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DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> Thoughts and inputs on a wide angle for D300
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10/29/2009 02:38:32 PM · #1
I'm in the market for a wide angle lens. The obvius choice since I have a D300 would be either 12-24 or 10-24 (or sigma or tokina lenses), I can get my hands on both of them used for a fairly good price. Sounds good! But, I hate the buildquality of the 10-24 so that's not realy a choice, and the 12-24 doesn't work as it should until you zoom it a little bit. They're both optimized for nikon cameras with DX sensors, so I could probably not get a better lens to go along with my D300. However, there is one lens...

Why not buy the 14-24? Unless D300 dies in the near future and need to be replaced by the D300s, my next camera will be a fullframe. So here's my why's and why I don't. Comments, inputs, everything will be apreciated.

Why I don't:

1: I loose the 10-14 or 12-14, but I can't imagine my self shooting wider than 14mm to keep the image quality at maximum.

2: Optimised for FX cameras

3: Can't take filters, or am I missing something? Can it take those big *ss filters I don't remember the name of that you attach to the lens itself and not in front of the glass?

4: Not practial enough (countered by the fact that this is one of the most awesome wide angles ever made), especially since I have a 17-55 I would only get 3mm extra focal length (but, see first point in why..)

5: Need help to fill out the rest here; I want this lens so bad that I'm getting blind for why I shouldn't get it.

Why's:

1: Optimised for FX, so my D300 would cut right into the center of the lens and produce high quality images from side to side, corner to corner at 14mm, and maybe at f/2.8 as well.

2: Whenever I upgrade to a fullframe, this lens will be waiting. This is a lens that will stay with me for many years because of it's build quality.

3: Its built tougher than the DX lenses, especially the 10-24, and I don't want to be limited by build quality.

Long post this turned out to be, but I'm in desperate help... A wide angle I need, and I need help. I can buy he 14-24 used for the price of a new 10-24, so price doesn't concern me. I want the best wide angle lens!

A final note, it didn't help that KR said that the 14-24 is optically perfect on a D300...

Thanks in advance!
10/29/2009 02:44:51 PM · #2
I think the 14-24 is the perfect wide angle for the D300. I have the Tokina 12-24mm and I NEVER use it all the way wide.

I invested in the Cokin system that allows use of filters - both gels and circ polarizers and grads and NDs etc. The Cokin system does not really work at 12mm on my Tokina (I can see the edges when full wide.)

I think your argument is solid - it will work on the D300 better than the other choices, it will work on a FF if you decide to go that path, and the quality is better than the wider versions.

I recommend you buy two and send me the spare for safe keeping.
10/29/2009 03:01:17 PM · #3
The only really good reason is that you plan to upgrade later to an FX body.

I have the 12-24 and I don't know what you mean by “the 12-24 doesn't work as it should until you zoom it a little bit". It has great build quality, is very sharp and has outstanding color reproduction. I backpack with this lens, have taken to the top of glaciers and volcanoes, had it rained on and never had a problem. The only real issue is with filters. You can only stack one 'thin" filter at a time. I normally use a Nikon Circular Polarizer and handhold a large Cokin type GND if needed.

As for not using the 12-14 range that depends on what you are shooting, I use it all the time for big grand landscapes.

In any case if your biggest concern is going to FX down the road then you have your reason.
10/29/2009 03:12:52 PM · #4
Originally posted by jbsmithana:

The only really good reason is that you plan to upgrade later to an FX body.

I have the 12-24 and I don't know what you mean by “the 12-24 doesn't work as it should until you zoom it a little bit". It has great build quality, is very sharp and has outstanding color reproduction. I backpack with this lens, have taken to the top of glaciers and volcanoes, had it rained on and never had a problem. The only real issue is with filters. You can only stack one 'thin" filter at a time. I normally use a Nikon Circular Polarizer and handhold a large Cokin type GND if needed.

As for not using the 12-14 range that depends on what you are shooting, I use it all the time for big grand landscapes.

In any case if your biggest concern is going to FX down the road then you have your reason.


