Wide Angle Advice. (Nikon D80)

SPANIARD. · Apr 26, 2009

Hey guys i really need help choosing a wide angle for my Nikon D80. Brand wise i"m not really that picky. From nikon, to tamron, to sigma, i don't really mind what brand, just help me get my money's worth. I'm not looking to spend more than 1,500 or so on some new glass but around that price range is absolutely fine. I'll be shooting city life and sports more often with the lens you ladies and gents recommend. Please help! Thanks in advance.

AtlPikMan · Apr 26, 2009

Take a look at the Tokina 12-24. The IQ is comparable to the more expensive Nikon. For images and more info, check here NikonCafe.com

Lunchbox · Apr 26, 2009

i have the tokina 2.8 11-16 and i wouldnt trade it for a nikon if i was offered tack sharp and just overall great. only thing its not for full frame but if your gonna stay with the d80 then you will be more than satisfied

nikonpreap · Apr 26, 2009

i have the tokina 11-16 and it is brilliant

Guido44 · Apr 26, 2009

I have the Tokina 11 -16 also. So far, I love it.

I did a quite a bit of researching before buying. ALL the reviews I read were very positive on this lens.

For the money, you really can't go wrong.

dan

Olcoot · Apr 26, 2009

I have the Nikon 12-24mm and the Sigma 10-20mm both are great Wide Angle lens.

invisible · Apr 27, 2009

Lunchbox said:
i have the tokina 2.8 11-16 and i wouldnt trade it for a nikon if i was offered tack sharp and just overall great. only thing its not for full frame but if your gonna stay with the d80 then you will be more than satisfied

nikonpreap said:
i have the tokina 11-16 and it is brilliant

Guido44 said:
I have the Tokina 11 -16 also. So far, I love it.

I did a quite a bit of researching before buying. ALL the reviews I read were very positive on this lens.

For the money, you really can't go wrong.

dan

It took a little time, but the Tokina is finally starting to win the hearts of people. I have it as well and I think that it freaking rocks. Here are some recent shots I took with it on a D70s.

You will LOVE this lens.

dcclark · Apr 27, 2009

I have heard good things about the Tokina. I have also used the Sigma 10-20 and enjoyed it a lot, although it is rather soft. You may also want to consider the upcoming Nikon 10-24 -- it's not here yet, but it will probably be awesome.

itznfb · Apr 27, 2009

nikon has a new 10-24mm DX, but it's f/3.5-4.6 which i thought was strange since there is already a 12-24mm DX f/4, and they are the same price...

i haven't used the Tokina 11-16 but talked to several friends that love it... has anyone heard of bad copies floating around like some other 3rd party lenses? just curious if that's something you'd have to look out for when purchasing.

ANDS! · Apr 27, 2009

The 10-24 should be slightly less than the 14-24 F/2.8. The difference is longer on the wide end, and can accept filters (the 14-24 can not).

However, I would get neither of those lenses, and simply settle for a used 12-24 F/4 Tokina used. They can be had for sub 400 dollars and will perform just as well for your needs.

itznfb · Apr 27, 2009

i was actually talking about the 10-24mm DX and 12-24mm DX, however....

you would honestly suggest the 12-24mm f/4 over the nikkor 14-24mm f/2.8? i thought nikkor 14-24 f/2.8 was like the God of wide angle zooms?

TUX424 · Apr 27, 2009

If you guys keep talking so highly of Tokina 11-16 f/2.8 I'm to have to go buy one. :er: I just wish it was same price as the Sigma 10-20.
I have played around with the Sigma 10-20 and that was a fun lens. I saw on the Sigma website that they are coming out with a 10-20 f/3.5, it has a constant f/3.5, where-as the old one was f/3.5-5.6.

Chairman7w · Apr 27, 2009

I have the Sigma 10-20mm and I absolutely love it. Great piece of glass.

ANDS! · Apr 27, 2009

itznfb said:
i was actually talking about the 10-24mm DX and 12-24mm DX, however....

you would honestly suggest the 12-24mm f/4 over the nikkor 14-24mm f/2.8? i thought nikkor 14-24 f/2.8 was like the God of wide angle zooms?

Yes, I know the lenses. And yes I would recommend the Tokina over the Nikon any day. The 14-24 F/2.8 is three times more than the Tokina, and it most definitely does not have three times more the performance. Yes the 14-24 F/2.8 is the BEST out of all of the options, but thats like saying "Who is the best out of Kobe Bryant, Lebron James, and Chris Paul - anyone would be great on your squad. . .but only one is going to put you over the salary cap" (ok well Lebron would too but you get my drift).

If you absolutely need the F/2.8 OP, I would definitely look into the Tokina version. Wider on the crop sensor body (and designed for it) and a ridiculous amount of bang for the buck. Only problem is - good luck finding it.

syedakm · Apr 28, 2009

Keep in mind that with wide angle lenses distortion comes in place, specially the wider you go, the more distortion on the edge and you end up cropping the images. I have used Tokina 17mm and loved it.

With your budget, I would say you can buy a pretty good lense. I would even go for a used Zeiss lens.

You can read a lot of reviews on lenses here; Nikon / Nikkor (APS-C) Lens Tests