I'm just swamped with options when it comes to wide angle primes for Nikon. Ideally I will be taking some landscape and "Party" shots with this lens. I guess this situation is better than not enough choice. But I was hoping some of you guys could do some of the research for me (I swear I'm not lazy)
Things I am worried about,
Autofocus : Yes/No?
Autofocus Accuracy: Good/Bad?
Quality Control: Many bad copies?
Corner sharpness stopped down: Good/Bad?
Some options I am looking at are as follows.
Nikon 28mm F/1.8G
NIkon 28mm F/2.8D
Nikon 24mm F/2.8D
Sigma 30mm F/1.4 (Is this full frame?)
Sigma 28mm F/1.8
Samyang 35mm F/1.4
Samyang 24mm F/1.4
And I know the samyangs are manual focus only.
Are there any other options I have overlooked? And of course PLEASE post your samples
From your list the greatest lens is Nikon 28/1.8G. It is very good for shooting wide open in available light, AF is precise and enough fast, low distortions and sharp across the frame when stopped down a bit... No any other lens from your list is close in IQ like this one.
I assume that you shoot full frame. The Photozone link is a good one.
For parties you will want the 28G.
For landscape either one (or both) of the Samyangs.
As always, I recommend to use a reputable store, try and test extensively, and return the lesser lens. Only use the forum's feedback for making an initial cut - pick the lens that fits you best.
For example, Mishu is rightfully enthusiastic about the 28mm G - I tried it and like it, but liked the contrast and resolution of the Samyang better, and I believe that autofocus is overrated for landscapes.
I have the 28mm 2.0 AIS and that works for general photography, if edges and corners are not as relevant as in landscape.
I tried the 28G extensively today. I'm left with a so-so impression. Sure it's great but I guess I just don't like the focal length. Its a bit too wide for general photography. I guess I will stick with the 24-70 and a 35mm prime.
If you find the 28mm too wide, the Samyang 35mm 1.4 is definitely an excellent choice. IQ is really excellent, the lens is very cheap. Only drawbacks ?, the lens is HUGE and manual focus, of course.
The 35mm f/2 just doesn't do it for me. I don't see pictures from it and think to myself "i need that lens" , unlike the thoughts i get when seeing photos with the samyang 35 or sigma 50mm which i am currently on the hunt for!
The 35/2 might not be the sexiest lens, but it has never let me down.
Looking at photos online isn't always the best way to choose a lens. If you look through Flickriver, even the most mundane of lenses will have some shots that make me say 'wow'.
I also have access to every lens nikon currently produces at my workplace and honestly the overall feel of that lens on my camera just doesn't do it for me. Im only ledt feeling the autofocus is nice. Ergonomics and just the rendering of photos feels...." Blah"
(I swear I'm not lazy)
