
larry January 14th, 2008 at 9:05 pm #
Marlene,
Tell me which specific Pentax you have and I can help you with specifics. Send me e-mail at larry@lohrman.com
Donna January 17th, 2008 at 2:38 am #
It’s my first time on this site too. I would also like to get into Realestate photography, I have a Nikon D80 with a 18-135mm lense and a tripod, is that sufficient. i will look into the elevated side of things once I progress, or should I have that before I start. Also I do not have a remote flashgun, do I need one?
Are most RE photographers qualified or can you just be a good at what you do?
I have a company wanting to use me for their clients holiday rentals but as I have never done this in a professional capacity before am a little worried that I won’t be operating under a business name. That is something for the future, so will it look unprofessional at this tage?
So many questions, I will be truly grateful for anyone’s advice.
Photography For Real Estate » Two New Low-end DSLRs Announced At PMA February 12th, 2008 at 9:29 pm #
[…] estate photography than the typical 18-55m kit lenses that come bundled with low end DSLRs. See my Wide angle lens post for advice on what lenses are suitable for real estate […]
Chad Jones February 13th, 2008 at 12:54 pm #
I use the Sigma 10-20mm on my Canon XTI with a Canon 430EX Strobe and a Gary Fong Diffuser. Love the setup. I remove all of the Barrel Distortion and what not with DXO Optics Pro 4.5. This software makes every single image POP and if you compose your shot correctly it will make most all horz. and vert. edges straight. I use this same lens for my panoramic photos on a Kaidian Spherical tripod head.
Leigh August 28th, 2008 at 4:22 pm #
Hi there, really desperate for some good advice from a professional.
I can’t decide upon the 10-22mm canon or the 14mm L canon for property shoots on a 40D. I’m not sure if the 14mm (will become 23mm) will be wide enough, but I really would like that quality and sharpness. Will 23mm be sufficient? Is the 10mm-22mm a better choice? Would be most grateful for a reply.