Opinions on ZD 11-22mm vs. ZD 7-14mm

Can someone who has used both the ZD 11-22mm f2.8-3.5 and the ZD 7-14mm f4.0 comment on how the two lenses stack up against each other.

I understand the ZD 7-14mm f4.0 has a wider FOV at 7mm, but if you had to use the ZD 7-14mm f4.0 between 11mm-22mm and compare it to the 11-22mm f2.8-3.5, how would the images from both compare to each other at ...say f4.0.

Is distortion better controlled on the ZD 7-14mm (atleast between the focal range of 11-22) or on the 11-22mm ?

Is flare better controlled on the 11-22mm or on the 7-14mm ?

Do both offer the same resolution - as in is one sharper than the other from 11mm-14mm ?

How about ghosting issues ? Any differences between the two ?

Any input appreciated.
TY

Both are wide and very well corrected. I know the 11-22 is super sharp and one of my most used lenses.

I find teh 11-22 the best for landscapes because with the 7-14 it makes everything so small since it's incredibly wide, and that's not a knock on it. It's an ultrawide and doing exactly what it should.

The 7-14 seems best used as a more creative lens. You can get things in your images up close that are impossible otherwise and no matter how well corrected a wide angle up close is going to distort at some point. This however is what makes some of the beautiful pictures it produces so artsy. It's got a learning curve greater than the 11-22 because it is so different from the rest stepping out of normal range into a true ultrawide.

Both are great for architectural images. YOu can take big interior images with the 7-14 but you will get some curvature exagerration the closer you are or tighter spaces. This can give you a very artistic image and it's going to depend on what you want.

If you do a pure landscape at it's widest setting things get so small that you will move closer to the 11mm range anyhow for a more normal feel with image detail.

Check out Louis Dobsons and several others images with the 7-14. There are some lovely images but they take practice and skill to compse with it. You won't get instantly gorgeous shots without practice unless you're very good or very lucky. After a bit of time you will learn it's strengths and either love or hate it.

Sergio
--
My soul is painted like the wings of butterflies..

From this link: http://www.wrotniak.net/photo/43/zd-007-014.html

"At 10 mm (my favorite EFL of 20 mm!), the value of -0.2% is just outstanding; compare it to 1.5% at 11 mm for the 11-22 mm ZD lens."

So the 7-14mm is better-corrected at the common focal lengths. Even so, the distortion of the 11-22mm is hardly in the noticeable range; check the review here which has a real-world example:
http://www.wrotniak.net/photo/43/zd-011-022.html

--
http://www.flickr.com/photos/saturnairjam

I'm in the same position as you are, wondering which one to get.

I spent a couple of hours reading through past threads, using the search function. There have been many discussions on this, so it would be worth it to try.

Here's one: http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1022&message=24102843

Or try google: http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla%3Aen-US%3Aofficial&hs=W2N&q=olympus+11-22+vs.+7-14&btnG=Search

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla%3Aen-US%3Aofficial&q=olympus+11-22mm+vs.+7-14mm&btnG=Search

I hope you can make up your mind ...... I can't for now

I know the only real way to know is to buy them both and do my own comparisons. Reading opinions can be helpful, but we each have our own unique set of standards, don't we? The only one who knows the answer is ME. Life is rough ..... life is beautiful.

-cheers

a superb lens but if I didn't already have it, only the 14-54 and wanted something wider I think that it would have to be the 7-14.
--
Dave
UK Photo Safari Group Member
Welsh Photographic Federation and UKPSG judge
http://www.pbase.com/benvendetta
pbase supporter

Yes Dave, I have the 14-54 at this point. It's lack of wideness is killing me indoors. Another wrench in the 11-22 v 7-14 is that the 11-22 seems to be actually wider than the 14-54 by about a mm, at least from this test. http://biofos.com/esystem/widecomp.html

Either the 11-22 is more like a 10-20 or the 14-54 is more like 15-x . Either way, from 11 to 22 the 11-22mm lens appears wider than the 14-54mm lens.

But you know, I'm starting believe every lens has it's place. There's not a bad one , especially in the pro and top pro selection. The only thing that holds me back is my mind .... and sometimes my wallet

-Garth

Both are incredible lenses, if you need the extra width get the 7-14, if you don't, get the 11-22.

I have both and have a hard time taking them off the cameras once I put them on.

JimB
--
It all started long ago and far away with a lowly OM-G

The OM of Getto cams

You can not really compare them, they have very different qualities.

11-22 is pro grade & very good at what it does & has some drawbacks eg PF. But it is f2.8 at it's widest & at times that is a real +.
Overall performance very good.

