Wide Angle Lens

[Gina9942]

I currently have a Nikon D80, I am in the market for a wide angle lens, any suggestions? I also want a new 18-55, I have a tamron right now, I just don't think it's such a great lens. I also want to get a starter umbrella kit, I am just not sure which to get, suggestions?

TIA!!

[OsmosisStudios]

Wide-angle: Nikon make 2 excellent DX wide angles: the 12-24 f/4 and the 10-24 f/3.5-4.5. Both are excellent: the 10-24 is obviously wider but the 12-24 has a slightly better build and is a constant f/4. I have the 10-24 because I wanted the width: it's wonderful.

If you're looking off-brand, the Sigma 10-20 and tokina 11-16 are the best. The sigma is slow (4.5-5.6) but optically good. The 11-16 is faster, but has a limited range.

18-55 replacement: Frankly, dont bother. Find something with better build, a bit more range and better optics. The Nikon 18-70 is great, but it's hard to find. Similarly, Sigma, Tamron and Tokina all offer similar lenses, often with faster apertures. I wouldnt bother with another "kit" lens.

Umbrella kit: since you have a D80, you can use the commander flash to trigger SB flashes like the 26, 28, 600, 800 and 900. Pair that with a simple stand/umbrella setup and you've got a great, mobile, totally wireless light.

[Gina9942]

What do you think of the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G DX Lens? That's just at the tail end of wide angle right? There is one that is 28mm f/2 that's probably a little wider. I think I am going to go with a prime lens. These lenses have gotten such great reviews!

These are the two wide angles:
Wide Angle AF Nikkor 24mm f/2.8D Autofocus Lens

Wide Angle AF Nikkor 35mm f/2.0D Autofocus Lens

I also found a Nikon Zoom Super Wide Angle AF 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G ED-IF AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor Autofocus Lens for Digital Cameras.

What are your thoughts on these lenses??

[CiiVii]

Hi Gina,

Don't forget that the DX crop factor makes a 35mm lens more like a 52mm, thus making it a normal lens, not a wide angle. I have it and like it but if you are looking for wide, look elsewhere!

[Gina9942]

Originally Posted by CiiVii

Hi Gina,

Don't forget that the DX crop factor makes a 35mm lens more like a 52mm, thus making it a normal lens, not a wide angle. I have it and like it but if you are looking for wide, look elsewhere!

Good call! I didn't even think of that!

Do you know anything about Nikon Zoom Super Wide Angle AF 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G ED-IF AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor Autofocus Lens for Digital Cameras??

[OsmosisStudios]

Originally Posted by Gina9942

Good call! I didn't even think of that!

Do you know anything about Nikon Zoom Super Wide Angle AF 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G ED-IF AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor Autofocus Lens for Digital Cameras??

Again, the crop factor really messes with it. The lens is fantastic: I use it as my workhorse lens. With the crop factor it's a 27-105. While 27 is on the wide end, it's still not REALLY wide (which is usually 12-24 range, on full frame or 8-16 on a crop sensor)

[Gina9942]

Originally Posted by OsmosisStudios

Again, the crop factor really messes with it. The lens is fantastic: I use it as my workhorse lens. With the crop factor it's a 27-105. While 27 is on the wide end, it's still not REALLY wide (which is usually 12-24 range, on full frame or 8-16 on a crop sensor)

I was thinking of using that as opposed to getting a 18-55. My kit lens is just not the greatest and I read some reviews on that lens that said it was great. I think I still might go with it. I am going to get a wide angle as well, but I think that it will be a good in between lens. I have a sigma 70-300, a 50 mm, and I wanted something to use in between. I am going to go to BH in about an hour to go play with the lens and see what its all about. I think I am def going to get it then maybe I will save up some more for the tokina 11-16. I hear its a great wide angle.