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Archive 2011 · Tokina 17mm f/3.5 ATX-Pro versus Nikon 20mm f/2.8 AF-D versus CV 20/3.5...

  
 
Mishu01
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · Tokina 17mm f/3.5 ATX-Pro versus Nikon 20mm f/2.8 AF-D versus CV 20/3.5 SLII versus...


I own 14-24/2.8 but I take it with me only when I really know I'll need it. Do not understand me wrong... it is one of the best lenses I ever used but I hate it's size, weight and intimidating view... So I want to find a lightweight UWA solution to take with me on a daily routine...

I tried in the past Nikon 20/2.8 AF-D and I was not impressed at all... I also tried CV 20/3.5 and while it is small its IQ is much behind CV 40/2 or CV 58/1.4...

I wonder if Tokina 17mm f/3.5 ATX-Pro is any better than the two lenses I listed. I also wonder if Nikon 20/2.8 AI-S is optically better than the later AF-D model.

I want this lens for my D700, mostly for landscape but also for some shots inside in available (good) light.

Thanks in advance for any advice!



Dec 16, 2011 at 12:48 PM
jhinkey
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · Tokina 17mm f/3.5 ATX-Pro versus Nikon 20mm f/2.8 AF-D versus CV 20/3.5 SLII versus...


Well, I tried out the Tokina 17/3.5 and compared it to my 20/2.8D on my D700. Recalling from memory:
(1) The Tokina had much better distortion characteristics than the AF-D. The AF-D has wavy distortion that is objectionable when shooting things with straight lines.
(2) The Tokina had a slightly yellower color cast - somethings that's a good thing for foliage and such. I could also say that the AF-D has a slightly cooler color cast too.
(3) Sharpness in the center was a toss-up
(4) AF accuracy was OK on the Tokina
(5) Tokina was considerably larger and heavier
(6) The corners of the Tokina NEVER got completely sharp even stopped down. The 20/2.8 at f/8 is pretty much perfect all the way out to the far corners, the Tokina was not.
(7) The Tokina had more CA issues than the 20/2.8D as I recall

For the size and weight of the Tokina I ended up getting a 17-35/2.8D that was much better overall (though far more expensive).

I think I still have my test photos somewhere . . . .

The build quality of the Tokina seemed excellent. The AF/MF clutch was a bit cumbersome, but it likely would not bother me in the field.

As far as flare/ghosting I did not get a chance to test those side-by-side.

Hope this helps.



Dec 16, 2011 at 01:41 PM
Mishu01
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · Tokina 17mm f/3.5 ATX-Pro versus Nikon 20mm f/2.8 AF-D versus CV 20/3.5 SLII versus...


Impressive comparison John! Thank you!

Anybody else? Other opinions?



Dec 16, 2011 at 01:50 PM
galenapass
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · Tokina 17mm f/3.5 ATX-Pro versus Nikon 20mm f/2.8 AF-D versus CV 20/3.5 SLII versus...


Well I am not sure this reply will help you but I had the 14-24mm as well, and did not like the size and weight. I looked at alternatives and finally I sold it and the D700, picked up a 5DII and a Zuiko 21mm f/3.5. The lens is very small and very sharp. I use the 5DII for landscape, cityscape and other situations where fast focusing is not needed (since all the lenses I use on it are MF). Moreover, I still have and use all my Nikkor AIS glass with the 5DII. This may not be your cup of tea, but for me, I grew up using a Nikon FM so all manual is no problem. For other applications the D200/D300 and MKIII suffice for fast focusing. Again, probably not the type of reply you wanted but I did start off with similar dissatisfaction over the 14-24mm.


Dec 16, 2011 at 01:52 PM
Mishu01
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · Tokina 17mm f/3.5 ATX-Pro versus Nikon 20mm f/2.8 AF-D versus CV 20/3.5 SLII versus...


Definitely I cannot move to Canon... :-) all my friends and family will have a dangerous blood pressure hearing that so I need to protect them!

I need a multifunctional kit and my Nikon makes me happy in every other aspect apart of UWA which is less than 20% from what I shoot. To replace a lens with a C... body and a Zuiko lens in order to keep a dual system... isn't solving anything. And BTW when I need critical quality... I doubt that D700+14-24 can be equaled by anything in the Canon world. So I do not sell it...



