What are some of the best wide-angle lenses for different camera systems and budgets?

2 Mirrorless Wide-Angle Lenses

Mirrorless cameras have some great wide-angle lenses available, such as the Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM. This premium lens offers outstanding image quality and performance at a wide-angle zoom range, with a fast f/2.8 aperture for low-light situations and creative effects, as well as a weather-sealed construction and a fast and quiet autofocus system. The Fujifilm XF 10-24mm f/4 R OIS is another versatile and compact lens that covers a wide-angle zoom range equivalent to 15-36mm on a full-frame camera, with a constant f/4 aperture, optical image stabilization, smooth manual focus ring, and an aperture ring for easy control. The Panasonic Lumix G Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 8-18mm f/2.8-4 ASPH is also a great choice, with a wide-angle zoom range equivalent to 16-36mm on a full-frame camera, variable f/2.8-4 aperture for flexibility in different lighting conditions, rugged and splash-proof design, and fast and accurate autofocus system.

3 Budget Wide-Angle Lenses

If you are on a tight budget, you can still find some decent wide-angle lenses that won't break the bank. The Tokina AT-X 11-20mm f/2.8 PRO DX is an affordable option that offers a wide-angle zoom range equivalent to 16.5-30mm on a full-frame camera, with a fast f/2.8 aperture for bright and clear images in low light and a smooth manual focus clutch and durable metal mount. The Samyang 14mm f/2.8 IF ED UMC is another great manual focus lens, with an ultra-wide angle of view equivalent to 21mm on a full-frame camera, fast f/2.8 aperture for dramatic depth of field effects, and multi-coated optical design to reduce flare and ghosting. The Rokinon 12mm f/2 NCS CS is also a great manual focus lens with a wide angle of view equivalent to 18mm on a full-frame camera, fast f/2 aperture for low-light and astrophotography, and nano-coating system to enhance contrast and color.

4 How to Use Wide-Angle Lenses

Creating stunning landscape photos with wide-angle lenses requires some skill and technique. To use them effectively, look for an interesting foreground element, such as a rock or a tree, and place it close to the lens. Additionally, take advantage of leading lines and shapes like roads or rivers to guide the viewer's eye through the scene. Be mindful of the edges of the frame as wide-angle lenses can cause vignetting, distortion, and chromatic aberration. You can correct these issues in post-processing or with filters or lens hoods.

5 Here’s what else to consider

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