Fun has arrived + new Gear Lust

[OsmosisStudios]

So my FE came in last night, via the USPS and Canada Post. Had to pay some customs duty on it (for some reason), but it's wonderful. The camera itself is in great shape and worked flawlessly. The light meter is a bit confusing, but I'll get used to it. It's currently got a roll of Ilford HP4 in it (C-41 process B/W film). It's 400ISO film, so light issues arent really issues. We'll see when theyre processed.

I only have one non-G lens, so my 50mm f/1.8 will likely be stuck onto it 99% of the time. When I do need the lens for my D80, I'll see if the Body cap for the D80 will fit onto the FE to keep dust out as much as possible (though its dirtier than hell right now).

I've also developed a lust for gear. It used to be a D3, and it still is to a certain extent. It's a lofty goal, especially at this point in life (Go University payments!), but its a goal that I plan on keeping. Of course, by then I'll be looking at a D4 or D5.

No, for now im lusting after the Nikkor 14mm f/2.8D. A super-duper wide-angle that will set me back $1700 (CAD). Donations can be arranged via PM :P.

Sadly, I cant even rent the damned thing: none of the rental places around here have one. Finding one new, even, would take some time. Stores claim to carry it, but some preliminary research shows that it'll be a two-week special order direct from Nikon. Apparently.

Ive been jonesing for a true-blue wide-angle lens for my D80: 18mm (27mm) just isnt cutting it anymore. I just dont know if that extra range on the wideangle is worth the wicked pricetag.

Thoughts?

[jdepould]

The body cap should work fine, since it just mimics the lens mount. You can probably pick up some older, manual focus glass for cheap, just keep an eye on Adorama or KEH.

[candleman]

D700 is cheaper.. same sensor as D3
thats what i'd do if i went Fx

in terns of wide angle.. you shoot much landscape?
i fond the 18mm end on my 18-135 distorts quite a bit actually.. not cool
but i dont usualy shoot fully wide anyway.

second hand wide-angle, manual glass could be the best bet. ...having the FE in mind too.

[OsmosisStudios]

I think much of my best work is landscape. Im finding that 18mm (on either my 18-70 or 18-200) isnt wide enough to get the field of view i want. I tried the fisheye, but im not a huge fan of the distortion.

[jdepould]

With digital, stitching is probably better than going super wide, but that's going to be a tremendous pain with film. Film can usually resolve more detail too.

[LoveDSLR]

Originally Posted by OsmosisStudios

I think much of my best work is landscape. Im finding that 18mm (on either my 18-70 or 18-200) isnt wide enough to get the field of view i want. I tried the fisheye, but im not a huge fan of the distortion.

I assume UWA Sigma 10-20 is not on your wish list. You can forget about 14mm in stock since the 14-24 has taken over the limited shelf space.
Your best opinion will be the Nikon AF-S DX 12-24MM F4.0 G (~$1100; $25/day @ Vistek Ottawa). I have fun with my 10.5 DX since I have no use for UWA at this time.

Nevertheless, my choice for FF UWA would be Nikon 14-24G or Sigma 12-24 DG.

P.S. Congrats on your new toy (FE) and I prefer a D3 too.

[vandergus]

That new FE sounds like fun. You should pick up some cheap old MF lenses to use on it. It'll be so much more satisfying to use a lens that was designed for manual use than your 50mm AF-D. A 50mm f1.8 series e on an FE would make a cool little package.

As far as a wide angle lens goes, you could check out the Sigma 14mm f3.5. Tom Hogan reveiwed it and thought it a solid lens. It's been replaced by the bigger, more expensive 14mm f2.8 so you can only get it used, but it's usually available for ~$300. Might be a good solution. And you could use it on your FE which would be crazy wide.

[OsmosisStudios]

jDepould: Ive never been happy with stitching, even when I did it right. Its not about "getting everything in" but about the perspectival difference.

LoveDSLR: I've looked at the 12-24, and while it is *very* nice, I'm looking for something that will eventually cover FX. I know it's still far off, but its still a goal. Vistek is also overpriced comparatively.

vandergus:Ive seen the sigma 14mm review by Thom. He really liked it. I'll look into it in a bit more detail, but generally speaking im a bit of a brandwhore. Nikon all the way :S