Super-wide zoom recommendations

[expoboy52]

Any recommendations on a super-wide zoom for a D300 user? I'd like something in the 10-18mm range and cannot afford Nikkor glass. I'm thinking along the lines of Tamron, Tokina or Sigma. Any information from any users with experience with those maker's super-wide zooms would be appreciated.

 

[XLTimbo]

It might not be superwide on a D300, but I'm very happy with my Tokina 12-24 f/4. It's a very well made lens that makes great images, and isn't too expensive.

--
Timbo



http://xltimbo.smugmug.com/

 

[Ravncat]

Sigma 10-20
+ lighter weight / more range
warmer color (IMO)

• slower, more difficult to correct distortion.

Tokina 11-16
+ faster, better build,
cooler color (IMO)

• More sample variation, more Chromatic abberation (Fixable in post), Smaller range.

--
A poor photographer blames his tools.

 

[BoyOhBoy]

Undoubtedly the best bargain out there for a SWA is the Sigma 10-20 MkI with a caveat --- you need to be wary of crappy copies. A good copy of this lens will give any other DX SWA a run for its money. However, I have owned four copies of this lens and two were great while two were substandard: one did not focus correctly at infinity, the other one had asymmetry between the left and right side of the frame. At one time or another I have owned and used the Sigma 10-20 MkI, Tokina 12-24, Nikon 12-24, and Nikon 10-24. I like the latter the most, not necessarily because it is the best glass, but because it is the most useful of the bunch, at least for me.

--
My display of mediocrity
http://groovygeek.deviantart.com/gallery/

 

[ShadowDiver]

extened my 17-55/2.8 a few weeks ago with a Tokina 11-16/2.8 into the UW-range and must say that it is really nice. Though i had to check the lens in detail and was glad to get a good one (at least for me). It is really nice, small, well build and really usable wide open (shooting a lot indoors). One down is, that it is more to be considered as a prime as the zoom-range is really really short... but use it at 11 most though

Chris

 

[expoboy52]

Thanks for the tips and advice. I'm leaning towards the Sigma; seems to be better built and feels good on the camera. Any other comments are welcome!

 

[Cenk]

"Sigma 12-24 EX HSG" for DX & FX format.. I'm very happy..

 

[Mike Neary]

I have the Nikon 10-24 now. Before that, I had the Sigma 10-20 4-5.6. In comparison, sharpness is very similar between these two. The Nikkor has a more flexible zoom range, slightly faster aperture, more contrast, and better AF accuracy. But the Sigma is a lot cheaper and gets the job done - go for it!

Cheers

Mike

Thanks for the tips and advice. I'm leaning towards the Sigma; seems to be better built and feels good on the camera. Any other comments are welcome!

 

[jpig]

I've had my Sigma 10-20mm 4-5.6 for about two years, and it's my favorite lens. I have no complaints about it whatsoever. The build quality is great, and the IQ is virtually indistinguishable from the alternatives from what I can tell looking at sample images online. If there are any differences, they are far too small to justify the price difference, at least for me. When the Nikon 10-24mm and the new Sigma 10-20mm 3.5 came out, I looked at many sample images from both and saw no reason to switch.

jpig

 

[ru1thirst]

+1 on this comment. My findings exactly. The only thing that kind of scared me was when the 3.5 came out and I thought I may have bought just a bit too early. After seeing some of the issues with possible corner sharpness and the older one being sharper, I was relieved. The Sigma 10-20 is just a tuff value to pass up.
--
D90 ~ Sig 10-20 ~ 35mm f/1.8 ~ 16-85vr
Tamron 90mm Macro ~ 70-300vr ~ SB-600