Opposite of TeleConverter?

[PHeller]

So there are 1.4x teleconverters that extend the range of the lens, but is there something that would do the opposite? Like a wide angle filter?

I've got a 50-150 Sigma that I really like, but it's too damn long. I'd be willing to make due with some other way of making it more into a 18-100 or something, but that probably isn't realistic.

[K1W1]

With a DSLR the only real option is to buy a wider lens. That is one of the reasons for buying a DSLR in the first place, the ability to have lenses to suit the users requirements. There are so called wide angle converters on places like eBay but they are toys and effectively con products.

[PHeller]

Yea I know.

It's just that nice fast f/2.8 18-70s are kinda pricey...

What kind of options do I have in the prime market? I've got the 50mm f/1.8, which isn't bad, but just a little too long and not wide angle at all.

Some like a 24mm f/2.8 under $300 would be rad.

[achuang]

f2.8 zoom lenses like the Sigma 18-50, Tamron 17-50, Tamron 28-75 are no more expensive than that 50-150 you already have. But you can pick up a cheap second hand nikon 24 f/2.8 for less than these zoom lenses.

[PHeller]

Is there anyway of achieving narrow depth of field and good boka on a wide angle short end?

The 50mm looks nice, but it focus distance is a bit high, and I could use something thats shorter too.

Hence the 24mm. I have never used a short/fast prime though.

[achuang]

What are you shooting with this lens? Sounds like you're very close to the subject.

[VTEC_EATER]

The 18-50 lenses can offer some nice bokeh, but you have to be a bit closer to your subject to get it. 18mm f/2.8 doesn't have that smooth buttery bokeh like 200/2.8 has. And its not a good idea to get in someones face with an 18mm lens for a portrait. Its not very flattering on your subject.

Short lenses with fast apertures are a bit hard to come by, especially if you want a Nikkor, and if you do want one be prepared to throw down a strong 4 figures to get one:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Nikon-Nikkor-AF-...item1e58d74bd8

With that said, are you looking specifically at primes? If so, the Nikkor 35/1.8 is a nice lens, I hear, and its only $200 or so. 35mm is not that wide, but it can work indoors for people photos so long as you are not confining yourselves to a powder room. Sigma has a 30mm f/1.4 which is supposed to be pretty nice as well. Otherwise Sigma also has some wider lenses like 20, 24, & 28mm with max apertures of f/1.8, but these lenses are not very sharp wide open and most people stray from them because of that.