Best Ultra Wide Angle Budget Lens for Low Light Indoor Photography with Nikon D7500
Are you looking for a budget-friendly ultra wide angle lens for taking photos in low light indoor spaces, such as churches during weddings? This article will guide you through the best options available for your Nikon D7500.
Why Consider a Mirrorless Camera Instead?
Instead of focusing exclusively on lenses for your Nikon D7500, I recommend considering a mirrorless camera like the Nikon Z6II with the Z 24–200mm zoom lens (f/4.5–6.3 VR).
The sensor in the Z6II is rated for excellent low light performance, allowing you to shoot at ISO 10000 with minimal noise. This means that even at the widest aperture of f/6.8 and zoomed to the 200mm end, you don't have to worry about challenging lighting conditions. The VR (Vibration Reduction) feature of the lens also complements the camera's low light capabilities, ensuring sharp images even in low light.
Why the Nikon Z6II and Z 24–200mm Zoom Lens?
I personally did a thorough research into the best options for wedding and event photography, and the Z6II stood out as the best camera Nikon has ever made for these purposes. I purchased it with the Z 24–200mm zoom lens and have been using it almost exclusively ever since. The combination offers exceptional flexibility and quality, making it a top choice for both indoor and outdoor events, especially in low light conditions.
Why Not Stick to a DX Lens for Your Nikon D7500?
The Nikon 10–20mm f/4.5–5.6 lens (DX mount) is a solid choice for Nikon D7500 owners, but it's important to note that it's designed for DX sensors. A true ultra wide angle lens will appear as a moderate wide angle on a full frame sensor, which can be limiting. This lens does offer good low light performance, with some good results at ISO 1600. However, it may not be as suitable for premium low light photography as the Z6II and Z 24–200mm combination.
Alternative Budget Options
Another viable option for budget-conscious users is the Sigma 10–20mm f/3.5 EX DC lens, which is designed for Nikon DX bodies. This lens is often available at a budget-friendly price of around $275–329. It offers a f/3.5 maximum aperture, providing better low light performance compared to the f/4–5.6 aperture of the 10–20mm Nikkor lens.
Sigma also offers the 16mm f/1.4 DC lens, which can be a great ultra wide angle option for those willing to spend a bit more. However, it's more of a moderate wide angle on a crop sensor. The 16mm f/1.4 is often available at a marked-down price of around $399, making it an excellent budget choice.
Rokinon also offers a 14mm f/2.8 manual focus lens, which is a budget-friendly option at $299. This lens provides a wide angle of view but may require some manual adjustments.
Conclusion
When choosing a budget-friendly ultra wide angle lens for low light indoor photography, your options include the Z6II with the Z 24–200mm zoom lens, the Sigma 10–20mm f/3.5 EX DC, or the Rokinon 14mm f/2.8. Each option offers different trade-offs in terms of performance and suitability for specific lighting conditions. Conduct thorough research and consider your specific needs before making a purchase to find the best fit for your photography requirements.