Help with selecting a UWA

[NWDAD]

I have a Nikon D7000 and want to add an UWA to my bag. I have narrowed it down to 4.

Nikon - 10-24 f/3.5-4.5 ED AF-S DX

Sigma - 8-16 f/4.5-5.6 DC HSM
- 10-20 f/3.5 EX DC HSM
- 10-20 f/4.5-5.6D EX HSM

I shoot mostly out doors, nature, WDL, WDW, National Parks with some indoors.

I want to get the best bang for my $.

I already have,

Nikon - AF-S DX Nikkor 18-200 f/3.5-5.6 ED VR II that I love
- AF-S DX Nikkor 55-300 f/4.5-5.6G ED VR

I am leaning toward the Sigma's because they are less expensive and I might be able to pick up a AF-S Nikkor 35 f/1.8G DX also.

TIA
Kevin

 

[zackiedawg]

Out of curiosity, what is it that narrowed you down to those 4? The Sigmas (at least the older 10-20 F4.5) are cheaper...though that would also open up the inexpensive Tamron 10-24mm F3.5-4.5...and the Tokina lenses are a bit more expensive but well regarded, including the 11-16mm F2.8.

I personally found the Tamron 10-24 to be excellent bang for the buck, as they were one of the least expensive, yet still reasonably fast for nighttime handheld work - I use mine for architecture, indoor & out, landscape, scenic, and long-exposure night photography. I personally think they're all pretty decent lenses - UWAs are a specialized category to begin with. I like wider and faster myself, so I lean towards the F2.8 - 3.5 lenses, and I like the 8mm to 10mm wide end lenses.

My Tamron 10-24mm gallery, just for an idea of how I've used it over the years on 3 different camera bodies:
http://www.pbase.com/zackiedawg/tamron_1024mm_f3545_lens

 

[My2Girls66]

I bought an UWA a year ago. I liked the idea of 10-24, it seemed to be the most useful for me. Though, I went with the Tamron 10-24 for my Nikon D80since the Nikon was quite pricey. I paid around $450 after rebate.

 

[HPS3]

I went with the Sigma 10-20/4-5.6. I really like it. I think I got a good copy because it's really sharp. I think build quality is very good. For the price it's a great lens($479 compared to $699 for the Tokina).

 

[Phil'sFrontier]

I can't decide between the 2 nikkor lenses. The older 12-24 of the newer 10-24.
What made you eliminate the older nikkor? I am not trying to thread jack here, just would like to hear your 2¢

 

[NWDAD]

I can't decide between the 2 nikkor lenses. The older 12-24 of the newer 10-24.
What made you eliminate the older nikkor? I am not trying to thread jack here, just would like to hear your 2¢

It was a simple factor of the crop factor of the D7000 and wanting to go as wide as I could.

Kevin

 

[PhotographyDR]

I hate to add another lens to the choice mix but I have owned a Tokina 11-16 mm f2.8 lens for a couple of years now and I tell you that lens is one of my favorites. I have use is while traveling to WDW and found myself using it everyday. One reason I bought this lens is the UWA, of coarse, but also the f2.8 was a big draw for me. I really wanted a lower light lens that could capture that wide angle. The price point for this lens was also right in there with the other UWA's. Usually the lower the f number the higher the price but with the Tokina is really was competitive. The lens does not disappoint in any way. Just another option. Plus it is specifically designed for crop sensors. This lens will also add minimal distortion as well. There is some (always will be) but subjects for the most part don't distort as much in the center of the screen.

Just an example of what the lens can do

Monorail

Drama in the Sky

 

[ssanders79]

I went with the Sigma 8-16 because it was the widest lens I could get.

 

[nbaresejr]

im going through the same search right now.

I decided on getting the sigma 10-20mm 4.5-5.6. The price is right compared to the canon version and it seems to hold its own against it in terms of sharpness. I will pick mine up in a few weeks from a local camera shop. I want to make sure i get a good copy so i will try several until i get the best 1 for my camera.

 

[YesDear]

I would second looking at the Tokina 11-16 2.8. I do not own one have played. they are coming out with a new version next month and the first version price has dropped. Faster glass more times than not is better glass.

I would rather have better glass than newer technology!

 

[zackiedawg]

I would second looking at the Tokina 11-16 2.8. I do not own one have played. they are coming out with a new version next month and the first version price has dropped. Faster glass more times than not is better glass.

Actually, you're Thirding it - I had already mentioned it for consideration in my post previous to PhotographyDR.

 

[NWDAD]

After alot of research and reading everyone's posts. I am pretty sure I am going to get the Sigma 8-16. The reviews have been good especially when used with the Nikon D7000 which is the camara body I have. Also the price is low enough that I can also pick up the Nikkor 35mm f/1.8 DX lens. Now to find who has the best price. Any thoughts?

Kevin