Wide Angle Lens Options

[matty]

I think my next lens purchase will be a wide angle.

I've breezed through this site: Canon Lens Reviews

I'd feel more comfortable about purchasing a lens after getting some input from some seasoned photogs, and their thoughts on matter.

Is a 20mm prime a good all around pick, or a 20-40ish mm zoom a better choice? Of course I realize all situations can call for a different lens, but I want something that would be more versatile, ex. able to take nice pics of buildings, cars, bikes, people, interiors of housing and autos, etc.

I guess my question is, what would the real difference be in getting a zoom over a prime for these kinds of shooting situations? Will buying the 20mm prime and taking a step or two forward if I need a closer shot, eliminate the need for a zoom lens that can do 40ish?

Edit: I'm not looking to break the bank with this lens!

[jezterr]

10-22mm ftw.

20mm isn't all that wide, and anything above that should be covered by your walk-around lens.

don't remember what kind of camera you've got, but if it's got a smaller sensor, ie 40d, then getting a wide angle ef lens kinda defeats the purpose of it all, as opposed to getting a wa ef-s lens.

in terms of image quality, the 10-22 has minimal distortion and i doubt that images look any less better than with a prime, considering you won't be concerned about things like bokeh or sharpness due to such wide angles. and you won't really be worried about any chromatic abberation, which is the only thing i can think of that the prime will have an advantage on.

[matty]

Thanks for the info.

I'm running a XSi for the time being, so... would this be the guy I want?
Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM Lens Review

[jezterr]

yessir.