Can't Decide Sigma 17-50 or Tokina 11-16

[HPS3]

My WDW trip is in 2 days and I can't make a decision on which lens to bring(keep). I ordered both but my DW says I can only keep one. My current lineup is:
Nex 7 + LA-EA2 adapter
Sony 35 f1.8
Tamron 60 f2 Macro
Rokinon 8mm f3.5 fisheye
Nikon 135 f2.8
I bought the body only camera so I don't have a kit lens. I don't really miss the kit lens at home. I usually shoot with my 35 or the 60. I love the shots in WDW from the UWA. I don't want to change lenses at every shot, but I don't know if 17 is wide enough. Any opinions would be appreciated.

 

[WilsonFlyer]

You need a nice middle of the line zoom lens at WDW more so that the SWA you ordered, IMO. You don't even have a choice to make, IMHO. The SWA is a super specialty lens and though it serves a purpose, the 17-50 is a much better walk-around lens for everyday use.

17 is plenty wide on a crop for most things. Like I said, unles you're doing really special stuff that calls specifically for something as wide as 11.

I have a Canon 11-22 and I've never even taken it out of my bag at WDW but a couple of times and I had very specialized cases fo what I was trying to capture when I did. I wouldn't dare walk around with it only for family moment captures unless I had no other choice (and I mean NO other choice).

 

[HPS3]

Thanks WilsonFlyer, I'm going to keep the 17-50 and return the Tokina. If I want something really wide I'll use my fisheye. I know I will get more use out of the 17-50. I just love the UWA landscape shots here on the boards.

 

[mom2rtk]

I agree. It's fun to use an UWA at Disney, but I wouldn't do it at the expense of a basic mid-range zoom. People are too distorted at 16 to have that as your only lens. I'd learn to love the 17 end of the Sigma and save for the UWA for the next trip.

 

[HPS3]

Mom2rtk, I see your point. I didn't really think about the versatility of the mid-zoom. At home I usually shoot my DD's with my 35/1.8 or the Minolta 45/2. At home I'm used to using my two legged zoom. I know in WDW I'll have to take advantage of the zoom. I wanted to ask here because I hold you and the rest of the Dis photogs in such high regards. I've been so anxious and nervous about mixing photography, crowds and my 2DD's(5 and 18mths).

 

[mom2rtk]

Thanks HPS3. I didn't know how old your DD's were. But with kids that age, your number one job is documenting Disney through their eyes. And a good mid-range zoom would be my number one choice. Mine is on my camera 90% of the time at Disney. I know it's hard to juggle the kids, the camera and gear for all........ but the UWA photo ops aren't going anywhere. These years with the girls....... will pass way too fast.

 

[Shutterbug]

My WDW trip is in 2 days and I can't make a decision on which lens to bring(keep). I ordered both but my DW says I can only keep one. .

I say keep both lenses and send the DW back kidding!!!

I agree with the others. Keep the 17-50. It will be more useful over all to you.
I rented an ultrawide for one vacation but I had very specific shots I was looking to use it for not overall. Much like my fisheye that I have. I have it in my bag constantly but doesnt get used much.

 

[HPS3]

Ya know Shutterbug, great idea! But I do need someone to chaperone the girls while I take pictures. I'll stick to the 17-50!

 

[traylorc]

I agree with everyone's recommendation to keep the 17-50mm. The Tokina is a very nice lens, IMHO it is arguably the best wide angle lens for a crop camera.

However, I view the Tokina as a specialized lens...one of those lenses that unless you are a wide angle fanatic it will probably spend more time in your bag than your 17-50mm. Lastly, while I love the optics of the Tokina, when I owned it I was frequently frustrated with the limited focal range.