Wide-angle lenses are a type of photographic lens that offers a wider field of view than standard lenses, allowing photographers to capture more of a scene in a single shot. They play a crucial role in various photographic genres, from landscape and architectural photography to street photography and photojournalism.
Choosing the right wide-angle lens depends on several factors, including the desired field of view, the camera sensor size, and the specific application. Lenses with shorter focal lengths provide a wider field of view, while longer focal lengths offer a narrower field of view. It is important to consider the sensor size of the camera, as wider lenses may cause vignetting (darkening of the corners) on smaller sensors. Additionally, specific types of wide-angle lenses, such as fisheye lenses, offer unique and distorted perspectives.