Just to add a bit of clarification, distortion isn't a function of focal length at all. Distortion is directly correlated to your lens-to-subject distance. It's just that when shooting with a wide angle lens, you tend to come in much closer to your subject, causing distortion. Likewise, with a telephoto, you're usually further back, thereby "compressing" the image.
Seeing as you've got resolution to spare, just back up an extra 5-10 feet, then crop as necessary to get the framing you desire. No more distortion:)