Choosing lenses can be quite difficult as most of them are almost similar. As lenses are crucial for taking detailed and amazing pictures, buying the wrong one can lead to disappointment.
It even adds to confusion when 2 lenses are similar in focal length. The most common examples are 17mm and 24mm lense.
So what are the major differences between 17mm vs 24mm?
The 17mm lens works astoundingly while taking ultra-wide pictures. Whereas the 24mm lens is good for astrophotography. The outcome of the 17 mm lens is clearer than the 24mm lens in the case of landscapes. But the 24mm lens is more affordable compared to the 17mm lens.
You don’t need to worry! This article will help you to choose the right one. We have a complete analysis of the two lenses.
Are you ready to get your desired lens? So let’s hop into the article!
17mm vs 24 mm : Basic Differences
You must be thinking that both lenses are used for landscapes. But the 17mm 24mm difference is quite a lot. They are different from many angles. They have different perks and purposes. They differ in picture quality, users, types of pictures taken, and so on.
You have to choose the one lens, which you prefer. Let’s have a look at the differentiating factor of these two!
| Differentiating factors | 17mm | 24mm |
| Focal length | Superwide | standard |
| Price | 2x expensive | Cheaper |
| Different user | Real estate and architectural photos | Interior and tight spaces picture |
| Angle of view | 103.7degrees | 84 degrees |
These are some basic areas to think about. There is much more to compare. Without further ado, let’s get into it!
17mm vs 24mm: Detailed Comparison
You already know the main features of the lenses. There is an elaborate discussion on the 2 lenses. Here we have discussed all the deciding factors.
Let’s have a look at the 17mm and 24mm comparison!
Focal Length
The 17mm lens is an ultra-wide lens. Whereas the focal length of a 24mm lens is lengthier. The focal length of these two differs quite a lot.
If you want a basic landscape, you may stick to a 24mm one. Like in tight spaces 24mm lenses work better.
But for some scenes, you must have the 17mm for a wider view. For a wider look like a river landscape, you need at least a 17mm lens.
Here’s our recommendation for the best 17 mm lenses out there.
| Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 17mm F1.8 Lens | Good for Low Light Condition 0.25 macro focus range | Buy Now! |
| Venus Optics Laowa 17mm f/1.8 MFT Lens | Gives a soothing sunstar rendering Good for shooting detailed objects | Buy Now! |
So before purchasing your desired lens, you should always check the suitable focal length for you.
Price
The 24mm lens is less pricey but gives you an average picture. On the other hand,a 17mm lens is more expensive. But it can give you extraordinary pictures.
The 24mm lens is quite affordable and budget-friendly.
In comparison with the price of 17 mm, if you have a tight budget you can go with a 24mm lens. That’s when you are not into a wide-angle or very particular with your photos. Otherwise, you can go with a 17mm lens.
I personally like the following 24 mm lenses.
- For better corner to corner sharpness- Sony FE 24mm F2.8 G
- Wide angle lens with 38mm viewing area- Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8
Angle of View
Angle of view means the measurement of how wide the frame will be in both horizontal, vertical, or diagonal from the point of the camera. The angle of view helps to take a frame and compose a scene.
A focal length of 17mm lenses’ horizontal, vertical and diagonal AOV are 73.7,53.1, and 84.1 accordingly.
A focal length of 24mm lens angle of view is 93.3,70.4 and 103.7 accordingly.
Therefore, we can see the AOV of 17mm lenses is better.
There are many Differences between 17mm and 24mm lenses. The 17mm lens is used for outdoor pictures. Whereas 24mm astrophotography is outstanding.
There are other lenses you can consider. If you consider the 24mm lens then you can also check the difference between 16mm and 24mm.
So, choose according to your user persona!
Tilt-Shift
Tilt-shift changes the orientation of a lens by camera movements with respect to the film or camera sensor. Tilt-shift lenses are excellent for landscapes and external views of architectural buildings.
In tight spaces, it’s better to use a 24mm lens and for large degrees of tilt 17mm is better. However, both are awesome lenses. You just need to choose one according to your needs.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Get?
The 24mm lens is a good choice for landscape photography. But the 17mm lens is better for wide-angle photographs. This is similar to the wide angle difference between 55-250 and 70-300.
So if you are into interior photographs you can choose the 24mm one.
In the case of beginners, you should practice with a 24mm lens first. And if you want to take professional landscapes then it’s better to take the 17mm lens.
But again if you have a tight budget then you may go for the 24mm lens as both of them are topnotch lenses. And both can give you amazing results.
FAQs
Now let’s see some of the most commonly asked questions regarding these 2 lenses.
Can architects use a 24mm lens?
It is okay for architects to use a 24mm lens for beginners. As it’s difficult for beginners to handle extremely wider lenses. So it will be better if a 24mm lens is used for architectural purposes.
What is the most appropriate focal length?
For single lenses, 35mm or 50mm is the most perfect one. For beginners, it will help to improve their photography. In the case of landscapes, for ultrawide photos, you can go with a 17mm lens. And for tight spaces use a 24mm lens. Though it’s better to begin with 24mm and practice with it first.
How does 24mm look compared to a 17mm lens?
The 17mm lens seems to have a sharp zoom feature compared to 24mm. In tight spaces, a 24mm lens comes a little short from a 17mm one.
Conclusion
That’s all on 17mm vs 24mm. I hope you are now clear about which one you should buy and end your confusion.
Firstly fix your goals and choose accordingly. Both of the lenses have their own perks.
If you have any further queries, do let us know in the comment section. Good luck with your photography!