Help with Purchse of Ultra Wide Lens and Body for Real Estate Business

[eric_shtern]

<p>Hello everyone.<br>

I am fairly new to photography and have a few questions and would appreciate any feedback from the experts. My question is split into 2 parts:<br>

We are in real estate business so we need a high end ultra wide lens and new camera body. In the past, I used a Canon Rebel with 6 megapixels, however, was disappointed with light and color contrast.<br>

Question #1<br>

We are looking now to upgrade and were suggested the following items:</p>

<h2>Body: Canon EOS 550D</h2>

<h2>Lens: Canon EF-S 10-22 f/3.5-4.5 USM</h2>

<p>Both of these appear to have very good reviews and it seems both these items would result in around $1500 or so in total charges.<br>

With a budget of about $1500-$2000 for both lens and body, would the above options be ideal for us? Our shots are almost all indoors and often with not too much light.<br>

Question #2<br>

For another office location for the same business, we also need a camera with wide lens for real estate. However, for this office I am looking at possibly going with Sony and the following lens:<br>

Sigma 10-20mm f3.5<br>

I am not yet clear on which body to get for this lens. For office #2, we intend for the camera to be higher end than Canon so I was thinking Sony was it. If we have a $2000-$3000 total budget here, what are our best options? Again, the goal here is indoor real estate shoots, with minimal adjustment on PC of images.</p>

<p>Any help will be greatly appreciated.</p>

[john_deerfield]

<p>Well, my first suggestion is to simply hire a photography. Otherwise, settle in, buy some books and start <em>learning </em>photographer.</p>

<blockquote>

<p>In the past, I used a Canon Rebel with 6 megapixels, however, was disappointed with light and color contrast</p>

</blockquote>

<p>A new camera and lens won't alter the light or contrast. A newer/better camera/lens might give you better color, but even that is going to be subjective. If you are unhappy with the light and/or contrast, you need to do something to change it. The only thing the camera does is <em>record </em>it. I suppose a really good lens will provide a bit more contrast, however I think your real issue is the dynamic range within the scene. No matter how much you spend on a camera/lens, you will still need to learn photography to improve your images.</p>

<blockquote>

<p>For another office location for the same business, we also need a camera with wide lens for real estate. However, for this office I am looking at possibly going with Sony and the following lens:<br />Sigma 10-20mm f3.5<br />I am not yet clear on which body to get for this lens. For office #2, we intend for the camera to be higher end than Canon so I was thinking Sony was it</p>

</blockquote>

<p>Why is Sony better than Canon? Why mix brands? If your office one camera/lens goes down, you would have a back up if office two- provided they were the same.</p>

<blockquote>

<p>Again, the goal here is indoor real estate shoots, with minimal adjustment on PC of images.</p>

</blockquote>

<p>One way to handle high dynamic range images is via a HDR technique... only that is going to require post-processing. In all honesty, you might just be better served with a high end point and shoot with a wide angle lens. Although the widest angle lens I know of on a P&S is 24mm. Bottom line is that a DSLR is going to be a learning curve.</p>

[scott_ferris]

<p>The best available for your money and use, Canon 5D MkI and a Sigma 12-24. Both offices should have the same, as John says, splitting manufacturers makes no sense.<br>

The best available in the 135 format size, 5D MkII and 17mm TS-E and a Sigma 12-24.</p>

[Charles_Webster]

<p>Don't forget to budget for a good solid tripod. Getting the camera level is a big part of using UWA lenses successfully.</p>

<p><Chas></p>

[William Michael]

<blockquote>

<p><em>We are in <strong>real estate business</strong> so we <strong>need </strong>a <strong>high end</strong> ultra wide lens and new camera body.</em> In the past, I used a Canon Rebel with 6 megapixels, however, was <strong><em>disappointed with light and color</em></strong> <strong><em>contrast.</em></strong> . . . we were suggested the following items:<br />Body: Canon <strong><em>EOS 550D Lens: Canon EF-S 10-22 f/3.5-4.5 USM</em></strong><br />With a budget of about $1500-$2000 for both lens and body . . .Our shots are almost<strong><em> all indoors and often with not too much light.</em></strong><br /><strong><em>would the above options be ideal for us?</em></strong></p>

</blockquote>

<p>No.<br />You would be better to spend the $2000 on lighting equipment and an intensive course as to how to use it for interior Architectural Photography. Depending upon the lens you are using with the Canon Rebel, you might need to spend money on another lens. I concur that a TS-E series would be the best.<br />Also, if you do not already have one you need a tripod and a suitable head and a remote release.<br /><br /></p>

<blockquote>

<p>Question #2 For another office location for the same business, we also need a camera with wide lens for real estate. For office #2, we intend for the camera to be higher end than Canon so I was thinking Sony was it. If we have a $2000-$3000 total budget here, what are our best options?<strong><em> Again, the goal here is indoor real estate shoots, with minimal adjustment on PC of images.</em></strong><br /><strong><em></em></strong></p>

</blockquote>

<p>It does not make any business sense to have different tools in different offices of the same business.<br />I agree the best overall package (for cameras and lenses) would be stick with Canon. Eventually when it can be afforded a 5D or 5DMkII and TS-E 17 or 24MkII would be the best combined with a wide zoom also.</p>

<p>Notwithstanding the advice above; if you are serious about addressing the THREE key problems<br />> “<strong><em>disappointed with light and color</em></strong><strong><em>contrast</em></strong>. . .<br />> <strong><em>all indoors and often with not too much light . . . </em></strong><br /><strong><em>> with minimal adjustment on PC of images" </em></strong></p>

<p>Then you <em><strong>need suitable lighting equipment</strong></em> and the knowhow and skill to use it.</p>

