Wide Angle Lens Advise Needed

TurnipFarmer

TurnipFarmer

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Aaron
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I am thinking about getting a new super wide angle lens for me Sony A200 however I am undecided on which to get, this is the list I have come up with

Sigma 12-24 (my favourite so far)
Sigma 10-20
Sigma 8-16 (brand new, just announced)
Tamron 10-24
Tamron 11-18

Is there any I have missed off or I should consider? I don't really know what pros and cons these lens have over each other. I have seen photos done by the Sigma 12-24 and am very impressed this is why its my favourite at the moment. I am not sure if to go for the brand new Sigma 8-16, looks awesome for a non-fisheye lens and maybe its worth getting that extra over the 12-24.

What does everybody think?
 
There's two versions of the Sigma 10-20mm. One is f/4-5.6 and one is f/3.5 throughout.

The f/4-5.6 version, while cheaper, is much better than the f/3.5 version. So, when you're reading reviews and looking at images people have shot, make sure you know which you're looking at. :)
 
Kaouthia said:
There's two versions of the Sigma 10-20mm. One is f/4-5.6 and one is f/3.5 throughout.

The f/4-5.6 version, while cheaper, is much better than the f/3.5 version.
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Hi John - I've been looking at buying one of these lenses and had assumed the newer f/3.5 was better. Do you have any more information about why the 4-5.6 is better?
 
less barrel distortion, bit sharper, less purple fringing
 
If there's any chance that you'll be upgrading to a FF body in the next few years, the Sigma 12-24 is pretty much a no-brainer as I think it's the only FF compatible lens in your list.. Yes, some people have reported problems with their copy but the same can be said of other lenses too. Try the copy you'll be buying before you leave the shop, just to make sure that you're happy that you've got a good 'un before shelling out for it. As with a lot of K-M/Sony kit, 2nd hand copies aren't that commen.
 
Tamron 11-18 is excellent - Sony re-badged it, so you can add that.

Shame Tokina didn't make their 12-24 f/4 as that would walk your list really if available.

The Sigma 10-20 (old version) is better than the newer f/3.5 version - the older one is optically better.

If you buy a Sigma 12-24 watch out for decentering - I had to try 4 in Nikon fit to get a good one, and 3 goes of this lens in Sony fit have all been de-centered so if buying a Sigma 12-24 ask for test shots - from a full frame body!
 
Was just about to say, Tokina released the 11-16mm for Sony mount at the end of February IIRC.
 
Guys, which one is actually MORE expensive?

1)Tokina 12-24 (1st version, not AF on Nikon D40 etc)
or
2)Sigma 10-20 (HSM 4-5.6)
 
The only 1 worth considering is the Tokina 11-16mm f2.8 AT-X PRO DX AF Lens if you want a UWA on a cropped sensor camera
 
I'm a happy Sigma 12-24mm owner. In fact, more than happy, I love it.
 
Just a bit of an update for everybody, I have got a Sony A700, I am still looking for a wide angle lens. My fave is still the Sigma 12-24 but it is quite expensive.

I have seen the Tokina 11-16 and 12-24 do they do these in Sony Mounts? These are cheaper and do appear to get excellent reviews.

The Tamron I suppose should not be discounted either.

I think the A700 is not a full sensor so would these lenses work ok?
 
TurnipFarmer said:
Just a bit of an update for everybody, I have got a Sony A700, I am still looking for a wide angle lens. My fave is still the Sigma 12-24 but it is quite expensive.

I have seen the Tokina 11-16 and 12-24 do they do these in Sony Mounts? These are cheaper and do appear to get excellent reviews.

The Tamron I suppose should not be discounted either.

I think the A700 is not a full sensor so would these lenses work ok?
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The Tokina 11-16mm is designed for DX sensors (crop sensors) so will work better on yours than it would a full frame. Also, Google says "yes" to it being available in a Sony fit.

http://www.warehouseexpress.com/buy-tokina-11-16mm-f2-8-at-x-pro-dx-af-lens-sony-fit/p1521028

I have the lens (just purchased it off here) and love it.
 
TurnipFarmer said:
I have seen the Tokina 11-16 and 12-24 do they do these in Sony Mounts? These are cheaper and do appear to get excellent reviews.
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They do - I already provided a link further up :nuts:

Here is one I sourced direct from Tokina.


DSC00048.jpg

​
 
oh yeah sorry didnt read my own thread correctly, that 11-16 looks very tempting and also being 2.8 looks great for low light shots and its lower in price than the Sigma and Tamron.

I cant seem to find anything about the Tokina 12-24 for Sony, does anybody know if it is available in Sony fit?

What would you guys go for the Tokina 11-16 2.8 or the Sigma 12-24? I feel that the 12-24 would offer more flexibility but the Tokina would offer wider photos.

Puddleduck and Astraeus do you have any photos you could show me to try and convince me? :D
 
I'm sure that the extra 1mm the Tokina offers at the wide end will make a difference as every mm at the wide end does but I don't know how significant that 1mm will be.

I love the Siggy 12-24mm but ignoring my love for it maybe like me you suspect it's range will be more useful? 12-24mm certainly sounds more useful than 11-16mm to me.

Others have mention Sigma sample variation but all I can say is that I've never had an optical issue with any lens including the Sigma's I own and my 12-24 is sharp on my APS-C Canon 20D.

12mm shot taken on a pier looking back towards the land. Makes the land look miles away.

PierC.jpg
 
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woof woof said:
but I don't know how significant that 1mm will be.
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As a rough idea, this is on a Nikon DX body (that's a 1.5x crop for you Canon folks).

field_of_view.gif
 
woof woof said:
I'm sure that the extra 1mm the Tokina offers at the wide end will make a difference as every mm at the wide end does but I don't know how significant that 1mm will be.
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You won't get much extra fov. This link may help you figure it out:

http://kmp.bdimitrov.de/technology/fov.html

But to save you the hassle, you go from 100 degree FoV to 105 degree for the extra 1mm at 11mm
 
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