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15mm vs 16mm vs 17mm - Fov only
- Thread starter northlondon43
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bclaff
Forum Pro
I see The Ultimate 50mm Lens Comparison but don't see focal length measurements.
It's certainly true that the stated focal length may not match the actual although for low focal length I suspect you're within 1mm rather than such a wide range.
FWIW, measuring focal length is not too hard particularly if you have one or more thin extension tubes.
alcelc
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Had making use the AoV simulator (beware it is on 3:2 instead of 4:3 of M43) from http://imaging.nikon.com/lineup/lens/simulator/ , a quick marking out of the AoV by overlapping the simulated images using 30mm (15 of M43), 32mm (16 of M43) and 34mm (17 of M43) as below:
Take the lens having the coverage you prefer...
For me, the wider is better since IMHO one of the major applications of a fast speed lens is for the low lighting, which often indoor where has very limited spaces.
--
Albert
Take the lens having the coverage you prefer...
For me, the wider is better since IMHO one of the major applications of a fast speed lens is for the low lighting, which often indoor where has very limited spaces.
--
Albert
Henry Stamm
Senior Member
Given that you have 2 zooms that cover the range you're interested in, why don't you check what focal length you use most with those zooms? Exposure Plot will map your jpgs and analyze focal length (in 35mm/FF terms), f-stop, speed, etc. Then buy the prime that matches your use.
northlondon43
Senior Member
T
Tuntsch
Guest
Hi Adrian,
as soon as you change your position you change your perspective. Even if you manage to get the same section of the scene on the image the relative positions of objects within your scene will change.
northlondon43
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UppercanadianAcadian
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If you want the most field of view, get the 15mm
if you want the least, get the 17mm
if you want the in-between, get the 16mm
if you want the least, get the 17mm
if you want the in-between, get the 16mm
T
Tuntsch
Guest
It depends on the distance. If one object is very near then yes.
northlondon43
Senior Member
northlondon43
Senior Member
The short answer to your question is yes, they are very similar and you can use them interchangeably.
The long answer to you question is it depends. The difference is biggest when you are standing from your subject between 3-10 feet away. It also depends on your angles. If you shoot straight horizontally and there are no perpendicular lines close to the edges, again the difference will be minimal. This means that the 15 mm will give you more opportunities to play with the perspective.
And here is my personal answer. This choice can't be considered in isolation. Since these focal lengths are very similar, the characteristics of lenses should also be considered. As an example, when I was shooting with the FujiX system, I had the 35mm and 50mm eqv. lenses. One was f1.4, with more organic creamy look, the other was f2, smaller, faster focusing and more clinical look. I have a similar setup now, being close to each other, the PL15mm has warmer and more organic look which produces beautiful colors while the P20mm produces great B&W images.
One last consideration is that if you go out with only one lens or two (or three). You have to plan your strategy and how you will compliment one prime with the others in your bag.
You see prime selection is a very personal thing. And it's always a compromise one way or another. There is no right or wrong approach. Just try them as much as you can
The long answer to you question is it depends. The difference is biggest when you are standing from your subject between 3-10 feet away. It also depends on your angles. If you shoot straight horizontally and there are no perpendicular lines close to the edges, again the difference will be minimal. This means that the 15 mm will give you more opportunities to play with the perspective.
And here is my personal answer. This choice can't be considered in isolation. Since these focal lengths are very similar, the characteristics of lenses should also be considered. As an example, when I was shooting with the FujiX system, I had the 35mm and 50mm eqv. lenses. One was f1.4, with more organic creamy look, the other was f2, smaller, faster focusing and more clinical look. I have a similar setup now, being close to each other, the PL15mm has warmer and more organic look which produces beautiful colors while the P20mm produces great B&W images.
One last consideration is that if you go out with only one lens or two (or three). You have to plan your strategy and how you will compliment one prime with the others in your bag.
You see prime selection is a very personal thing. And it's always a compromise one way or another. There is no right or wrong approach. Just try them as much as you can
northlondon43
Senior Member
A really interesting reply, thank you. I've a follow up question if you don't mind given your second paragraph. On reflection my main usage for the lens will be indoors, taking group (10 max) photos. With that in mind would that lean you towards a 15 or 17mm lens?
rashid7
Veteran Member
splitting hairs man!
rashid7
Veteran Member
the real question is size, price, IQ, and construction. They are all solid. The sigma is BIG (like the expensive Oly f1.2). The 17 f1.8 lags the others in sharpness. Copy-to-copy variation? ... YRMV
northlondon43
Senior Member
Thank you
Snap-shooter
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northlondon43
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Thanks for your thoughts
northlondon43
Senior Member
If you read my original post you'd know I have no hairs left to split....
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