a good budget 24mm range for FX

I want to close the gap of my line up on the wider angle and thinking to get something that hits the 24mm range on FX. I use the wide FL not so often and I will be used to shoot portraits mostly (I am pretty covered on the longer ranges), though Landscape is second choice. Since this will be my least used lens I would like to get one that won't break my bank, but still have decent IQ. It doesn't have to be super fast like 1.4 - 1.8 (I think even a 4.0 will do) but decent sharpness across the range, good sharpness in f/4.0 or lower would be nice. I like primes, MF is not a real issue but zooms are also fine.

I think that pretty much comes to Nikon 28/1.8 or Samyang (Rokinon) 24/1.4. How do you rate these two? Or any other recommendations? Thanks

Actually, those are not your only choices. Sigma makes 24mm and 28mm f1.8 lenses that might be adequate. You could also buy a single FL 24mm f2.8 Nikkor, which I think they still manufacture. There are numerous obsolete lenses, such as a 28mm f3.5 AI Nikkor which I'll bet you could get for under $200 but is a very versatile optic. With reversing ring, it is a very respectable macro lens too.

JayDreamer,

DxOMark just reviewed the Samyang 24 mm lens, comparing it to the Nikkor and Zeiss, so you may want to check it out. They said the Samyang was pretty darn sharp, generally speaking, and is considerably cheaper than either of the other two. If it works for you, and you're on a budget like you mention, then check it out.

Sam

greenmanphoto said:

JayDreamer,

DxOMark just reviewed the Samyang 24 mm lens, comparing it to the Nikkor and Zeiss, so you may want to check it out. They said the Samyang was pretty darn sharp, generally speaking, and is considerably cheaper than either of the other two. If it works for you, and you're on a budget like you mention, then check it out.

Click to expand...

My personal experience mirrors the report, I bought that Samyang 24 for it's F1.4 specifically for night photography such as Milkyway and things like that, it has really low coma aberration when compare to my old Canon 24L which costs 3 times more, and my friend shots with the Nikon 24G and he was shock how this low cost lens perform against his 24G after playing with it, I also own the 14-24G, Zeiss 21 ZF.2, and TSE 17, TSE 24 II, all pretty good WA lenses, and this low cost Samyang can really compete with those big boys, so definitely worth a look.

I just read the DXO review and leaning towards it. MF is OK for me, though I really don't need 1.4 for a WA. But it is an added advantage. Thanks for the suggestions

I haven't seen any threads on this forum addressing 24mm lenses. Wait...

Just received today at work, did a quick test on the way back home. Did some basic slider edits as usual. Not much CA or distortion I can see, there is vignetting at 1.4 but expected and I can live with. Build quality is great. Truly wonderful lens for the price! I am happy with even 1.4. It is sharp and stopping down it gets amazing. I am sure it needs micro adjust, these are just by eye.

The bicycle shots are at ISO 400

1/2000s, f1.4





1/30s, f/11











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Thanks
Jay
Images from the mind are surreal!

Already mentioned elsewhere: I have the Sigma 24mm f/1.8 EX DG Aspherical Macro and am quite happy with it so far. Pretty sure Nikon alternatives would be better quality wise, but the sigma one is considerably cheaper as far as I know.