Which wide-angle lens?

[cawdor]

I currently have a Sigma 24-70 3.5-5.6 basic lens as my wide-angle. I'm not very happy with it, I think it's too soft and the colours are a bit off too. I think I'm a bit spoiled by my 80-200 Nikkor.
Anyways, I'm looking for a better wide-angle lens to use with my D70. It has to be sharp and cover roughly the same focal length. I don't need VR, a fast lens would be nice but it's not 100% necessary.
Sharpness and colour are the most important things. And the absolute max I want to spend is $1000, preferably around $800 mark.
Any suggestions?

[LostDingo]

you may want to look at some fixed focal length Nikkors or a TOKINA 12-24

[cawdor]

Thanks for the reply.
It has to be a zoom as I can't always change position while I'm shooting. And roughly the same focal length

[big pix]

Sigma 10-20....... would be my choice

[digitor]

I wouldn't class the 24-70 as being a wide on the D70, however you'd be a whole lot better off swapping it for a Nikkor 18-70 for starters, at least.

If the 18mm end turns out to be not wide enough for you, then you could start looking into options for a wide angle zoom, such as a Sigma 10-20 or a Tokina 12-24, or a fixed focal length Nikkor.

Cheers

[Dug]

the nikkor 18 70 ED kit lens is surprisingly good

ultra wide my choice was the sigma 10 20 at about $700 great value for money.

[losfp]

If you want roughly the same range, then IMO the D70 kit lens (18-70) is hard to beat for value, as some others have mentioned. Shouldn't be more than 300-400. For a bit more, say 700-800, you can snag a 24-120VR, if you think 24mm will be wide enough for you. That lens has its detractors, but I've tried it out and it's just fine to me.

I personally decided to go with a 12-24 and 80-200 combo. I have a 50/1.8 on the off-chance that I NEED something in the 24-80 range. Suits me fine as I am usually either wanting as wide as possible, or as long as possible.

[Ivanerrol]

One of the members here - Kazuhiro - may have a 18 - 70 for sale soon. He is going overseas and is looking to diversify his lenses see his posts.

[Link]

If you need to go wider than DX 18mm, I'd recommand the Tokina 12-24 because it's a lens that is very sharp wide-open (f/4).

Link.

[moz]

I currently have a Sigma 24-70 3.5-5.6 basic lens as my wide-angle... has to be sharp and cover roughly the same focal length.

Sigma make a f/2.8 version of what you have that is apparently quite reasonable. I have a friend who has one and they like it. For only twice the price I'm getting the same thing with a Canon badge, but that wouldn't help you.
http://dirtcheapcameras.com.au/store/pr ... roduct=159

But I'm inclined to agree with the people suggesting something wider. I know nothing about Nikon kit lenses but the 17-70 does sound good (the way it tinkles when you drop it, for instance )

Moz