Lens for interior building shots?

cwgrizz

Senior Member
Challenge Team
Walt--I went to the link and there is a newer version of the lens with autofocus/AF-S. Is that necessary with the D7100? The price point for the newer lens versus the older, used lens is not huge. Sometimes newer is not better, however...

The forum added the link. Ha! I have the Tokina 11-16mm f2.8 (IF) DX II. I'm not sure if there is a newer version, but this one works well for me.
 

lokatz

Senior Member
As I said in my earlier post, I'd suggest to save some money and go with the earlier version (non-II) of the Tokina 11-17mm 2.8 unless you have a camera without internal AF motor, such as a D3xxx/5xxx and a few others (e.g., D80). As I understand it, the only differences Tokina introduced with the II are that very motor, which you have no need for with a D7100, as well as fancier golden lettering instead of the old silver ones.

DXOMark gives the older one a 19 where the newer one gets an 18. I am usually a bit leery of DXOMark since I find their grading system too intransparent, so let's assume that's a fluke since the two lenses should be the same optically. It nevertheless is another indicator that you're not going to get better shots with the newer one.
 

Veritas

Senior Member
Well finding the older lens was impossible. Not widely available. Guess people got them and kept them which is a good sign. Ended up with the later model DXII since I am under some time pressure. Looked at renting but I'd be out of pocket over 25% of the retail value of a new lens so bit the bullet and bought it. Hmmm. That is an interesting turn of phrase!

As far as keeping everything lined up properly--what is the best way to accomplish this? Use the horizon feature on the camera? Place a small level (I have one on my key chain no less) atop the camera while mounted to a tripod?
 

Bikerbrent_RIP

Senior Member
Many tripods have a builtin level. Also you can get small bubble levels that mount on the flash shoe (if you are using no flash or a remote flash).
 

lokatz

Senior Member
The horizon feature in your D7100 should be all you need. It is pretty accurate. You know you can turn it on in your viewfinder, right? (See manual, p.254)

Getting the lines straight in your original shots is always best, but if you're using Photoshop, it also has an easy-to-use option to straighten crooked lines in the final image, so I wouldn't lose too much sleep over it.
 

Veritas

Senior Member
OK, I can rig something up. I will need my built in flash. And if necessary I can fix it in post. I am also going to buy/get the software recommended earlier.

It should be interesting to see how this all turns out because hardly anything in this house is plumb or level :). I employed extensive trompe-l'œil when we restored the house--paint, use of trim, etc.--to minimize the visual effects given that some ceilings slant, ditto floors. The house is solid from top to bottom but like most old houses, it evolved over the years. Lean-to porches were incorporated into the structure over time and so forth. My post process could be challenging.
 
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