12-24 lenses

[hedge]

Got a question for all you 12-24 wielders. I'm somewhat in the market for one of these prior to a trip to Egypt in April (woo hoo!!).

I have read a recent post on this forum suggestion that the Sigma 12-24 covers a full frame camera which is useful to me as i also shoot with a F100. On the other hand, i've read that the nikon 12-24 does the same thing from 18-24 also (bythom.com). So, that said, are there any standout features which either or are there any other lenses I should be considering?

I generally shoot wide open and would like to be able to use a filters.

cheers,

adam PS - tried to search and find this info in past posts but searching on 12-24 around here is almost as evil as searching on 70-200

[Glen]

You will get no shortage of answers here

They are different solutions to one problem, one solution may suit you better than the other.

Nikon - Lighter, can take filters, nikon name
Sigma- Less distortion at 12mm, lots heavier, no filters, cheaper
Tokina- unseen yet

here is a discussion http://forum.d70users.com/viewtopic.php ... 24&start=0

here is a photo taken with a 12-24 Sigma, it is half way down the page
http://forum.d70users.com/viewtopic.php?t=2868&start=0


I'll let the others post their opinion on this, good to get a few views

[birddog114]

Glen,
Can I add one thing to you comment?
The difference in gold and platinum band are as you mentioned

[AlistairF]

Hi Hedge,

I've got the Nikon 12-24 DX because I use it for landscapes and team it with a 77mm polariser. Because it's a DX lens it will not suit your F100. The Sigma looks like a good lens but it's inability to accept filters turned me away, but will work with your full-frame.

Have you checked out Simga's 10-20mm Superwide that accepts filters, although it's a DX lens also?

http://www.sigmaphoto.com/lenses/lenses_all_details.asp?id=3301&navigator=6

From readings in this forum over the last few months, both owners of the Sigma and Nikon are very happy with their purchases.

I've been very happy with my 12-24mm Nikon's quality. A great travel lens but shop around to get the best price.

Alistair

[sirhc55]

Hi Hedge - another Sigma owner here. This has to be my favourite lens. The lack of filter on the front of the lens does not bother me in the least as the lens shows good contrast. There is a filter holder at the rear of the lens for gel filters. If you use your F100 a lot then this is the way to go - think about a true 12mm on film - wow!!

[Oneputt]

This is my next purchase as well and due to price considerations I will probably go down the Sigma road (wish I had one for my Kimberley trip next week), but as I will use it mainly for landscape the ability to take a filter would be usefull. I was not aware of the 10 -20mm so I will be looking at that now as well.

[stubbsy]

It's easy to underestimate the importance of filters on a wide lens. I have the 12-24 DX Nikkor. When taking landscape shots a CP filter can be VERY useful. This is no problem on the nikkor glass (provided you've bought the filter!), but you can't attach a filter to the front of the Sigma because the front of the lens bulges out.

When weighing up these two lenses, aside from price there are some other "non optical" factors to consider like weight and the ability to take filters.

[birddog114]

You won't see the Sigma 10-20 at least another 6-8 months.