Tonkina 12-24mm f/4 AT-X 124A Pro DXII With Nikon D90

[insoin]

Does anyone know anything about this lense? Tokina Zoom Super Wide Angle AF 12-24mm f/4 AT-X 124AF Pro DX Autofocus? I have heard is a good lense and I am just wondering if anyone knows anything about it. I am wanting to take some panoramic photos, and I am wondering if this lense would work for that. Or should I go ahead and look for a fisheye lense instead? I have a Nikon D90.

Thanks,
Scott

 

[insoin]

Ummm thought of something else. Say what type of lense would be better in general for "panarama" type of photos one like this, or a fisheye? Just curious as I'm rather new.

Scott

 

[Groucho]

Optically this lens is pretty much identical to the Pentax 12-24mm, you can search reviews for either one and get a good idea of the image quality (though the Pentax will have slightly better flare resistance due to their coatings.) From what I've seen, it's usually considered better optically than the Sigma 10-20mm - but of course, it only goes to 12mm, not 10mm.

I haven't played with panoramics but this or a fisheye would probably be OK - a fisheye would need to be "de-fished" though which will be extra work and maybe involve buying a good de-fishing program - PTLens is the one I've heard of as being pretty good.

FWIW, I think DPReview recently reviewed this lens. You may also want to check photozone.de to see if they have it reviewed there.

 

[El Nebuloso]

I have this lens in a Nikon mount and have been very pleased. It is optically great and built like a tank. As Groucho pointed out, the Sigma does go wider, and in my personal experience the extra 2mm makes a noticeable difference. That being said I'm quite happy with the image quality of my Tokina.

For panoramic shots you could also consider the technique of stitching multiple shots together in post processing.

 

[YesDear]

If you are trying to make a true panoramic picture that is usually better made with multiple images that are stitched together. To do it properly you get a tripod and segment the images. Normally you would take 5-7 images. There are actually some panoramic head tripods made to keep the plane of the lens at the same level.

I have done them hand held before but that works better if you do not have many buildings etc.

I would not use a fisheye if you want a multiple image panoramic. The barrel distortion does not make for clean edges.

A fisheye can give you a neat image but not sure it would be a true panoramic.

 

[insoin]

Thanks, I have heard about stitching photos together. Just never have done it till now cause I just got a DSLR and really wanna start doing more than my old point and shoot did.

 

[fitzperry]

I've used this lens a few times and was quite impressed with it. It's the only super wide-angle I've used, so I don't have anything to compare it to, but I was very pleased with the images I got--great color and contrast.