7-14 is super pro grade & very very good at what it does. Because the front element is huge it can flare more than any other lens. It is constant f4 & at times f4 at 7mm can be too slow. And yes many find it duanting to use.
Overall performance is outstanding.

Which ever you go with you will not be disappointed.

BTW I seldom use the 11-22 these days, but it does have a place in my kit.

ad
--
...more captures...less bashing...
http://www.dsphotographics.com/

Oly user & proud of it!!!

I just received the 7-14mm as a bday gift. Its a huge learning curve. I'm gonna need alot of practice to get good at it. I thought about the 11-22, but I knew I would end up wanting wider. Go for the 7-14mm, you won't regret it.

Own the 7-14, have used the 11-22.

The 11-22 is a killer walkaround lens. Fairly small and light for an intermediate ZD. Produces moderate to decent WA, and razor sharp. You can pop this lens on and fire away.

The 7-14 is the heavyweight, in more ways than one. It's a serious UWA. Large, somewhat heavy (for what it is), and the bulging front element does call for caution. The extreme WA calls for completely different composition skills, it's not one you casually use. You have to use it for a while before you can develop a composition eye.

But... it's razor sharp, and remarkably distortion free. Shots from it look, well, like incredible UWA shots. It loves vertical lines. Also loves house interiors and wide open landscape. It will deliver the UWA shots you've dreamed of capturing, but never quite seem to get - after you master it's unique composition characteristics.

I have both the 11-22 and 7-14 (only for a week).

The 11-22 has never really done it for me (comparing to a OM 21) - it did not seem to be able to add the drama I like with wide angle lenses. For me, WA is all about exaggerated perspective to give a real sense of depth. If you are just after a large FOV I think panos are the way to go.

The 7-14 is an amazing lens - I am amazed at the distortion correction. I am also amazed at the weight! I am already wondering what lenses I would take for extended travellling due to the weight of it!

Quick summary, if you are after depth (without severe distortion) in photos there is no other choice.
--
Nigel

Equipment in Profile

I have both lens as well and find the 7-14 to be exceptional and my favorite.

Thank you for the replies. I am in agreement with what was said by all who replied as I have the the ZD 7-14mm f4.0 and agree it is a wonderful lens.

Perhaps I should have been more clear in my original post......Based on all the images I have seen recently with the 11-22mm f2.8-3.5, I asked my questions to see if there was any advantage of getting the 11-22mm.... maybe if it had more flare control (it does have a hood as well as filter threads for filters.... would this be a advantage in it's favor compared to the 7-14mm .....or perhaps if it had better distortion control..... etc. that would give it an edge over the 7-14mm f4.0. etc....

For those who have both, did you notice a big difference/advantage when using either lenses in the 11-22mm focal range. As I have not seen/used the 11-22mm, is there a size advantage over the 7-14mm.

For architectural stuff (outdoor), 11mm (22mm FOV) should be more than sufficient. Does the 11-22 come off as a better lens at 11mm than the 7-14mm does at 11mm.

Regardless of whether I get the 11-22 or not, my 7-14 is going to stay with me as I do realize that for the indoor stuff, the 7mm (14mm FOV) is truly invaluable.

Just a short comment: 7-14 is even sharper than the very sharp 11-22. In extreme situations the 11-22 has some CA. I can't force 7-14 CA even if I try hard.
--
************************
I like shooting cats - I'm allergic

2 major advantages on the 11-22 over the 7-14

1) It can take a polariser - still addicted to the them even tho it can do terrible things to the sky. I just enjoy the improved contrast, not to mention getting rid of water reflections

2) Weight and size. The 7-14 was the first lens to ever give me a neck ache when hiking for a few hours (yes I had it out the whole time)
--
Nigel

Equipment in Profile

I first got the 11-22 and was very impressed with the images, I shoot mainly landscapes and found the 11-22 a pleasure to use and is certainly wide enough for most situations, a major advantage for me was the ability to use ND grads having a 72mm filter thread, this lens was my constant companion and spent 90% of the time on the front of my E300, it was the results from using this combination that enabled me to buy the E3, 12-60, 7-14, 50-200 FL50r

Having the new 12-60 I found that I was using 11-22 less and less even though the 11-22 has less distortion at the wide end, it isn't an issue when taking landscapes.

I now have the 7-14 which is also a very nice lens which takes a bit more getting used to but once mastered will produce stunning results which are unique due to the wide FOV, it is expensive though so if you are on a tight budget then the 11-22 is a no brainer and with the new 8-16 only a couple of months away, you could probably buy both for less than the 7-14 and you will be able to use filters sharing the same 72mm thread
Something to think about
Cheers Steve
--
UK Olympus Safari Group Member
UK Photo Safari Group Events : http://www.ukphotosafari.org

http://www.stephenelliottphotography.co.uk