<p>It seems to me that most suitable business alternative would be to hire a skilled operator in this area of expertise.<br />I am sure that this is exactly what you suggest to Prospects who wish to sell their homes privately – so I shall not run through the most logical arguments for doing exactly that.</p>

<p>WW</p>

[James G. Dainis]

Like everyone says, it isn't the camera it is the lighting. Use flat lighting and you get a flat picture. You can't just buy a good camera and lens and expect to get photos like you see in <I>Architectural Digest</I> unless you know how to take good pictures. That depends on your use of lighting.<P>

 

<center><img src="http://jdainis.com/piano1.jpg"> <p>

<img src="http://jdainis.com/piano4.jpg"><P>

 

<B>Same scene, same camera, different lighting</B></center></P>

[Mattman944]

<p>I have the 10-22mm, it is a good lens. I only use it about 3% of the time. In your business you might use it more.</p>

<p>Lighting interiors with flash is difficult and will take a lot of equipment and practice. You will need many flashes strategically placed with wireless remotes. Professionals might even put diffusers on the outside of windows and put flashes outside the house to simulate nice window light. This might be worth it if the shot was for a magazine.</p>

<p>I would use a sturdy tripod with existing light. Twice a day, the outside light and interior light will balance well. If you are only shooting houses that you have listed, this should be possible.<br>

<em> </em><br>

<em>In the past, I used a Canon Rebel with 6 megapixels, however, was disappointed with light and color contrast.</em></p>

<p>It is not the camera. The image below was taken with an original Rebel. </p>

<div></div>

[jay_chadney]

<p>I have been doing real estate photography for a year +<br>

http://chadney.zenfolio.com/<br>

Lighting, and how to use it very important. I carry with me 2 flashes that can both be fired off camera with Pocket Wizards. It all depends on the room. Sometimes no flash, sometimes one, sometimes 1 one camera and 1 off, sometimes both off camera.<br>

I use a d3 with a 17-35 and make sure each photo is the best it can be before I upload it for the Realtor.</p>

[James G. Dainis]

Jay, those are very nice photos - very good job. If I could make one suggestion, the outside shots under bright sun have too many dark shadows. Features such as a front door under a portico are lost in black shadow. A better time for the outside shots would be around sunset when there are no hard black shadows.

[eric_shtern]

<p>Thank you again for all of your responses, it is greatly appreciated. <br /> <br /> I guess it does not make sense to get 2 different bodies, I am glad I brought this up. <br /> <br /> At this point, I guess I have to determine if we should splurge and go for the Canon 5d mk II which I guess with the lens will be like $4000 since it will produce best results or go with something under $1000. Seems to be not point of considering something in the middle. <br /> <br /> I also forgot to mention that I also would like to possibly do some digital films with the camera (we require short clips of the properties we feature). I just realized that Canon 5D MK can do this very well, while a camera under $1000 would not have ability to do this at all. So this is something I must consider as well. <br /> <br /> Any further feedback would be greatly appreciated. Also, is there some basic software that you would recommend to run our images through to add more color / make them more attractive? Again, all images are of indoor real estate. I do not wish to spend much time playing with settings and was wondering if there is some basic, good batch type of software we can run on them.<br>

Also, the other thing I am considering is that if I do get more heavily into photography as a hobby, which is my intent. I guess it makes sense to have a really nice camera vs. upgrading a few years later. While i know little about this, it seems to me that DSLR are not likely to make the type of technological progress in the next couple of years in terms of image quality that they have in the last 5 years or so. <br /> Thanks again</p>

[William Michael]

<blockquote>

<p>Any<strong><em> further feedback</em></strong> would be <em><strong>greatly appreciated</strong></em>.</p>

</blockquote>

<p>From the omissions in your response, it seems you have misinterpreted or failed to acknowledge the general thrust of most of the responses -</p>

 

<blockquote>

<p>At this point, I guess I have to determine if we should splurge and <strong><em>go for the Canon 5d mk II which I guess with the lens will be like $4000</em></strong> since <strong><em>it will produce best results</em></strong> <br /><br /></p>

</blockquote>

<p>I think the Canon 5DMkII with the lens<strong><em>es </em></strong>most recommended thus far will be closer about $6000 (USA at B&H).<br>

Moreover, whilst the 5DMkII and a TS-E lens and a UWA zoom would be the best camera / lenses rig (in 135 & DSLR format): that Purchase of gear alone, will not make for the best Real Estate Interior Photography.</p>

 

<blockquote>

<p>Also, is there <strong><em>some basic software that you would recommend to run our images through to add more color / make them more attractive?</em></strong> Again, all images are of <strong><em>indoor real estate. I do not wish to spend much time playing with settings</em></strong> and was wondering if there is some basic, <strong><em>good batch type of software we can run on them.</em></strong></p>

</blockquote>

<p>Lightroom will do batch processing with a preset.<br>

Regarding not wanting to “play with settings”, to get the best images, I think that point, especially regarding taking the images, has missed or not acknowledged also.</p>

<p>WW </p>

[chas_frady]

<p>Tremendous amount of valuable info to be found here:</p>

<p>http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=902973</p>

<p>BTW... I'm also a licensed RE Broker in my home state. I would hire a professional rather than do it yourself.</p>

[simon_sutcliffe]

<p>I would suggest you spend a bit more time working on lighting, For a kit I would recommended the 5D mark ii,(or the 5D which will produce suitable prints for the work you are doing) A good tripod, 14mm II 2.8, Zeiss 21mm and we have your budget spent. Just letting you know my parents are architects <a href="http://www.shim-sutcliffe.com/">http://www.shim-sutcliffe.com/</a> they use the 1Ds mark iii and 16-35 and 70-200 for their work but most of it was shot of 8x10.</p>