Suggestions for Wide Angle for D90

[kaibeau]

Hi all, am looking for a new lens for my D90 APS-C camera
Would like some recommendations from you guys as I want to be able to photograph some landscape, large group/wedding situations.
Do I need to worry about zoom ability?
Budget is a consideration atm, unfortuantely...
Any feedback would be greatly appreciated....

Thanks in advance

[WhoDo]

On a budget, the Nikkor 18-55mm zoom is a good lens for what you will use it for. I know it's only a DX kit lens, but mine has been solid and reliable with pretty good IQ and you won't beat it at the price. After that you could look at the Sigma range. They have represent good quality for the price and are well supported. In generic terms, you'll need around 17-18mm at the wide end for landscapes and 35-50mm for portraits. I hope that helps.

[ricktas]

Sigma 10-20 for the wide angle, then save up for the portrait lens. Different genre, different lenses.

[ameerat42]

Be careful with what are called "ultrawide" lenses. These have focal lengths starting bout 8mm and up to about 12mm.
If you use these for large group shots, be aware that they do distort to the extent where people near the edges will look a bit "stretched".
I have the experience of using the Σ8-16. It's OK and not noticeable in landscapes, but edge-dwelling people start to look like those on
un-adjusted wide-screen TVs in shops.

However, this effect can be adjusted in post-processing (that's PP from now on).

Sounds like the 18-50 cited above, or maybe a 17-70, is the go. It won't be the w-i-d-est, but still not bad.

Am.

[kaibeau]

Just updated my lens listing... Oops, didn't realise I hadn't added my 90mm Macro ...

Was just reading about the
Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 AT-X 116 Pro DX. Anyone had any experience with this lens?

[nimrodisease]

Was just reading about the
Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 AT-X 116 Pro DX. Anyone had any experience with this lens?

I would highly recommend this lens. It is absolutely excellent for its price point, the IQ is top notch. I also use a D90 and the Tokina stays on almost permanently these days for landscapes/architectural type shots. I have the first version of this lens, rather than the new version that was released fairly recently. From what I understand, there is bugger-all difference in the new model, so I'd save a few bucks and go for the old one.

However, I would reiterate Am's comments regarding wide angle distortion. You need to be quite careful taking people shots with wide angle lenses, as it can easy to make peoples' faces look quite funny if they're near the edge of the frame. Perhaps this doesn't bother you, but it's just something to keep in mind.

[kaibeau]

Thanks everyone.... think this is the one then
Now I just need one in a hurry

[Glenda]

I also have the Tokina - excellent lens and like John have the older version which will AF on your D90. The bonus of the f2.8 makes it great for interior shots. I've never used it for groups of people, only landscapes and architecture, but imagine distortion of the people on the edges would be a problem.

[stoogest]

Sigma 10-20mm for me on a D7000. Fantastic lens for the price. I do sometimes find that its autofocus is a little inconsistent in dim light, but not worryingly so.

Andrew.

[dmaynard000]

H Kaibeau.

I acquired the Tokina 11-16 a couple of years ago and use it on a D90. I like the lens and use it for landscapes. However, as mentioned in other replies, there is a degree of distortion which is very noticable at 11mm - especially if there are streight edges at the sides. At 16 it is ok. Also as mentioned, it can be corrected with PP. I use Photoshop. But getting photoshop or similar editing package is gonig to cost. The Tokina is also going to cost.

Reviews on the 18-55 VR DX are very good and you will find the online auction prices very attractive. I noticed in your profile you don't have anything wide in the DX range. On a budget I would go for this lens.

I recently off-loaded my DX lenes (except for the Tokina) and replaced with FX as my next camera upgrade will be to FX. I can also use them on the F80. If I find I am lacking in the general wide range I will probably look at getting the 18-55 DX. Hopefully taking a few steps back will resolve that problem.

Hope that helps.