Dec 16, 2011 at 02:13 PM
Reagan
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p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · Tokina 17mm f/3.5 ATX-Pro versus Nikon 20mm f/2.8 AF-D versus CV 20/3.5 SLII versus...


I agree with John I had the Tokina for a few months it did have a warmer cast to it and that is why I got rid of it
I prefer the cooler coloring of the Nikon lenses Build quality was excellent and don't think you will be able to find a hood there aren't any around Though I never noticed it to be an issue the vignetting was not as bad as the nikon 20 2.8 af-d that I had
I ended up getting a 16-35 to replace it

Reagan



Dec 16, 2011 at 02:26 PM
Reagan
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p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · Tokina 17mm f/3.5 ATX-Pro versus Nikon 20mm f/2.8 AF-D versus CV 20/3.5 SLII versus...


There is 1 on the B/S board now for $200 That is what I sold mine for


Reagan



Dec 16, 2011 at 02:30 PM
eSchwab
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p.1 #8 · p.1 #8 · Tokina 17mm f/3.5 ATX-Pro versus Nikon 20mm f/2.8 AF-D versus CV 20/3.5 SLII versus...


Jhinkey hit it right on the money.


Dec 16, 2011 at 02:30 PM
euua
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p.1 #9 · p.1 #9 · Tokina 17mm f/3.5 ATX-Pro versus Nikon 20mm f/2.8 AF-D versus CV 20/3.5 SLII versus...


rsolti is selling it - great little lens from very reputable seller.
Personally I have this lens for travel mostly. It does good job rendering photos and quality is much better for what you pay for it.

I would try it out since there are not that many UWA primes available for NIkon.

Reagan wrote:
There is 1 on the B/S board now for $200 That is what I sold mine for

Reagan




Dec 16, 2011 at 05:44 PM
jhinkey
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p.1 #10 · p.1 #10 · Tokina 17mm f/3.5 ATX-Pro versus Nikon 20mm f/2.8 AF-D versus CV 20/3.5 SLII versus...


Even with my comments above, this lens is way capable of making some great images.

If you have nothing even close to that wide on FX, $200 is potentially a good bargain if you can live with this lens' particular limitations.

John



Dec 16, 2011 at 05:56 PM
Mishu01
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p.1 #11 · p.1 #11 · Tokina 17mm f/3.5 ATX-Pro versus Nikon 20mm f/2.8 AF-D versus CV 20/3.5 SLII versus...


Thank you guys! Your input is great for me! I'm seriously considering to give it a try.

John, the image does not look bad... thanks buddy!



Dec 16, 2011 at 07:29 PM
Mishu01
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p.1 #12 · p.1 #12 · Tokina 17mm f/3.5 ATX-Pro versus Nikon 20mm f/2.8 AF-D versus CV 20/3.5 SLII versus...


Well... I found one more piece for my puzzle... it seems that Tokina came recently with a new 17-35/4 FX zoom, that's much compact than Nikon 16-35/4 VR... and obviously than 14-24/2.8. Does anyone have any experience with this zoom? It may be a good compromise size/weight/cost...

Decisions, decisions... where are the old good times with film and three primes kit?



Dec 17, 2011 at 07:19 AM
thedruid
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p.1 #13 · p.1 #13 · Tokina 17mm f/3.5 ATX-Pro versus Nikon 20mm f/2.8 AF-D versus CV 20/3.5 SLII versus...


I have the 17-35 AFS which I like stopped down past F5.6, but like you wanted a light carry around super wide. I tried the CV 20 and 20 AFD, I had a good copy of the CV I had on issues and got publishable quality images from it, but my eyes are getting worse for MF each year. The AFD suffered too much CA so I ended up with the 18mm AFD...yes many hate this one too but it's small, light, opens to f2.8, has AF and takes all my 77mm filters and stopped down it's fine.


Dec 17, 2011 at 08:10 AM
Keith B.
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p.1 #14 · p.1 #14 · Tokina 17mm f/3.5 ATX-Pro versus Nikon 20mm f/2.8 AF-D versus CV 20/3.5 SLII versus...


There are also the Nikon 18mm MF lenses: the old 18mm f/4K/Ai(used, around $400/$600...and, has the advantage of not using floating elements ) and the Ais 18mm f/3.5(used around $600)--both are quite compact. The ZF 21/2.8 and ZF 18/3.5 are a little more bloated in size, but also in price and imaging quality.


Dec 17, 2011 at 10:42 PM





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