Recommended lenses for car shoots?

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Sham-star

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I currently have a D90 and have an AF-S Micro 105mm and a 18-205mm both nikkor lenses. I'm basically looking for a lens thats good for full car shots, any ideas???
Thanks Sham
 
A wide angle lens like the Sigma 10-20 can give some great results.
 
Im no expert on automotive photography, but I seem to think something "wide" such as 10-20mm would be quite usefull for the interior/exterior.
 
I use my Sigma 8-16mm :) Even wider....

I have heard that the Nikon 80-200 AFS is brilliant at producing sun stars so great for the shiny outside.
 
I remember reading that 50mm is a decent focal length for cars as when you shoot wider it distorts the proportions.. I do agree about the wide angle for interior shots..
 
technics100 said:
I remember reading that 50mm is a decent focal length for cars as when you shoot wider it distorts the proportions.. I do agree about the wide angle for interior shots..
Click to expand...

50 is too tight on a crop for cars where you tend to be quite close, though they are nice if you have room. Distortion isn't really an issue and barely noticeable unless you shoot at extreme angles.
 
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Sham star, here are a few views to give you an idea of the effects of focal length. Don't forget to apply the crop-sensor correction where apt.

I'm still pretty new at this, so I hope that the pic captions will show.

19mm_D200_Sigma_17-35.jpg

50mm_D200_50mm_f1_8D.jpg

28mm_D700_Tamron_28-75.jpg
 
Obviously not.

The first one is at 19mm on a D200 (Sigma 17-35)
Second is at 50 mm on a D200 (Nik 50 f1.8D)
Third is at 28mm on a D700 (Tamron 28-35)
 
You can use any focal length to shoot cars, if you use below around 30mm you will notice distortions though. Normally its just things like the appearance of an extended nose. If you have room take a few steps back and use a little zoom.

Most people wont notice the distortions until you point them out as quite often people dont have the choice but to shoot wide angle so it has become accepted.
 
Difficult one really, I don't shoot cars a lot but I've used a variety of lenses when I have. I prefer the longer lens but if you don't have the room then you have to go wide. (FF shots):

70-200 @ 118mm


70-200 @ 154mm


70-200 @ 200mm


50mm


85mm


35mm


I guess I'm just trying to say that you can use plenty of focal lengths if you have the room :)
 
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