I just can't seem to like the 15mm.

[MarkoKovacevic]

Hey RFF. I've tried to like the 15mm, but I just can't. My problem is, 90% of my photography is people, and unless i put them facing me, dead centre, they're terribly distorted. The near/far relationship is also terrible.

What should i do?

 

[Fujitsu]

What should i do?

Stop using it?

 

[Paul_C]

use something you like

 

[swoop]

Get closer.

 

[MarkoKovacevic]

I don't have anything that I like - that lens is my only lens, and I do get good results from it, just not in all situations.

 

[Leigh Youdale]

I have the 15mm but I wouldn't try to use it in the way you describe, for the same reason you've discovered.
I use my 25mm lens a lot for both people and interiors of buildings and outdoor shots and don't find the amount of distortion objectionable. I also have the 35mm which is probably even better for people but it isn't wide enough for interiors or narrow street scenes.

 

[MarkoKovacevic]

Get closer.

That just increases the distortion. I'm already close enough where I like my composition, but the lens just distorts badly.

 

[MickH]

Want to play swopsies? I've a 35mm in good nick.

 

[Paul_C]

I don't have anything that I like - that lens is my only lens, and I do get good results from it, just not in all situations.

so find something you like and just use the 15 where it works for you. or sell the 15 to fund something longer.

 

[MarkoKovacevic]

Want to play swopsies? I've a 35mm in good nick.

35's a bit long for me, I'm thinking something like 21-24mm.

 

[raid]

Marko,

Place the people in such a way such that distortion is minimized. I have used the 19mm lens quite often with my children. I make sure to include on one side something such as the ocean or a walkway or something to convey the vastness of the coverage while still taking photos of little children.

If this is not something you like to do, unload the lens here. I am always up for a trade of lenses ... etc. It keeps everyone happy and you don't see a "loss".

 

[Leigh Youdale]

Conventional wisdom is that anything wider than 28mm is going to show some distortion, particularly of faces and particularly if you're very close to the subject. I'm happy with the 25CV lens and it's so close to the upper limit of what you're considering (21-24) that I'd suggest you have a good look at it for your main lens. I only use my 15mm infrequently - so much so that I'd think that if I could only afford one lens I'd sell the 15 and get the 25.

 

[Bob Michaels]

Hey RFF. I've tried to like the 15mm, but I just can't. My problem is, 90% of my photography is people, and unless i put them facing me, dead centre, they're terribly distorted. The near/far relationship is also terrible.

What should i do?

Field of View is a personal thing. If the 15mm is too wide for you, don't use it. My 15mm was the only lens I sold after having it for a few months. Others love it. I can not get a 50mm lens to work for me, but others love that FOV. It is simply what gives you the images you like.

When I carry two lenses, one is a 35mm and the other is a 28mm. Others will carry five lenses but not both a 35 and 28 because they feel they are too close. No one is right, no one is wrong. It is just personal preference.

Use the field of view that your eye sees.

 

[Nando]

I had a similar experience but with a 21mm. I got a 24mm instead and sold off the 21mm and its a nice change. I found that 24mm is about as wide as one can go without the distortion getting too crazy.

 

[MarkoKovacevic]

I'm hoping to somehow trade for a 21mm F4... Anyone?

In addition to that, I'm buying a Nikon SLR next week, so I can finally use my 28mm once again.

 

[Bob Michaels]

I like the way the 21mm works for me but not the 15mm. It is a personal thing.

rural Pinar del Rio province, Cuba

 

[fbf]

Don't force it...I bought and sold it 3 times. I just can't handle it.
It is a great lens though.

 

[nico]

I never tried the 15mm yet but the 21 mm is a good option for enviromental portraits, here some sample images

I'm going to borrow a 15mm from a friend soon to see the differences from the 21: I'm quite curious to see how it works ...

ciao

 

[raid]

I find 19mm perfect for my needs.

 

[back alley]

sell it, trade it, just don't deal on the forum!
please use the classifieds.

i recommend the cv 25 over the 21 as an everyday lens.

the 15 on an rd1 is about a 23/24 lens and i love it.