Wide-angle lenses can capture an astoundingly wide field of view, as well as create images with a strong perspective effect. In this article, we explore the characteristics of wide-angle lenses and pick up some techniques for mastering their use.

EOS R6 Mark II + RF10-20mm f/4L IS STM @ 10mm, f/8, 1/25 sec, ISO 2500

 

Characteristics of wide-angle lenses

1. Can capture an astoundingly wide field-of-view
2. Can be used to emphasise perspective
3. Distort image peripheries
4. Achieve deep focus easily
5. Have shorter closest focusing distances

What are wide-angle lenses?

Wide-angle lenses generally refer to lenses with a 35mm film-equivalent focal length of 35mm or below. They can capture more of the scene than what the human eye can see. The shorter the focal length, the wider the angle-of-view. Wide-angle lenses with a focal length of less than 24mm are considered ultra-wide-angle lenses.

As wide-angle lenses also emphasise perspective, nearby objects will appear bigger and faraway objects will appear smaller in the resulting image. This is part of the charm of a wide-angle lens, but at the same time, it may cause unwanted distortion in the image depending on the subject matter. The distortion effect is strongest at the edges of the image, so place subjects in the centre of the frame if you do not want them to appear distorted.

Wide-angle lenses also have a large depth-of-field, which makes it easy to deep focus, i.e., put the entire image is in-focus all the way from the foreground to the background. As camera shake is less obvious on wide-angle lenses, you can shoot handheld with slower shutter speeds. These characteristics make them especially useful for shooting grand landscapes and tight interiors.

For more about wide-angle lens characteristics, read:
Wide-angle Lens Characteristics and How to Get More Out of Them
Exploring Wide Angle Lenses Part 1: Photo Effects of Wide Angle Lenses

 

Types of wide-angle RF lenses

Canon’s wide-angle lenses for the RF mount can be classified into 4 main categories:

i) L-series lenses for full-frame cameras

These professional-grade lenses have a robust, weather-sealed body and higher-end optics to meet the needs of users who use them to make a living.

1. RF15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM
2. RF14-35mm f/4L IS USM
3. RF10-20mm f/4L IS STM

ii) L-series photo/video hybrid lenses for full-frame cameras

These professional-grade lenses are built like those in i), plus extra features that benefit professional video shooting.

1. RF24mm f/1.4L VCM
2. RF35mm f/1.4L VCM

iii) Non-L-series lenses for full-frame cameras

These lenses are designed to be more accessible to hobbyists and casual users.

1. RF15-30mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM
2. RF16mm f/2.8 STM
3. RF24mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM
4. RF28mm f/2.8 STM
5. RF35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM

RF-S lenses for APS-C cameras

This is the native option for those with APS-C EOS R series cameras like the EOS R50, EOS R10, and EOS R7. It’s compact and lightweight to match APS-C camera bodies.

- RF-S10-18mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM

Also see:
What’s the Difference Between RF-S and RF Lenses?

 

How to make the most of your wide-angle lens

Shoot closer to the subject for a stronger perspective effect

As covered in Lens Basics #5: Perspective, perspective is stronger when the camera is closer to the subject.

Both images below: EOS R6 Mark II + RF14-35mm f/4L IS USM @ 14mm, f/11

The low-angle examples above were shot with the same focal length (14mm). Moving closer to the wheel in front makes it seem to tower above the camera. This is one trick to make subjects look more powerful and impressive!

 

1. Understand that distortion is stronger at the edges of the frame

Place faces and any important details that you don’t want distorted in the centre of the frame. Subjects and details at the edges will appear “stretched”.

Both images below: EOS R6 Mark II + RF16mm f/2.8 STM @ 16mm, f/3.2, 1/200 sec

Both the images above were shot with the same settings at 16mm. Notice how the cat’s face and shapes of objects are distorted when we place them at the side of the frame. This is why wide-angle lenses are seldom used for commercial product photography,  and should be used with caution when photographing people!

More tips on using wide-angle lenses in: 
Wide-Angle Lens Techniques: Composing Dynamic Portraits at 28mm
Exploring Wide Angle Lenses Part 2: Composition Techniques for Wide-Angle Lenses

 

Use a wide-angle lens for these scenes

EOS R+ RF16mm f/2.8 STM @ FL: 16mm

EOS R+ RF16mm f/2.8 STM @ FL: 16mm

In indoor settings where you want to capture a wide field-of-view
A wide-angle lens is useful for shooting in large subjects in limited spaces and getting a wider view of tight interiors. It’s also good for situations like the above, where you need to shoot closer to a large subject to avoid obstacles like barriers.

EOS R6 Mark II/ RF15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM USM/ FL: 15mm/ Aperture-priority AE (f/4, 1/800 sec, EV +0.7)/ ISO 100/ WB: Auto (Ambience-priority)

To make buildings look taller
The wide angle-of-view of a wide-angle lens is also perfect for making buildings look taller. Move closer to the walls of the building and shoot at a low position and low angle to bring out the perspective effect. Use a vertical orientation to emphasise the height further.

Learn more about how to pick and make the best of wide-angle lenses in:
Lens Review: RF28mm f/2.8 STM vs. RF35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM in Travel and Street
How to Create a Wide-Angle Panorama Portrait
24mm Closeups: 3 Simple Exercises for Mastering Wide-Angle Perspective