Breaking all the rules..

orb9220 · Sep 4, 2012

Yep always comes down to budget and generally used for me! Picked my Siggy 10-20 up for $300. And the other factor is determining use. As many go hog wild on top of the line then don't use it that much. So I always recommend starting out with the cheaper solutions. Then down the line of needs & use warrant it. Then will upgrade to the more spendy versions of ulta-wide.
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TheLost · Sep 5, 2012

Don't forget the Tokina 12-24mm f/4..

1) Cheaper then the Tokina 11-16 f/2.8 (the older version that will only focus on body's with a focus motor goes for ~$350 used)

2) More useful range then the 11-16mm. UWA's are a specialty lens. Having one that goes to 24mm lets you use it in more situations.

3) Super sharp.. I didn't see any difference between the 11-16 and the 12-24 in my tests.

On a UWA f/2.8 is only useful for low light (you can't blow out the background @ 11mm

) .. The extra range of 24mm is WAY more usable then f/2.8. I've never missed not having f/2.8 shooting indoors on my 12-24mm. Read the reviews... its a great lens. Love mine.

Bram · Sep 5, 2012

Haha, Ken Rockwell he's something special. either way i am still open to advice from anybody that has any experience with either of these three lenses.

Well I will definitely be using mine as well for low light conditions considering working at a local nightclub.. I will need something wide and reliable in low light.

Bram · Sep 11, 2012

Ugh, alright well now I can't decide between a couple lenses:
Tokina 11-16mm
Sigma 10-20mm

To me range isn't really an issue I just want an affordable lens that can give me warpage.. I've also found a nikkor fisheye 10.5mm for $550 on local CL any input?

Markw · Sep 11, 2012

Well, I didn't read this whole thing. But, don't say "Of course, the Nikon glass is better". The Tokina 11-16 is the best UWA on the market.

Mark

fjrabon · Sep 12, 2012

If you're considering low light, the Tokina is a no-brainer. F/5.6 is a no go in a nightclub and that's what you'd be shooting with at 20mm on the Sigma. F/4 is as fast as it gets, and that's even not good for in a dimly lit bar.

Bram · Sep 14, 2012

Looks like the decision on the Tokina 11-16mm has been made. No brainer right guys

invisible · Sep 15, 2012

I used to have the Tokina 11-16 and absolutely LOVED it. I even used it for a while on a full-frame camera and considering it's not a lens made for a full-frame sensor it did not disappoint. They're pretty expensive used because few people want to sell them.

That being said, if you can get the Sigma for $200 less, then by all means get the Sigma. The Tokina is better in my opinion, but not $200 better.

If you go with the Sigma, a word of caution: test the lens extensively before buying it. Sigma is known for having a hit-and-miss quality control. I tested the Sigma and my copy had severe autofocus hunting issues which was the deal breaker that made me go with the Tokina, even if I had to wait for a couple months for the lens to be available.