Ultra-Wide 0.5x Lenses Have Utility Beyond 'Photography'

Most phones have the equivalent of a 28mm lens on a full-frame camera. That does a whole lot. And most compact zoom cameras will zoom from 24mm on up. I got many years of great photography with a 24-1000mm equivalent Coolpix ( and still do)

Here's the goodie. A 20mm lens seems a whole new world from the 24mm realm, and

A 14mm lens (rectilinear, not fisheye) is another universe. I seriously use the 14-30 mm. zoom on the Nikon as my go-to lens, but not for macro (you're right on top of the subject) and so on.

It lets you get close to subjects, with that special perspective that a more distant view presents in a "flat" perspective kind of way. I have some really big rock formations on my property that demand a wide angle, because the only trail beneath them is right up close. It's just awesome.

This is the 0.5X compared to the usual 28mm full frame camera FOV.

Optically, it's a lot easier to make wide-angle lenses for phones than telephoto, which is why you don't see "real" telephotos there.

I still carry the Coolpix with me in the auto, because "You never know" and unlike "capture everything", capturing detail at a distance can bring great results. It does require a "seeking spirit" on the part of the photographer, attention to detail, and a steady hand or tripod. These are things we miss in our general rush.

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