Nikon F90x and Architectural photography

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Francis Mallon - 16 Oct 2006 04:18 GMT

Could anyone suggest what would be considered the best possible lens without
spending over 500$ for Architectural Photography.

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Toby - 16 Oct 2006 12:53 GMT

I think you need to have a look at one of the PC Nikkors (perspective
correction)--which allow you to keep straight lines from converging. For
interiors it is a different story, as the widest PC is (IIRC) 28mm.

Toby

> Could anyone suggest what would be considered the best possible lens
> without spending over 500$ for Architectural Photography.

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jeremy - 16 Oct 2006 19:56 GMT

>I think you need to have a look at one of the PC Nikkors (perspective
>correction)--which allow you to keep straight lines from converging. For
[quoted text clipped - 4 lines]
>> Could anyone suggest what would be considered the best possible lens
>> without spending over 500$ for Architectural Photography.

Paint Shop Pro 10 and 11 both have easy-to use perspective correction tools.
They meet my needs just fine--and they work with ANY lens of any focal
length. The OP might download the 30-day trial from the Corel web site and
see if this might be an acceptable alternative to spending $500 for a lens.
PSP XI is selling at numerous places for under $100.00, and it can also be
used to correct photos that have been taken previously with non-PC lenses.

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Nicholas O. Lindan - 16 Oct 2006 15:25 GMT

> Could anyone suggest what would be considered the best possible lens
> without spending over 500$ for Architectural Photography.

A 4x5 or 8x10 camera is needed to take the best possible lens...
check out rec.photo.equipment.large-format.

If you want to keep using 35mm then a PC Nikkor. An older
35mm [chrome knob] can be found for $200-400, a newer 35mm
[black knob] for $300-500, and a 28mm for $500-$800. Search
Google for PC Nikkor's to get the pros and cons of the
variations.

If you are taking pictures of houses or from farish away
then a 35mm is OK. Some very cheap ones are available
as a lot have seen hard use banging around in the trunk
of a real-estate agent's car with the tire wrench.

If it were me I would hold out for a 28mm, much better if
larger buildings and interiors are on the venue. For NYC
canyonland you will need a view camera if you want
straight verticals. Decent results can sometimes be
achieved by taking pictures from farther away and then
enlarging only the central/upper portion of the negative.

If the photos are going into PhotoShop, and 4x6" is the output,
then PS has a perspective control feature.

Signature

Nicholas O. Lindan, Cleveland, Ohio
Darkroom Automation
http://www.nolindan.com/da/index.htm
n o lindan at ix dot netcom dot com

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Frank ess - 16 Oct 2006 20:05 GMT

>> Could anyone suggest what would be considered the best possible
>> lens
>> without spending over 500$ for Architectural Photography.
>
> A 4x5 or 8x10 camera is needed to take the best possible lens...
> check out rec.photo.equipment.large-format.

> If the photos are going into PhotoShop, and 4x6" is the output,
> then PS has a perspective control feature.

Speaking of small output
(and not much use to an
Under $500 investment-seeker):

I just did a project of four homes for a tri-fold brochure. I had new
kit to try out, so although the end product was a set of files
suitable for 8x10 prints and whatever the brochure-maker decided to do
with them, it seemed like a good occasion to go through the whole
(learning) rigamarole.

Equipment:
Canon 5D on a Manfrotto 3275 head on a Manfrotto 055MF3 tripod;
Canon 17-40mm F/4.0L USM
Vague ideas about how to shoot a glamorous house picture

The lady of the example house was delighted; please see it and
comment:
http://www.fototime.com/inv/1C81B462C8CF90A

If nothing else, the exhibit will give the enquirer an idea of what a
simple Photo Shop user can achieve with little skill, training, or
expertise.

Signature

Frank ess

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Jim - 17 Oct 2006 01:08 GMT

> Could anyone suggest what would be considered the best possible lens
> without spending over 500$ for Architectural Photography.

Almost any wide angle lens can make such photos. Use software to correct
the converging lines.

As for which one, that is you job.

Jim

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