Which lens?

[Greg B]

OK, I am looking for something wider.

The 12-24 Nikon is the obvious choice, but I would like to reduce the amount spent (following the D200 purchase a couple of months ago).

Gary has some excellent specials and prices on Sigma gear. So I am looking at the 12-24 and the 10-20.

The 10-20 is a bit cheaper and a bit wider, but I assume that the 12-24 is a better quality lens.

Any thoughts from owners of either??

[Alpha_7]

I love my 10-20 Sigma and very happy with my purchase. I liked the fact I had a little every width and also the fact that it handles filters straight out of the box, no screwing around required (unlike the Sigma 12-24). I haven't posted many shots from my 10-20, but Barrie (pharmer) did before he "upgraded" to a Nikon 12-24. My unit seems well constructed and is a pleasure to use.

[Justin]

I just got the Tokina 12-24 and have used a sigma 12-24 - so I'll let you know what I think when I get home tonight and have a play with it.

Note I know the Sigma 12-24 is incompatible with the af-on button on the D200, hopefully the tokina is not.

[sirhc55]

Greg - I have the 12-24 Sigma and I am more than pleased with the results.

[Yi-P]

I have the 10-20 here, solid build with great performance. Chose this over the others because its ability to control distortion and CA better than the Tokina, and tho not enough cash to go with the Nikon.

And I like this lens pretty much, a must have in bag when going out to the outdoors.

[mark]

Greg - I purchased Barrie's (pharmer) sigma 10-20 and love it. To date I have taken about 250 pics with it and have been pleased with most all of them. Dare I say the ones I don't like are more due to user error.

Here is a some links to the first images I took with it shortly after unpacking it.

http://static.flickr.com/71/215898244_d05b6ce043_o.jpg
http://static.flickr.com/66/215897321_91cb1f3ec1_o.jpg

and a recent one
http://static.flickr.com/81/236775813_20a43e3cf3_o.jpg

Craig (jordanp) had it on the front of his camera on the weekend and now blames me for the lust.

I have also heard good things about the Tokina 12-24 but haven't used one so I can't really comment.

Good luck with the decision.

[phillipb]

Greg, I have the Sigma 10-20 and am also very happy with it. I chose this lens over the others because I got it in as new condition for $450

[stubbsy]

Greg

As you probably know I have the Nikkor 12-24. If I was buying now I'd probably get the Tokina 12-24. Unlike the Sigma it can take filters, but it's price and quality is in the same range as the Sigma. I've seen bloody good shots from both the Sigma & Tokina - the inability to use a CP on the Sigma is a dealbreaker for it.

[pippin88]

I chose the Tokina 12-24 because the reviews rated it as the best in most regards except for the Nikon.

Yet to receive unfortunately, stock wasn't available

[mark]

Stubbsy - The Sigma 10-20 will take filters (77mm) but I beleive that the Sigma 12-24 will not. Although I could be wrong on the 12-24.

[sirhc55]

That is correct - the 12-24mm will not accept filters but being a purist it does not worry me.

[stubbsy]

Stubbsy - The Sigma 10-20 will take filters (77mm) but I beleive that the Sigma 12-24 will not. Although I could be wrong on the 12-24.

Mark - correct on both counts

[Justin]

Nick - check digitalrev.com - I just received my tokina 12-24 Nikon from them today.

[mark]

That is correct - the 12-24mm will not accept filters but being a purist it does not worry me.

Myself...being new to photography and a little clumsy, UV filters sure come in handy for the scratch factor.

[moz]

That is correct - the 12-24mm will not accept filters but being a purist it does not worry me.

Ah, my Sigma 12-24 will accept filters at both ends.

Mine is the older, full frame design (not that that matters to nikon users), and takes gel filters at the back (which is pretty pointless for digital) and an 82mm filter on the front (which vignettes from about 17-20mm down depending on your frame size).

Moz

[Greg B]

Thank you all for your input, it has been very useful indeed.

I am still undecided, but will investigate the Tokina.

The filter issue with the Sigma 12-24 is an issue for me, and probably takes it out of play.

Mark, your shots with the 10-20 look great, and this is the cheapest option. I am leaning towards this lens.

All very exciting, and thank you all again for your valuable input.

[pippin88]

Nick - check digitalrev.com - I just received my tokina 12-24 Nikon from them today.

Justin, I've already ordered and paid.

I think they have stock now, but are waiting to ship it out with another item for me.

[Geoff]

Greg, without adding fuel to the fire I have been using Glen's siggy 12-24 for some real estate photography shots and I have really enjoyed using it. The filter issue I think COULD be a problem and would more than likely persuade me NOT to buy it. Having said that if you're on a tight budget and you think you may not need worry about filters etc - it's spot on for the money! You can do some incredible stuff with PS (as we all know) but not being able to put a CPL (or other filter UV etc)on the lens is indeed a restriction. I have though been ever grateful to Glen for loaning me this baby. It's been invaluable for my purposes!

[moz]

Oh, and I have found that even at 24mm on a crop camera makes a CP fairly pointless, you usually get enough sky that you can see the change in polarisation. But at 12mm you have to be sooo careful that it's not funny (I have a 82-77mm adapter and correct the vignetting in post, because I use ND filters on the lens sometimes)

[mark]

<snip>
Mark, your shots with the 10-20 look great, <snip>

Thanks Greg. Glad you liked them.

I never intended to buy a wide but had in mind a Sigma 10-20 if I ever did buy. Next thing this one came up for sale and I snapped it up. No regrets, I'm glad to have a UWA in my bag. Which ever way you go i'm sure you will feel the same.