Fast wide and semi-wide primes

Thanks a lot, Ben B. That explained it perfectly. I've never owned a full frame DSLR (or a film SLR), so I find I get confused when comparisons are made to what the "comparable focal length" of a lens is on a full frame or 35mm system.

So, this means that even if I were to buy a 20mm lens made fifty years ago-- before an APS-C sensor could've been dreamed of -- the FOV would be identical to that of my DX lens at 20mm, yes?

I'm starting to like the idea of the Nikon 20mm f/2.8 more and more. This is a lens I wasn't aware of before this thread, so thanks to all those who've mentioned it
 
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Yup! Although that lens (Pre AI) might not meter properly on your Nikon! :)

But yes.

And a 20mm C-mount lens crammed on my Gh1 will have identical FOV to my Lumix 20mm f/1.7 but it will probably vignette because it was designed for a smaller sensor :)
 
IMO 20 is not really 'wide' on an S35, (apsC) sized sensor

it is wide on a FF35 sensor

14 15 or 16 is a proper wide on an S35 sensor

11-16 tokina is worth visiting

S
 
IMO 20 is not really 'wide' on an S35, (apsC) sized sensor
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True, it's not extremely wide, but the key for me is the lens being fast -- and, though I didn't mention this at first, not oversized. And I don't know of any reasonably priced, 16mm fast primes. I'll be using it on the tiny T2i (which I plan to have mounted to a moving car with a vacuum mount occasionally, thus it'll need to be balanced as best as possible with respect to weight), so the smaller the better. That's why I'm currently liking the Nikon 20mm f/2.8, though I do wish it had an extra f-stop or two.

The Tokina 11-16mm seems absolutely killer, but, even used, it's a little out of my price range. Plus, it's even bigger (heavier) than the Sigma 20mm f/1.8, which is already probably too large.
 
Found out about a couple new semi-wide fast lenses:
Olympus 21mm f/2.0
Vivitar 24mm f/2.0

On eBay, the Olympus currently goes for the bargain price of, roughly, $1000. The Vivitar, however, has been known to go for under $100, but seems to be very soft wide open, and in general not a great lens. Both are nice and small, though, which is a major plus. There must be other lenses along these lines out there. Keep the suggestions coming
 
Is the car stuff going to be at night? If not, you could always pick up a Sigma 20mm f/1.8 and then an Canon 18-55mm for next to nothing for day car stuff.
 
Almost certainly at night, yeah. But, in general, I tend to shoot both at night, and at the widest possible focal length. Hence the need for a fast, wide-angle lens. I'm thinking about the Tamrom 17-50mm for a more all-around lens, one which everyone seems to love. There are also comparable Sigma (17-70mm) and Tokina (16-50mm) lenses I'm considering. We'll see. I'd definitely get the Sigma f/1.8 if it weren't for the size. It weighs almost as much as the T2i body, which seems like it would make for awkward handling (and might be dangerous to mount to a car). That's why I'm starting to like the idea of the Nikon 20mm f/2.8: it's relatively small. Also, I found another lens worth considering:

Nikon 24mm f/2.0

It's about as much as the Sigma used, but I'm not sure how I feel about the jump from 20 to 24mm... Considering specifically the car mount shots, wider is better
 
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