I won't argue with you that the 12-24 is a good lens, I have not tried it myself but read that many rarely use it at 12mm because of distortion and softer corners
10/29/2009 03:28:06 PM · #5
Originally posted by BJamy:

[I won't argue with you that the 12-24 is a good lens, I have not tried it myself but read that many rarely use it at 12mm because of distortion and softer corners


I'll give you that as it is a bit soft in the corners but not enough to cause issues, at least for me. I have not had a lot of distortion problems unless I'm shooting large vertical lines which is the case with many, if not all, super wide angle lenses. To some those issues may be a greater problem but I find I've printed some very stunniing wide landscapes without issue. But it is always a case of what lens suits you as an individual and not what others say. I'm sure you will be thrilled with whichever choice you make. Good luck.
10/29/2009 04:28:24 PM · #6
12-24 is a very nice lens, and I wouldn't mind having one. But then again, I'll see myself upgrading within year or less, and the 14-24 looks like the queen of lenses. Darned it, I can afford it now, not next week or next month, but now, so why not, eh?
10/29/2009 05:12:33 PM · #7
Forget about the fool KR, lol!

There are actually quite a bit of available options for wide angle lenses on DX format. I am going to be a bit bias, but I very much despise Sigma (simply because there are so many differences in quality from sample to sample). Tamron to a less extent. I would suggest to stick rather with Nikon or Tokina if you can

(i) if you have 'nearly infinite' extra money to spend, then the choice is rather simple: 14-24 mm f/2.8 lens from Nikon. Simply the best wise angle lens ever made. 14mm is eq. (angle of view) to 21 mm on your D300, which is actually quite wide. Some people may like wider angles, but I found 14mm (21mm eq.) is more than enough to take great pictures. Landscape should be fine. Going wider may allow you to make more dramatic effect but you will have nonetheless to deal with rather significant distortion effects. If I have plenty of money, that would be my primary choice. Also this lens was made for FX, and is a superb companion with the D700, D3/D3s/D3x, so keep that in mind if you want to upgrade. Link for review link

(ii) The ranges 12-24 is also fine. Nikon and Tokina made a very similar lens (f/4.0), but Nikon is slightly superior since CAs are not so a problem with the Nikon lens. CAs are more of a problem for the Tokina lens, but most of the CAs can be removed easily via Photoshop, Nikon Capture or Nikon NX softwares. Moneywise, the tokina is twice (or nearly twice) as cheap as the Nikon, and performs very well on my Nikon D300s. There are two available versions for that lens. One with integrated focus motor (500 usd) and one without (400 usd). Personally, the built in focus in a wide angle lens is not as necessary as a long telephoto lens (let's say 70-200 mm for instance). The distorsion is also well controlled. Link for review: link 1, link 2

(iii) If you want wider (10mm eq. to 15mm on D300), then I will suggest the Nikon 10-24 mm, though expect MUCH more distorsion effects. I found the price a bit high (790 USD). That would not be my choice since I can't justify shooting at very high angles. Link for review: link

(iv) A last option is the 11-16mm f/2.8 (having 2.8 for wide angle is not so interesting IMO) from Tokina, which has received very good critics among photographers. The price is also rather high (around 600 USD). I found the range of focal-length a bit too short for my taste though.

Hope this will help a bit,

Max

10/29/2009 05:20:50 PM · #8
Here is one example for the Tokina 12-24 mm F/4.0 (12mm, ISO 200, F/11). For 400 USD, you really can't go wrong!



Message edited by author 2009-10-29 17:21:50.
10/29/2009 05:25:52 PM · #9
I have the Sigma 12-24, which is designed for full frame cameras. On my new 5D mkII, the results are impressive to say the least.
10/29/2009 05:44:02 PM · #10
Won't argue with you that KR is a fool, but at times he shines through with a wise word or two, as he aparantly did with the 14-24. Anyway, I'm sold, and the lens is very close to be bought.

Thank you for fast and good answers!
10/29/2009 05:46:11 PM · #11
So you are going to buy the Nikon 14-24 mm? I envy you ;) You certainly can't go wrong!

Cheers,

Max

Message edited by author 2009-10-29 17:46:33.
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