Good wide-angle Nikkor lens?

Trenton Romulox · Dec 14, 2007

Hey everyone!
What's a good wide-angle lens for my D300?
I currently have an 18-135mm f/3.5-5/6 and a 180mm f/2.8. I want a wide-angle, preferably fixed focal length, but short zoom is okay. What should I get?

kundalini · Dec 14, 2007

I have fun with my 12-24mm f/4.

And the B+W CPL Slim matched with it is the dog's ********.

Did you want an example?

Sw1tchFX · Dec 14, 2007

12-24 is your only Nikkkor option for a zoom. Fixed, you've got the 14mm f/2.8.

The 12-24 is the way to go.

Trenton Romulox · Dec 14, 2007

Thanks guys. Nice examples by the way. I'm looking at picking up a wide-angle, micro, and 105mm telephoto PC for portraits when I sell my computer. I'm gonna get at least $3000 for the computer.

Sideburns · Dec 14, 2007

You're not gonna get 3000 for a computer. I build computers...and unless you are serious into this and have some custom work...only a complete idiot would pay 3000 for a used computer.
Just tryin to help you out, my friend.

Trenton Romulox · Dec 14, 2007

Sideburns said:
You're not gonna get 3000 for a computer. I build computers...and unless you are serious into this and have some custom work...only a complete idiot would pay 3000 for a used computer.
Just tryin to help you out, my friend.

Quad-core Mac Pro (2 x 2.66 dual-core), 750gb of HDD storage, 2 free hard drive bays, 7gb of RAM, ATI X1900 512mb of VRAM.

Sideburns · Dec 15, 2007

Trenton Romulox said:
Quad-core Mac Pro (2 x 2.66 dual-core), 750gb of HDD storage, 2 free hard drive bays, 7gb of RAM, ATI X1900 512mb of VRAM.

Like I said.

The only part that makes it feasible is that it's a Mac Pro. They generally do not lose a lot of resale value.
3000 is a tad high, as I said...
But it could happen.

I was thinking PC...because Mac Pros are severely overpriced and...well, ya...

Hope you can sell it.

jstuedle · Dec 15, 2007

I am very fond of the 14mm 2.8, The 17-35 f/2.8 is a super lens also, just not as wide. I have never owned a DX or G lens, so I can't comment on those.

Trenton Romulox · Dec 15, 2007

I'm looking to spend under $500 on a wide-angle lens, because, I'm a macro guy myself, so I want to spend most of my funds on that and a portrait lens. How much is that 12-24 everyone is talking about?

Trenton Romulox · Dec 15, 2007

Anyone use the Nikon 24mm f/2.8D? It's only $300 and it seems like, based on the one review there, that's it pretty good.

Helen B · Dec 15, 2007

Trenton Romulox said:
Anyone use the Nikon 24mm f/2.8D? It's only $300 and it seems like, based on the one review there, that's it pretty good.

Where is 'there'?

Because of its distortion and light falloff when opened up I don't rate it very highly, especially when compared to some of the more recent zooms. I decided to keep my AI-S version, which I use on my D40x. I go along with John's suggestion of the 17-35 f/2.8.

What were you thinking about for your macro and 'portrait' lenses?

Best,
Helen

jstuedle · Dec 15, 2007

A reasonable alternative to the 14mm in your price range is the 20mm f/2.8. It's sharper and wider than the 24. Nikon has had never had a great 24 AF. Both the 28 and 20 are much better lenses IMO. On the D300, manual focus lenses are easy to setup in the menu, and will matrix meter. MF AI-S lenses are a good alternative. Helen has spoken of still using MF glass, as have I. For most landscape work, MF is not a disadvantage as it is in say sports shooting. You really have a lot of options, many of them are very reasonably priced.