Wide angle zoom, which one??

[Matt K.]

I want to get a nice wide angle lens for my D300S, and I am wrestling with the decision. There are several lenses I am eying, but not sure how to proceed; so I am looking for help from the members here ...

these are the lenses I am considering - not necessarily in order of preference:

Nikon 12-24 f4
Tokina 12-24 f4
Tokina 11-16 f2.8
Sigma 10-20 f4.5 - 5.6
Sigma 8-16 f4.5-5.6

I am tending towards the 8-16 by Sigma, since i read good things about this lens, and it would be the equivalent of a full frame 12-24. I am not sure how important it is to have the constant aperture, and a large aperture to boot. In my considerations I thought camera shake does not really come into fact in a wide angle lens, so shutter speed does not have to be very high; any comments would be appreciated ...

[AntZ]

I can't help with this one, but I'm interested in same for Canon, so I will be following the thread closely for ideas.

How do these lenses compare price wise?

[Matt K.]

I can't help with this one, but I'm interested in same for Canon, so I will be following the thread closely for ideas.

How do these lenses compare price wise?


Here are new prices from a popular store in my city:


Nikon 12-24 f4 Can$ 934.97
Tokina 12-24 f4 Can$ 698.74
Tokina 11-16 f2.8 Can$ 767.77
Sigma 10-20 f4.5 - 5.6 Can$ 598.59
Sigma 8-16 f4.5-5.6 Can$ 792.45

Of course these are retail prices, and I got better offers over the internet, Kijiji, eBay and the like. And of course there are other used options. If I had the money, the Nikon 14-24 f2.8 would be a very nice one to have, but it is very expensive. Even toyed around with a fisheye, but for landscape it is not the best solution ...

[Marko]

the Nikon 14-24 f2.8 would be a very nice one to have, but it is very expensive.

I have this lens and it's swimming in awesome sauce. It IS very pricey though.

[Matt K.]

no takers out there who could give me some pointers on the various +/- of those lenses???

[Cape Bretoner]

I have the Tokina 11-16 f2.8! Takes awesome pics & built like a tank ;)

[edG]

I have the Sigma 8-16mm rectilinear and really enjoy shooting with it.

here are some shots from this sight where it was used:
http://www.photography.ca/Forums/f22/steaming-up-seaway-canal-17809.html
http://www.photography.ca/Forums/f22/railroad-swing-bridge-welland-ontario-17649.html

[Matt K.]

I have the Sigma 8-16mm rectilinear and really enjoy shooting with it.

Do you find it to be a bother not being able to attach any filters, though? Your shots are great, and they really convince me that this lens is a nice and sharp one. I am still quite undecided, but it seems it is going to be between the Sigma and the Tokina. I like the f2.8 on the Tokina ....; and thanks for your input

[AcadieLibre]

For Canon I have the 16-35 2.8 L lens and so in love with it. I also have a Sigma 10-20mm F4-5.6 for when I want something a bit wider but since I bought the Canon lens I do not think I have used the Sigma but I rarely need something that wide and it just a personal preference for me.

EDIT: The Sigma I really liked until I bought the Canon and would recommend it for the optics quality and price.

[Andrew]

I have the 12-24 f4 on a D300 and can't see much benefit in going any wider myself. I think a lens would depend on what shooting you presently do and what you want to expand to. Different cameras will effect the results to some extent. The lenses listed might be better for you to evaluate if you had examples to see. You have an advantage there. You can hit TCS and for $25 you can test out a couple of wide angle lenses. Pick what's right for you.

[edG]

Do you find it to be a bother not being able to attach any filters, though? Your shots are great, and they really convince me that this lens is a nice and sharp one. I am still quite undecided, but it seems it is going to be between the Sigma and the Tokina. I like the f2.8 on the Tokina ....; and thanks for your input

Not much of a filter guy, you could hold up a large lee or other resin filter by hand in front if you have a tripod.

[TheGreatMike]

I have the Tokina 11-16 f2.8! Takes awesome pics but might as well be a prime ,very little zoom .if the 8-16 has good iq I would go with it ,but i do love the tokina 11-16.

[Matt K.]

Well thanks all for your input. I am tending towards the sigma now, but the filter thing is one that does bother me. I like using CPL filter or a ND filter from time to time, and this would not be possible with this lens. Hmmm. Tokina 11-16 comes in as strong second.

[neilwalton]

I had the Sigma 10-20 and loved it. I was going to go to FF but never did and ended up selling it. Big mistake. You will love it. It will blow your mind!

[Matt K.]

Actually ended up buy a Tokina 12-24 f4. Price was right on eBay ($320.00) for a used one, thought I could not go wrong with that, and really, I did not. Went out today with buddy Greg, he has the 11-16 f2.8. So really, all the difference for 1mm and the 2.8? Hmmm, we both shot @ f8 today, so why would i need this. And the range is a bit larger on the 12-24, the 11-16 might as well be a fixed focus lens. So far I am really happy with my choice. ..... next on the list: fisheye

[JAS_Photo]

The little Rokinon/Samyang fish eye is a great lens. Sharp as heck and very fun. I think I got mine from Cameta Camera:

Search Results (http://www.cameta.com/index.cfm?fa=display.search&page=1&keywords=rokinon%20fisheye%20lens)

Here is a shot of the Peace Bridge taken with that lens, directly into the sun.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jas_photos/7052739111/in/photostream

[Matt K.]

The little Rokinon/Samyang fish eye is a great lens. Sharp as heck and very fun. I think I got mine from Cameta Camera:

Search Results (http://www.cameta.com/index.cfm?fa=display.search&page=1&keywords=rokinon%20fisheye%20lens)

Here is a shot of the Peace Bridge taken with that lens, directly into the sun.

Peace Bridge | Flickr - Photo Sharing! (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jas_photos/7052739111/in/photostream)

Looks like a nice lens, is it the 8mm? I was looking at the Nikon 10.5mm ....

[JAS_Photo]

Yes it is 8mm. :)