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DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> wide angle lens: Nikon, Tamron, or other brands?
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Showing posts 1 - 23 of 23, (reverse)
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09/07/2005 09:17:03 PM · #1
Hi everyone,

Well, first of all, that is my first message on this forum. So as some people will say: Welcome to the Machine (I know one good song with this title).

Anyway, I was thinking to buy a wide angle lens for my Nikon D70. I have been thinking that those two lenses will be a good choice:

a) 20mm f/2.8D AF Nikkor lens
b) Tamron SP 11-18 f/4.5-5.6 Di II LD

What will be the best choice, even if there is no best choice. I may go for a), but I am still not sure. Do you have any other possible suggestions.

Regards

Max
09/07/2005 09:22:06 PM · #2
I have no relevant experience with the Nikkor or the Tamron, however it's a virtual certainty that the prime will give significantly superior results over the zoom. It's also over a stop faster, which is huge.
BTW, welcome to the insane asylum DPC. You'll like it here :-)
09/07/2005 09:28:20 PM · #3
I've got the nikkor 10.5 mm f2.8 and love it, it's such a sharp lens, I've also got a tamaron 75-300 f5, which is nice as well, but just not as nice as the nikkor. I'd say go with the nikon lens if you can, you won't be dissapointed.

Message edited by author 2005-09-07 23:08:03.
09/07/2005 09:28:26 PM · #4
nikon 10.5 mm fisheye (well its my favorite)...but its not exactly a normal wide angle. the 20 isnt that wide on the digital, if you want the true wide angle look id go with the tamron, its pretty slow f-stop...but unless that makes a big difference for you id get that one.
09/07/2005 09:34:35 PM · #5
The 20 is an incredable lens, but not really that wide on the D70. The Tamron is getting pretty good reviews, so is the new sigma 10-20. If your used to prime quality I feel you will be quite dissapointed. I dabbled with the sigma 15-30 & the sigma 12-24 before bitting the bullet and getting the Nikkor 12-24 f4. It is truly as good as primes and quite a bit fast than the Tamron. With the dim view finder of the D70 is really helps. Also the front doesn't rotate of the length change when focusing of zooming (great for underwater housing). Of course it is not with out its faults. Although it is a DX lens
(it can be used on 35mm from 17-24) its not small or light weight. Also if you shoot infrared it often exhibits hot spots.

I wish someone would come out with a 84degree prime (15-16mm on DX).
09/07/2005 09:58:30 PM · #6
Clarify this for me...The DX lenses simply mean they don't vignette on digital bodies and all lenses on digital SLRs are not going to be as wide as on film. I think with Nikon it is one and a half times. Am I understanding this right?
09/07/2005 10:31:13 PM · #7
sigma 15mm!! sigma 15mm!! sigma 15mm!!
09/07/2005 11:32:25 PM · #8
Pink Floyd! Pink Floyd! Pink Floyd!

Oh lenses... I don't have anything that wide but I know I'm loving the sharpness of the Tamron SP 17-35mm 2.8-4 XR Di LD.
09/07/2005 11:33:32 PM · #9
Originally posted by awpollard:

Pink Floyd! Pink Floyd! Pink Floyd!


where did that come from, mighty random

oh by the way
your my hero
09/07/2005 11:47:47 PM · #10
I have the tokina 12-24 f4 and am very pleased with the results. It can be had for around 500 bucks, about half the cost of the nikon 12-24 f4. The tamron is pretty slow and the nikon is probably not as wide as you are looking for. The tokina is a little compromise between the two. I shoot a lot of landscapes and find myself using it all the time. Here's a couple shots with it.



I wish I could show you my high contrast image, its one of the best landscapes I think I've taken. Anyways, just a thought and a little more info to make your decision harder :)

edit: I was about a foot away from the tee on the second pic.

