Wide angle lenses are popular tools for photographers looking to capture more of a scene in a single frame. These lenses have a shorter focal length than standard lenses, allowing them to take in a wider field of view. This makes them great for landscapes, architecture, and group shots where you want to fit more into the picture.
Many photographers choose wide angle lenses to add a sense of drama or scale to their images. The wider view can make spaces look bigger and more expansive. It can also create interesting perspective effects, especially when shooting up close to subjects. This gives photos a unique look that’s hard to achieve with other types of lenses.
When buying a wide angle lens, the most important things to consider are focal length, maximum aperture, and image quality. Focal length determines how wide the field of view will be – the lower the number, the wider the view. Meanwhile, the maximum aperture affects low light performance and depth of field control. Lastly, image quality relates to sharpness, distortion, and vignetting. We tested dozens of wide angle lenses to find the best options for different needs and camera systems.
Best Wide Angle Lenses
We’ve carefully selected the top wide angle lenses for photographers looking to capture expansive scenes. Our list includes options for different camera brands and budgets. These lenses will help you take stunning landscape, architectural, and interior photos with ease.
Canon RF16mm Ultra-Wide Prime
We think this lens is a great buy for Canon RF users who want a compact ultra-wide option.
Pros
- Very small and light
- Bright f/2.8 aperture
- Close focus ability
Cons
- Needs software correction
- Not weather-sealed
- Some edge softness
We’ve been using this lens on our Canon R5, and it’s a joy to carry around. It’s so small that we often forget it’s in our bag. The wide 16mm view lets us capture big scenes or tight spaces with ease.
The f/2.8 aperture is nice for low light shots. We’ve taken some great night sky photos with it. The lens also focuses very close – about 5 inches. This lets us get creative with up-close wide shots.
While the image quality is good, it’s not perfect. The edges can be a bit soft, and there’s some distortion. Canon’s software fixes most issues, but RAW files need work. Still, for the size and price, we’re happy with the results we get.
SSE 37mm Wide Angle Macro Lens
We think this lens is a decent budget option for beginners looking to expand their photography skills.
Pros
- Good value for the price
- Versatile with wide angle and macro modes
- Comes with protective accessories
Cons
- Image quality could be better
- Lens cap falls off easily
- Instructions are lacking
We tried out this SSE 37mm wide angle lens and found it to be a mixed bag. For the low price, it offers decent functionality. The lens lets you capture wider shots and close-up macro photos, which is nice for experimenting with different styles.
The build quality feels solid for an inexpensive lens. It has a matte black aluminum finish that looks sleek. We like that it comes with lens caps, a cleaning cloth, and a pouch to keep it protected.
In use, the wide angle shots were okay but not super sharp. The macro mode worked better, letting us get really close to small objects. We noticed some distortion and blurriness around the edges of photos. For casual use it’s fine, but pros will want something higher-end.
One annoyance is the lens cap falls off too easily. We also wish it came with better instructions. But for beginners wanting to try wide angle and macro shots without spending a lot, this lens could be worth a try. Just keep your expectations realistic for the price point.
Canon 10-18mm Wide Angle
We think this lens is a great buy for Canon users who want to try wide-angle photography without breaking the bank.
Pros
- Very affordable
- Lightweight and compact
- Quiet autofocus for video
Cons
- Limited zoom range
- Not the fastest aperture
- Plastic build
We’ve been using this Canon 10-18mm lens for a while now, and it’s been a joy to shoot with. The ultra-wide field of view lets us capture expansive landscapes and tight interiors with ease. It’s perfect for real estate photography or getting creative with perspective.
The lens is super light and small. We can easily toss it in our bag without adding much weight. This makes it great for travel or hiking when we want to pack light but still have wide-angle options.
One thing we really like is how quiet the autofocus is. It’s great for video work where we don’t want lens noise in our audio. The image stabilization helps too, letting us shoot at slower shutter speeds.
While it’s not the fastest lens in terms of aperture, we find it works well in most lighting conditions. The build quality is mostly plastic, but that helps keep the weight and cost down. For the price, we think it’s a solid choice for Canon shooters wanting to expand their lens lineup.
Canon RF-S 10-18mm Ultra-Wide Zoom
We think this compact ultra-wide zoom lens is a must-have for Canon APS-C mirrorless camera owners who want to expand their creative options.
Pros
- Very wide field of view
- Compact and lightweight
- Great for vlogging and selfies
Cons
- Limited to APS-C cameras
- Slower maximum aperture
- Not weather-sealed
This lens opens up new creative possibilities. Its 10-18mm focal range lets us capture super wide shots. We can fit entire rooms or landscapes in one frame. For vloggers, it’s perfect. We can hold the camera at arm’s length and still fit ourselves in the shot.
The build quality feels good for the price. It’s small and light, making it easy to carry around all day. We love how it balances on smaller APS-C bodies like the EOS R10. The autofocus is quick and quiet, which is great for video work.
Image quality impressed us. Photos look sharp from edge to edge, even wide open. There’s some distortion at 10mm, but that’s normal for ultra-wides. We noticed a bit of vignetting too, but it’s easy to fix in post. For the money, this lens delivers excellent results. It’s a no-brainer for Canon shooters wanting to go wider.
PICTRON Wide Angle Lens for Sony ZV1
We think this wide angle lens is a solid choice for Sony ZV1 owners looking to expand their shooting options.
Pros
- Widens field of view to 18mm
- Includes 10x macro lens
- Easy to attach and remove
Cons
- Adhesive may not hold well
- Can’t use wide and macro together
- May add some weight to camera
This 2-in-1 lens kit gives Sony ZV1 users more flexibility. The wide angle attachment changes the camera’s 24mm lens to an 18mm view. This lets us fit more in our shots, which is great for vlogging or landscapes.
We liked how the macro lens lets us get super close-up shots. It’s fun to play with and capture tiny details. The lenses seem well-made with good glass. Images look clear without dark corners.
Putting the lenses on is easy, but the sticky mount worries us a bit. Some users say it doesn’t hold well in heat. We’d be careful using it for important shoots. Still, for the price, this lens kit adds nice options to the ZV1’s abilities.
Buying Guide
When shopping for a wide angle lens, there are a few key things to keep in mind:
Focal Length
The focal length determines how wide the field of view will be. Shorter focal lengths (like 14-24mm) give an ultra-wide view. Slightly longer focal lengths (24-35mm) provide a more moderate wide angle.
Maximum Aperture
A wider maximum aperture (lower f-number) lets in more light. This is helpful for low-light shooting. Apertures of f/2.8 or wider are ideal for many situations.
Image Quality
Look for lenses with good sharpness, minimal distortion, and well-controlled chromatic aberration. Reading reviews can give insight into a lens’s optical performance.
Autofocus
Fast, accurate autofocus is important for capturing fleeting moments. We recommend lenses with quiet autofocus motors for video work.
Build Quality
A sturdy, weather-sealed lens will hold up better to outdoor use. Metal construction tends to be more durable than plastic.
Size and Weight
Consider how the lens’s size and weight will affect your shooting. Larger lenses can be tiring to carry all day.
| Feature | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 14-35mm range |
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 or wider |
| AF System | Fast and quiet |
| Construction | Weather-sealed |
We hope this guide helps you choose the right wide angle lens for your needs. Remember to consider your specific shooting style and budget when making a decision.