Sigma 10-20 distortion

Crazyhorse

Crazyhorse

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What's the best way of taking pics of horses and carts passing using the above lens without too much distortion?

Any tips etc greatly appreciated.

Thanks.
Lisa
 
Err, the lens is ALL about (perspective) distortion, that's the point.

If you're trying to minimise it then use a long focal length and always aim the camera level, any aiming up or down will create/exaggerate any vertical perspective.
 
When you say distortion do you mean straight lines not being straight or the perspective distortion? The first can be fixed in post processing, the second will be minimised the longer the focal length, but still 20mm should still distort perspective a lot. As previously said a lens around 30-50mm should do the job much better
 
There's perspective distortion, or rather exagerated perspective which makes things close to the camera much bigger than those further away, but that's because of the close shooting distance, not the lens.

Then there's converging verticals, again exagerated because of the close range you tend to shoot at with these lenses. But keep the camera dead level and you'll not get that. Or you can correct most things in post processing.

And then there is real distortion, the lens aberration, when straight lines near the edges of the frame appear curved - usually barrel-shaped. Walls, roofs etc. Some lenses are worse than others, but it's easily corrected in post, often using a custom profile with some software.
 
Hi Thanks for the replies.:)

I use my 70-200 L for 95% of my photography. I have a 50mm 1.4. It's just sometimes, the 70-200 is too long when space is limited if you know what I mean. And, on occasion the 50mm is too.

I did use the 10-20 for some shots last year and actually, they wern't too bad. I was just after some tips, I think I'll practice a bit more.

keep the camera dead level and you'll not get that.

Thanks Hoppy.

Lisa
 
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Try the 30mm f/1.4, it's a more natural focal length on an APS-C sensor.

The alternative is to use Lightroom 3 and the lens correction option to deal with the worst of the distortion that is a feature of UWA lenses.

Of course, if you are planning on fighting your way through to the front row on the 29th you might be so close that you will need an UWA or a fisheye to get the horses and carriages into the shot. In which case, get some practice in so you can make the most of the way the lens will treat the scene.
 
Hi Alistair

Thanks for the reply.

I'm not photographing the royal wedding LOL! I'll be watching that on tv whilst on holiday. :)

I'm not buying any new lenses, I've just splashed out on a 7D.

It's just on the flashing lane (Appleby Horse Fair), to get them sideways as they pass, is impossible with my 70-200 as there isn't enough room to stand far back. (If that makes sense).:)

Lisa
 
In that case, don't go for a sideways shot. An UWA will give a very dynamic shot when close-up and diagonally onto the subject. At f/11-16 (no need to ever go higher on the 10-20) you'll have plenty of DOF.

There's a huge gap between the 10-20mm and your 50mm.. have a play (maybe rent?) a 30mm f/1.4 and see what you think. I'm sure you'll be hooked on it ;)
 
Alastair said:
In that case, don't go for a sideways shot. An UWA will give a very dynamic shot when close-up and diagonally onto the subject. At f/11-16 (no need to ever go higher on the 10-20) you'll have plenty of DOF.

There's a huge gap between the 10-20mm and your 50mm.. have a play (maybe rent?) a 30mm f/1.4 and see what you think. I'm sure you'll be hooked on it ;)
Click to expand...

Thanks Alistair, I think if I buy anymore kit my husband will divorce me. :)

Lisa
 
Don't tell him.. :thumbs:

Oh that.. I've had that ages..​

Works for me.. :lol:
 
Alastair said:
Don't tell him.. :thumbs:

Oh that.. I've had that ages..​

Works for me.. :lol:
Click to expand...

I know, that's my sentence too. Infact, if there had been a horse running in the National called 'I've had that for ages', I would have backed it.:)

Lisa
 
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