Message edited by author 2005-09-07 23:57:32.
09/07/2005 11:56:06 PM · #11
I like my Sigma 12-24. The Tokina is cheaper and smaller, but it wasn't on the market when I bought my Sigma. If you don't want a 35mm capable lens, consider the Sigma 10-20.
09/08/2005 12:25:38 AM · #12
I also finally sprung (sprung? sprang? grammer sucks) for the Nikkor 12-24 F4. Great lens, fast quiet and sharp. Makes a good compliment to the 18-70 kit lens. The Nikkor 20 F2.8 is a great lens but why would you by it if you wnt wide angle? Ends up at 30mm on the D70 which is more than the 27 on the kit lens.

Message edited by author 2005-09-08 00:26:23.
09/08/2005 12:34:38 AM · #13
Originally posted by Fetor:

Originally posted by awpollard:

Pink Floyd! Pink Floyd! Pink Floyd!


where did that come from, mighty random

oh by the way
your my hero


"Welcome to the Machine" in the original post...

Actually you are my hero...I respect all (well most) who stand on those yellow footprints...

Great Jarhead hair cut in the photos in the other thread. Good Idea too... When I went in I had my Rock n Roll hair going on (middle of back) they didn't like that much and I almost cried when they cut it. BTW...they are going to cut yours a little closer... :)


09/08/2005 09:17:23 PM · #14
Well, Sorry for the late reply. I can only post at night.

I took note of all of you posts, and I conclude I still need more time to make my decision. If I spend more than 500$, I will have to be quite patient. I do not think I will be able to afford the Nikor 12-24 (although it seems to be an excellent lens), so I still need to dig around, or maybe a better choice will be to get a used lens instead (but I am still a little bit reluctant to this idea).

Thanks for you pieces of advice.

Max
09/08/2005 09:39:02 PM · #15
Originally posted by trnqlty:

I have the tokina 12-24 f4 and am very pleased with the results. It can be had for around 500 bucks, about half the cost of the nikon 12-24 f4. The tamron is pretty slow and the nikon is probably not as wide as you are looking for. The tokina is a little compromise between the two. I shoot a lot of landscapes and find myself using it all the time. Here's a couple shots with it.



I wish I could show you my high contrast image, its one of the best landscapes I think I've taken. Anyways, just a thought and a little more info to make your decision harder :)

edit: I was about a foot away from the tee on the second pic.


I've heard only great things about the tokina 12-24. I am saving up to purchase one myself.
09/08/2005 09:43:14 PM · #16
the nikon 10.5mm fisheye lens is awsome, if your looking for that affect. It has a price tag of around $600 so I won't be buying one for awile. It is a cool lens though.

Travis
09/13/2005 10:13:03 PM · #17
I think I will go for the tokina. But still not sure yet. It seems to me that this lens gives the best compromise. Anyway, I can wait. I am just a student, so anyway, time is patience, and also a good way to save money. What I care the most is the sharpness, not really the speed (for this type of lens).

Thanks

max
09/13/2005 10:18:02 PM · #18
I just purchased the Sigma 10-20mm and just love ti! A top quality lens!
09/13/2005 10:34:47 PM · #19
I work at a camera store and get to play with this stuff all day. I also own a D70. the nikon 20mm is wonderful. Probably the sharpest of all you are considering. One of the guys I work with just bought the Tamron 11-18. Also very nice but not as fast. Also consider the Sigma 18050 2.8. A really sharp lens and quite a bargain. We had one very good customer just go thru the same decisions and at first bought the Tokina lens and returned it because it was vigneting slightly aat 11mm. He ended up with the Tamron 11-18 and seems very happy with it.
09/13/2005 10:38:46 PM · #20
I would suggest the Tokina 12-24 f/4. Its a VERY solid lens for a wonderful price.
09/14/2005 08:52:19 PM · #21
I will go for the tokina 12-24 f/4. I heard globally very good critics on this lens through the web. I will probably buy it next month.

Another question: Where could I find the lens on the web? meaning that the company is straigtforward: shipment on time, reasonable price.

Thanks

max


09/14/2005 09:25:16 PM · #22
//www.beachcamera.com or //www.bhphotovideo.com
09/14/2005 11:09:49 PM · #23
Definetly stick to the reputable sources above. I posted here a few days ago and now I can show you my high contrast image. Didn't do incredible but I'm still proud of it. The lens is awesome for bringing the foreground in for more impact.



Message edited by author 2005-09-14 23:10:49.
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