Landscape Lens Recommendations? (Nikon)

[mschwarz]

This summer, I'll be out in Colorado near Aspen for about a week. In preparation for the trip, I've been considering renting a wide-angle lens for the landscape photography. The only lens I have close to wide angle is the 18-105mm kit lens.

What I'd love is a recommendation of a wide-angle lens (for a Nikon D90) that I might ultimately want to purchase - so this would be a bit of a "try before you buy" scenario. My ideal price range would be sub-$1000. Browsing through B&H suggests that I might not be very realistic.

Any recommendations out there? Or am I deluding myself into thinking that any sub $1000 will have good results? I'm not looking for top-of-the-line at this point, I'm still relatively low on the learning curve.

Thanks in advance!

[tamcry]

I also have a D90 and this spring I purchased the Sigma 10-20MM EX HSM ll. I actually use it more than I thought I would. I got it for landscapes but after playing with it I use it for a lot of other areas pf photography.

Sample Shots:

href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/justaclickbyaj/4509055478/" title="Looking East by







BTH: I am not saying that Sigma is the best one out there but I am pleased with mine. Performance and cost.

Al

[Nicole]

I'll second the Sigma, and I'll also note that it gets some pretty good reviews when compared to the Tokina 11-16mm and some of the brand specific ultra wides. I can't remember which magazine it was, but basically, it was saying that the Sigma really does hold it's own. And I'll agree. I really enjoy using it.

[dakwegmo]

There are a lot of good wide angle lenses for DX bodies under $1000. I own the Tokina 12-24 f/4 and really like it. It's really sharp for a $400 zoom. A lot of people also recommend the Tokina 11-16 f/2.8. I've heard it's even sharper than the 12-24.

Nikon also makes a 12-24 f/4, but it runs right at $1000. It's also very sharp. Though, you're paying a premium for the Nikon brand there, and I've heard it's not quite as a sharp as the Tokina 11-16.

As long as you aren't planning to upgrade to a full frame body anytime soon, any of these should work great.

[Moments that Click]

Originally Posted by mschwarz

This summer, I'll be out in Colorado near Aspen for about a week. In preparation for the trip, I've been considering renting a wide-angle lens for the landscape photography. The only lens I have close to wide angle is the 18-105mm kit lens.

What I'd love is a recommendation of a wide-angle lens (for a Nikon D90) that I might ultimately want to purchase - so this would be a bit of a "try before you buy" scenario. My ideal price range would be sub-$1000. Browsing through B&H suggests that I might not be very realistic.

Any recommendations out there? Or am I deluding myself into thinking that any sub $1000 will have good results? I'm not looking for top-of-the-line at this point, I'm still relatively low on the learning curve.

Thanks in advance!

I have used both the Sigma 10-22 and the Tokina 11-16 and found them both to be excellent for image sharpness and overall quality. The Sigma is slightly wider at 10mm but the Tokina is 2.8, I don't think you can go wrong with either. I purchased the Tokina based on the 2.8 and internal focus motor over the extra 1mm of wide angle.

They both are APS-C and sub $1000 here in Canada, check out the reviews on ken rockwell and dpreview

[OsmosisStudios]

I use a Nikon 10-24 f/3.5-4.5 DX AF-S, and it's wonderful.

[mschwarz]

Everyone - thank you! This is a great list, and I really appreciate the testimonials and real-life experiences.

I haven't gone the Tokina route yet, but considered Sigma in the past. So it looks like I've got at least 3 good lenses to compare against one another.

[dcclark]

Originally Posted by OsmosisStudios

I use a Nikon 10-24 f/3.5-4.5 DX AF-S, and it's wonderful.

I'll second this. I use mine constantly. I love how wide it goes, and also its excellent image quality.

[kirbinster]

I third the Sigma 10-20mm, love mine.

[Aegea]

I'll second the Tokina 12-24 ...