Can anyone explain this strange optical effect with the wide angle

[DoleWhipDVC]

So we're back from the world and I did shoot a ton with the wide angle. I hope to post a few in the next week or so and get comments/advice. Being back at work slows down my disboard time! Anyway, I hope someone can explain a freaky thing that happened to me on the Mexico boat ride.

I was going to try and capture the alley scene just before you are moving into Mexico City, and as I raised the camera to look through my Tamron 10-24, everything seemed to speed up through the viewfinder!!! It was so strange I had to pull the camera down to get re-orientated to the speed of the boat.

Can anyone shed some light on this? The walls of the alley just seemed to streak by. Really a mind blower to be sure. I don't drink, so that wasn't it!! Any info

 

[annnewjerz]

Sorry I have no explanation other than...it sounds like the normal ride vehicle was swapped out for the Wonkatania!

Hopefully someone can shed some light on this for you.

 

[GrillMouster]

It's an optical effect that happens naturally, but is exaggerated on a wide angle lens. Imagine driving down a long straight highway. Straight ahead in the distance is a mountain. Along the side of the highway are trees. The reality is that the speed at which you're approaching the mountain and the trees far away on the horizon is exactly the same as the speed at which you're approaching the tree that's just a few yards away. However, those nearby trees that zipping past you appear to be moving at a much faster speed than the mountain or the trees on the horizon.

Wide angle lenses tend to distort the scene by stretching out things that are closest to the camera and everything around the edges. So, parts of the scene that are near the edges appear to travel greater distance at the same rate, making them appear faster than they do when you see them with your own eyes or through a longer focal length.

 

[NateNLogansDad]

Can anyone shed some light on this? The walls of the alley just seemed to streak by. Really a mind blower to be sure. I don't drink, so that wasn't it!! Any info

I have heard of similar stories from other people when in Mexico. You didn't drink the water did ya?

 

[DoleWhipDVC]

It's an optical effect that happens naturally, but is exaggerated on a wide angle lens. Imagine driving down a long straight highway. Straight ahead in the distance is a mountain. Along the side of the highway are trees. The reality is that the speed at which you're approaching the mountain and the trees far away on the horizon is exactly the same as the speed at which you're approaching the tree that's just a few yards away. However, those nearby trees that zipping past you appear to be moving at a much faster speed than the mountain or the trees on the horizon.

Wide angle lenses tend to distort the scene by stretching out things that are closest to the camera and everything around the edges. So, parts of the scene that are near the edges appear to travel greater distance at the same rate, making them appear faster than they do when you see them with your own eyes or through a longer focal length.

Ah,ha!! That makes sense. I remember from my psychology classes that objects closer to our eyes take less time to move across the retina which is why (using you example) the closer trees seem to move faster than those in the distance. I just didn't think to apply that principle to a camera lens! Thanks for the help

 

[DoleWhipDVC]

I have heard of similar stories from other people when in Mexico. You didn't drink the water did ya?

Are you kidding? Have you seen that water

 

[WilsonFlyer]

Tequilas and Margaritas.

 

[Golf4food]

Next time do the ride before visiting La Cava.

 

[Marlton Mom]

Why yes I believe I CAN explain this Phenomena!

speed = distance/time.

A wide angle lens encompasses a greater distance in your view.

If your speed and time remain constant and you are increasing the distance viewed This would equal a greater perceived speed through your wide angle lens.

If you like this answer please send 1 box of Kraft macaroni and cheese to Marlton Mom, c/o Marlton NJ 08053.

Thank you,

Signed,

A mathematically challenged wanna be physics nerd

 

[DoleWhipDVC]

Why yes I believe I CAN explain this Phenomena!

speed = distance/time.

A wide angle lens encompasses a greater distance in your view.

If your speed and time remain constant and you are increasing the distance viewed This would equal a greater perceived speed through your wide angle lens.

If you like this answer please send 1 box of Kraft macaroni and cheese to Marlton Mom, c/o Marlton NJ 08053.

Thank you,

Signed,

A mathematically challenged wanna be physics nerd

Hey there mom,
So, not only do you give me good advice for my photography, but now you're teaching me physics! Is there no end to your powers?? Umm..., sorry though. No mac and cheese available. I got caught up at the Main Street Bakery and spent all my money on chocolate chip cookie ice cream sandwiches. Thanks for the info

 

[GrillMouster]

You guys crack me up.
Oh, and now I'm in the mood for mac & cheese...and a margarita (now there's a pairing).