When it comes to capturing expansive landscapes, cityscapes, or vast night skies, a wide angle lens is a must-have accessory for any photographer. If you’re using the Nikon D7000, choosing the right lens can make all the difference. Here’s a guide to help you find the best wide angle lens for your Nikon D7000 and why these lenses will suit your specific photography needs.
Top Wide Angle Lenses for the Nikon D7000
1. Best Zoom Wide Angle Lens: Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 AT-X116 Pro DX II
If you’re looking for versatility, a zoom lens is a great option. The Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 is perfect for photographers who want the flexibility to change focal lengths without moving their camera. This is especially useful in situations where you need to quickly adjust your composition, such as photographing a wedding group or capturing a dynamic landscape.
- Why it’s great for the Nikon D7000:
- Minimum focal length of 11mm lets you capture more of your scene.
- Weighs less than many competitors, like the Sigma 10-20mm f/3.5, making it easy to carry around.
- The f/2.8 aperture allows more light to reach your sensor, making it ideal for low-light environments.
- Cost-effective compared to other lenses like the Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5G ED.
2. Best Prime Wide Angle Lens: Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 20mm f/1.8G ED
For those who prefer prime lenses, the Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 20mm f/1.8G ED is an excellent choice. Prime lenses are known for their sharpness and light weight, and the wide f/1.8 aperture lets in a significant amount of light, which is perfect for low-light photography or capturing night skies.
- Why it stands out:
- Offers a wide 20mm angle of view, which is ideal for capturing stunning landscapes.
- Compact and lightweight at just 0.78 lbs, making it perfect for travel.
- The f/1.8 aperture ensures excellent performance in low-light conditions and provides a beautiful shallow depth of field.
3. Best Ultra Wide Angle Fisheye Lens: Nikon AF DX NIKKOR 10.5mm f/2.8G ED
For photographers who want an even more extreme perspective, fisheye lenses offer a unique viewpoint. The Nikon AF DX NIKKOR 10.5mm f/2.8G ED provides an ultra-wide, almost circular view that’s perfect for creative shots of architecture, cityscapes, and dramatic close-ups.
- Why it’s perfect for the D7000:
- A 10.5mm focal length captures an ultra-wide view of up to 180 degrees.
- Lightweight at just 0.66 lbs, making it easy to use for long periods.
- The fixed focal length allows for sharper, crisper images compared to zoom lenses.
4. Best Lens for Landscape Photography: Sigma 10-20mm f/3.5 EX DC HSM
Landscape photographers need a lens that can handle varying focal lengths while offering a broad field of view. The Sigma 10-20mm f/3.5 EX DC HSM is a fantastic option for anyone looking to shoot sweeping vistas or intricate landscapes with high clarity and minimal distortion.
- Why it excels in landscape photography:
- Provides a wide 10-20mm focal range, allowing for plenty of flexibility.
- The Hyper Sonic Motor ensures fast, silent autofocus, even when capturing fast-moving clouds or wildlife.
- Super multi-layer lens coating reduces flare and ghosting, perfect for shooting in various lighting conditions.
5. Best Lens for Astrophotography: Tamron 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5 Di-II VC HLD
Astrophotography demands a lens that performs well in low-light conditions and produces sharp, crisp images with minimal distortion. The Tamron 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5 Di-II VC HLD is built for these challenges, with features designed to optimize night-sky photography.
- Why it’s ideal for astrophotography:
- The Vibration Compensation system reduces camera shake during long exposures, crucial for capturing clear night sky images.
- The moisture-resistant construction and fluorine coating make it resistant to the elements, ensuring durability during outdoor shoots.
- The wide 10-24mm range allows for a large field of view, making it easier to capture vast portions of the night sky.
Why You Need a Wide Angle Lens
Wide angle lenses are essential for capturing scenes that include expansive views. Whether you’re shooting landscapes, architecture, or even crowded city streets, these lenses allow you to fit more into the frame. They’re also ideal for astrophotography, where capturing as much of the night sky as possible is key to getting the perfect shot.
Key benefits of wide angle lenses include:
- A broader field of view allows you to capture more of your subject.
- Ideal for shooting subjects up close without excluding background elements.
- Perfect for landscapes, as they provide a realistic and immersive perspective.
- Essential for capturing wide night sky scenes in astrophotography.
Understanding Sensor Compatibility: Cropped vs. Full Frame
The Nikon D7000 is a cropped-sensor camera, which means it has a smaller sensor than full-frame cameras. This affects the field of view of your lens, effectively increasing the focal length by a factor of 1.5x. For example, a 20mm lens on a full-frame camera behaves like a 30mm lens on a cropped-sensor camera like the D7000.
Lens Compatibility Check:
To ensure a wide angle lens is compatible with your Nikon D7000, look for lenses labeled “DX” (for Nikon), “DC” (for Sigma), or “Di” (for Tamron), which are designed for cropped-sensor cameras. You can always verify compatibility by reading product descriptions and checking customer reviews on sites like Amazon.
Protecting and Maintaining Your Lens
To keep your wide angle lens in top condition:
- UV Filter: Attach a UV filter to your lens for protection against dust and scratches.
- Regular Cleaning: Use a microfiber cloth and lens cleaner to remove smudges and dust. Avoid using your breath to clean the lens, as it can leave moisture behind.
- Proper Storage: When not in use, store your lens in a dry, cool place and consider using a lens case for additional protection.
Conclusion
Whether you’re shooting stunning landscapes, cityscapes, or the night sky, a wide angle lens is an essential tool for your Nikon D7000. With the right lens, you can capture wide, dramatic scenes with excellent clarity and detail. Consider the lens types discussed above and choose the one that best suits your photography style and needs.
