Ugh. Need a super-wide (non-fisheye) zoom. Suggestions?

adversus · Mar 8, 2011

I'm looking for a super-wide zoom, something along the lines of a 10-20 (or there abouts). Preferably looking at a non-Nikkor version of the Nikon 10-24 without dropping $900.

It'll be on my D7000. Speed isn't an issue, it'll be used mostly on a tripod, using bracketed shots or with off camera flashes.

Anybody have suggestions? Practical opinions on having used one?

FattyMcJ · Mar 9, 2011

I'm a BIG fan of the Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6. It's nice and sharp, quick enough focusing (how fast do you NEED a super-wide to be really? lol), and well built. It's always in my bag when I'm shooting cars or events. The new constant f/3.5 version has some good reviews too, I just can't attest to it's quality since I don't own it, but that's another option as well.

Good luck in your hunt.

bigboi3 · Mar 9, 2011

Oh hey look over here!

http://www.thephotoforum.com/forum/buy-sell/237876-nikon-mount-sigma-10-20mm-f-4-5-6-a.html

SrBiscuit · Mar 9, 2011

FattyMcJ said:
I'm a BIG fan of the Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6. It's nice and sharp, quick enough focusing (how fast do you NEED a super-wide to be really? lol), and well built. It's always in my bag when I'm shooting cars or events. The new constant f/3.5 version has some good reviews too, I just can't attest to it's quality since I don't own it, but that's another option as well.

Good luck in your hunt.

ive heard nothing but great things about this lens.
it's on my wish list, but cant seem to justify it lol.

480sparky · Mar 9, 2011

I don't have any aftermarket lenses to compare it to, but I'd recommend the Nikon. I never thought twice about getting anything other than the 10-24. I have one word for it..... Suh Weet!

Overread · Mar 9, 2011

You've also got a few other lenses to consider:

Tokina 11-16mm f2.8 - widest constant aperture of the lot, but also the smallest zoom range on offer. It also lacks a HSM/USM type focusing setup (which as pointed out above has some limitations on certain nikon camera bodies with regard to auto focus). This is the lens to go for if you do nighttime and indoor wide angle shooting and need a bright working max aperture (if even just to help with AF and having a clear viewfinder image).

Sigma 10-20mm f3.5 - there are two of these on the market, the f3.5 constant aperture version and a slightly older variable aperture version. Both are of comparable levels of image quality and the major difference is that the f3.5 has a constant and wider max aperture than the other as well as needing a larger filter size. It does have an HSM focusing setup so allows both fulltime manual focusing and AF with most nikon camera bodies (I'm not going to risk saying all ).

Sigma 8-16mm f4.5-5.6 - widest focal length on offer of 8mm and also sports less distortion at 10mm than the 10-20mm options. It's optics are also top class (I think from reviews generally a cut above the sigma 10-20mm which are no slouches by any means). It's biggest downside is that it has a variable aperture range, but if you're shooting landscapes most of the time that won't be a concern since, typically, you'll be using much smaller apertures anyway. It is also "not filter compatible" by virtue of its bubble shaped front element, however Lee Filters are making holders for these kind of lenses (currently only the 12-24mm nikon, but with plans for more to fit others like the 8-16mm) - there are also a few custom home made approaches to allowing it to take a square filter using current market options.

mjhoward · Mar 9, 2011

I've got the Tokina 11-16 and LOVE the lens. It is pretty much tack sharp throughout all focal lengths and apertures. It's build quality is far better than any of the others mentioned here and exceeds a lot of the builds of even Nikkors. I wouldn't let the 'limited' zoom range effect your decision much since you'll likely be using any UWA lens at its short end all the time anyway. A lot of people also make the 'why would you need 2.8 on a landscape lens' argument a lot too. These people have obviously not tried using an UWA lens indoors for some very interesting perspective shots. It is also very useful for real estate photography which is primarily indoors (low light) and likely in smallish rooms which will benefit greatly from UWA.

adversus · Mar 9, 2011

Thanks for the responses, everyone.

This is indeed going to be for interior architecture shots, where composition space is limited. I'll check out the Tokina, looks like the Tokina and Sigma are the most popular

j-digg · Mar 9, 2011

Im an extremely happy of the Tokina as well Very sharp from wide open til about f/8, not really sure youd need to shoot any narrower than that...

benhasajeep · Mar 9, 2011

adversus said:
Thanks for the responses, everyone.

This is indeed going to be for interior architecture shots, where composition space is limited. I'll check out the Tokina, looks like the Tokina and Sigma are the most popular

If your going to do Architecture with the lens. I highly suggest you get the Tokina. It opens up more chances of using natural light to do your shots. It will also give you more options to use the room lights for the shot. Just adjust white balance for the color of the rooms lights and your good to go. You may find you need to stage the room lights. Not everyone pays attention to the K value when they buy bulbs. I have been known to switch bulbs around for shots.

Basically a flash, lit room is not always the best lit room.

adversus · Mar 9, 2011

I've been reading up on the options today, looks like I may have settled on the Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8. May try to find one local and try it out before I drop $600 on it, though.

ions · Mar 9, 2011

I have the Tokina and quite like it. Like the others above have said it's sharp and the build quality is fantastic. Its biggest flaw is that it is more flare prone than the competition.