Which wide-angle lens to get?

[Adrian Wong]

Was just discussing with Chai about wide-angle lenses.

Just realized I have the need for a wider-angle lens as the widest lens I have is the Nikkor AF-S 18-70mm f/3.5-5.6 DX lens.

So far, I think my choices seem to be...

a) Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 (but may not be available yet over here)

b) Tokina 12-24mm f/4

c) Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6

IMHO, it's nice to have a wider aperture (f/2.8) that the Tokina 11-16mm has. Works better indoors too. But the limited zoom range (11-16mm) may be a real limiting factor. Also, it may not be available over here yet...

The Tokina 12-24mm has a nice working range but the smaller aperture will be a problem indoors. Or maybe I can just "cure" this by using higher ISOs.

The Sigma 10-20mm is the WIDEST lens of the bunch but is said to have poor build quality and reliability problems. Of course, it also has the smallest aperture of the bunch.

So, what do you guys think? Or should I just settle for something mid-range like the 17-55mm? I'm looking to shoot buildings (architecture) and scenery with this lens.

[goldfries]

Adrian,

I think Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 available already la.

Anyway, I'm using the Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6 and I liked it very much. So far I like it very much, comes with HSM.

From what I know, the Sigma 10-20mm has more distortion than other UWA lens. So it really depends whether you like such distortions.

I'll show you some Sigma 10-20 samples in a short while......brb.....

[Falcone]

I would go for 11-16, if not 10-20

[Adrian Wong]

Originally Posted by goldfries

Adrian,

I think Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 available already la.

Anyway, I'm using the Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6 and I liked it very much. So far I like it very much, comes with HSM.

From what I know, the Sigma 10-20mm has more distortion than other UWA lens. So it really depends whether you like such distortions.

I'll show you some Sigma 10-20 samples in a short while......brb.....

Hey, that's cool!! Where did you get your Sigma and how much?

BTW, where is the Tokina 11-16mm available?? Everywhere I checked online, they claim coming soon. LOL!

[Adrian Wong]

Originally Posted by Falcone

I would go for 11-16, if not 10-20

Thanks! IMHO, 11-16mm or 10-20mm would probably be best since that would give me a pretty complete line-up :

a) 11-16mm / 10-20mm
b) 18-70mm
c) 50mm
d) 80-200mm

Just that I'm not sure whether the 11-16mm is available and whether the 10-20mm QC and smaller aperture will be a problem.

[Chai]

Sigma's distortion is not too bad, only at the corners. It will not be very visible unless you take a lot of architectural shots.

Haha...you must have been reading from Ken Rockwell about the built quality. Despite my rather heavy usage, mine still looks quite OK.

[Mac Daddy]

I am just lurking like on the other thread and learning when it comes to photography I am a noob lol

[Adrian Wong]

Originally Posted by Chai

Sigma's distortion is not too bad, only at the corners. It will not be very visible unless you take a lot of architectural shots.

Haha...you must have been reading from Ken Rockwell about the built quality. Despite my rather heavy usage, mine still looks quite OK.

Actually, no, I saw a few user reviews, with one guy returning it after the aperture locked up twice.

Anyway, will drop by later to test your lens.

[goldfries]

ooops sorry forgot to post samples. I got mine at J-one PJ.













The Gallery Is Here 10-20 and 24-70 combo.

oh as to the price, ehh around RM 1.7k i think. i can't remember. bought it in March. The thing is I have a few lenses around that price range. i choose the sigma because it's 10mm. Canon (i understand this is not an option for non-C user) 10-22 has wider range and probably less distortion but costs nearly 50% more.

another option was the Sigma 12-24, being a DG model BUT since i'm not on FF body i decided to go for something that gives me the widest angle.

[Adrian Wong]

Very nice shots!

I will be giving Chai's Sigma 10-20mm a try in Taipei. See how that works out.

Did you use fill-flash for your indoor shots?