Choosing the best lens for architectural photography depends on the specific type of architecture you're shooting, the style you want to achieve, and the camera system you're using. However, there are some general guidelines to consider.
For most photographers, a tilt-shift lens is the ideal choice for architectural photography, as it allows for perspective control, making it easier to correct converging lines and achieve a more natural, realistic depiction of buildings. These lenses are available in various focal lengths, but the most common ones are in the wide-angle range (around 17-24mm for full-frame cameras, and 10-17mm for APS-C or mirrorless equivalents).
If you don't have access to a tilt-shift lens, a good alternative is a wide-angle lens with a focal length of 16-35mm for full-frame cameras or 10-22mm for APS-C cameras. These lenses allow you to fit more of the scene into your frame while maintaining straight lines without significant distortion.
Here are a few lenses that are highly recommended for architectural photography:
1. Canon TS-E 17mm f/4L Tilt-Shift Lens: A professional-grade tilt-shift lens with a wide-angle view, excellent for both interior and exterior architectural shots.
2. Nikon PC-E NIKKOR 24mm f/3.5D ED Lens: Another tilt-shift lens that's great for Nikon photographers, offering a versatile wide-angle perspective.
3. Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM Lens: A high-quality wide-angle zoom lens with excellent sharpness and minimal distortion.
4. Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G ED Lens: Known for its sharpness and wide field of view, this lens is a favorite among Nikon shooters for capturing buildings and interiors.
5. Sony FE 12-24mm f/4 G Lens: For Sony full-frame mirrorless users, this lens provides a very wide-angle perspective with minimal distortion.
6. Tamron 15-30mm f/2.8 DI VC USD Lens: A cost-effective option for full-frame cameras that offers great image quality and a very wide angle of view.
Additionally, consider lenses with a large depth of field (small aperture like f/8-f/16) to ensure that both the foreground and background of your images are in focus. A sturdy tripod and a remote shutter release are also essential tools to keep your camera steady and reduce camera shake, especially when using longer exposure times in low-light situations.
Remember to also consider the crop factor if you're using a camera with a smaller sensor, as it will affect the effective focal length of your lens. For example, a 10-22mm lens on an APS-C camera will have a field of view similar to a 16-35mm lens on a full-frame camera.
Lastly, it's important to shoot in RAW format to have maximum control over your images during post-processing, and to use software like Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop to make final adjustments to perspective, sharpness, and color.