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Archive 2015 · Help with an ultra wide

  
 
goosemang
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p.2 #1 · p.2 #1 · Help with an ultra wide


i'm appreciating the feedback so far, thanks.

what's the word on older MF lenses like the 20mm 2.8 AI-s, and others of its ilk?



Apr 17, 2015 at 08:14 AM
Steve Perry
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p.2 #2 · p.2 #2 · Help with an ultra wide


goosemang wrote:
I really like to use equipment that feels right to me. IMO the 28 1.8, which is optically wonderful, feels pretty lousy. The MF ring feels as bad as a kit lens to me. So while I understand that the IQ is completely competent, I feel the tactile experience is unacceptable for a $600+ piece of equipment. This is subjective, but it's how I feel.

I'm not anti-plastic, I'm just anti cheap feeling plastic. I like to enjoy my equipment and good build quality is part of that. So while I agree with the points you made above w/r/t photographic
...Show more

I see what you're saying, but honestly, I don't get it. I'm out to take pics with the lens, not have a physical relationship with it. I don't mean to be harsh, but I'd hate to see you give up a lens that seems ideal for you just because it's plastic and not metal.

The 1.8 series is amazingly sharp, lightweight, has AF, and is weather sealed. A manual focus Zeiss 21 might also be a good choice, but you give up all but the sharpness and spend more to do it. (and I have had to dry out Zeiss lenses far too many times after being out in the rain with them - no more for me).

I've have all the 1.8 lenses except the 20mm (the 14-24 is my go-to for WA). I'm hard on gear and have never had any issues with those lenses for durability.

I guess to each his own, just my opinion.



Apr 17, 2015 at 08:25 AM
ckcarr
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p.2 #3 · p.2 #3 · Help with an ultra wide


Being that you zoomed right in on 21mm in your title, my guess is you simply want validation to buy the Zeiss. So, buy and try...


Apr 17, 2015 at 08:29 AM
Charlie San
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p.2 #4 · p.2 #4 · Help with an ultra wide


A comment below on the Sigma 12-24, another contender.

Edited on Apr 17, 2015 at 01:19 PM · View previous versions



Apr 17, 2015 at 08:46 AM
Danner
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p.2 #5 · p.2 #5 · Help with an ultra wide


Well, if you're interest in older Nikons, see if you can find an 18mm f2.8D-AF. They are out there, and it's great choice. Love mine

http://www.dlaab.com/photo/Df/df.c.porn.jpg



Apr 17, 2015 at 08:52 AM
JoshI
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p.2 #6 · p.2 #6 · Help with an ultra wide


So you want something the size of the 20/2.8 AIS, made of all metal, and up to the standards of a 24mp full frame sensor? Me too, let me know if you find it!

I'm currently testing my 21/2.8 ZF against the 20/1.8G because I'd like smaller and lighter and cheaper if possible. If you don't like the tactile qualities of the 28/1.8G, you won't like the 20/1.8G.

Josh



Apr 17, 2015 at 08:56 AM
Charlie San
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p.2 #7 · p.2 #7 · Help with an ultra wide


Had the Nikon 16-35 while my 17-35, the love of my life, was being repaired (bad fall in the Maritimes). When I got the 17-35 back I had to made a decision and I sold the 16-35. Like I said, the 17-35 is my true love, but I have been stepping out with another lens. Been playing around with a Sigma 12-24mm, a real 12mm on my Nikon Df, and OMG. The thing is, there is little distortion and a lot of sharpness, pretty neat lens, and cheaper than my Nikons. Now I have two loves.

http://charlie.zenfolio.com/img/s6/v141/p1106857109-4.jpg


Thought I should show an image to make a point too. Several folks had asked how I could get several images that I shown elsewhere because the area is so cluttered with people, cars, and other stuff. If you are familiar with Ranchos de Taos in NM you know this to be true. However, a really wide angle can isolate a subject too if you can get between the subject and clutter. And, BTW, if you think the image is a bit soft, I added a Georgia O'Keeffe filter that may account for a bit of the softness.

Edited on Apr 17, 2015 at 01:17 PM · View previous versions



Apr 17, 2015 at 09:04 AM
goosemang
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p.2 #8 · p.2 #8 · Help with an ultra wide


ckcarr wrote:
Being that you zoomed right in on 21mm in your title, my guess is you simply want validation to buy the Zeiss. So, buy and try...


Actually to be honest I hadn't even looked at it. I just mentioned 21mm because that's really the top end of the focal length range I'm willing to accept here. i.e. I don't want a 24, 25, etc.



Apr 17, 2015 at 09:34 AM
ckcarr
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p.2 #9 · p.2 #9 · Help with an ultra wide


I'd almost buy a Df just for that case...
But, then I'd also have to buy a convertible Jaguar



Apr 17, 2015 at 09:35 AM
goosemang
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p.2 #10 · p.2 #10 · Help with an ultra wide


Danner wrote:

Well, if you're interest in older Nikons, see if you can find an 18mm f2.8D-AF. They are out there, and it's great choice. Love mine

http://www.dlaab.com/photo/Df/df.c.porn.jpg


I mean something like this is, to me, perfectly sized.



Apr 17, 2015 at 09:39 AM
Jason_Brook
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p.2 #11 · p.2 #11 · Help with an ultra wide


goosemang wrote:
I mean something like this is, to me, perfectly sized.


So then buy the Nikon 20/2.8 AIS? There's a reason they're still making it...



Apr 17, 2015 at 09:54 AM
Dpedraza
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p.2 #12 · p.2 #12 · Help with an ultra wide


I know it might be a little pricier and doesn't get respect but what about the Zeiss 18mm? It's not as good as the 21mm but it's not terrible.

I'd say rent a few options from Lensrentals to see what you like the most. You can even possibly buy it from them if you like it enough.



Apr 17, 2015 at 10:26 AM
goosemang
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p.2 #13 · p.2 #13 · Help with an ultra wide


Jason_Brook wrote:
So then buy the Nikon 20/2.8 AIS? There's a reason they're still making it...


Is the AI-S better than the 20 2.8 AF version?



Apr 17, 2015 at 12:35 PM
Danner
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p.2 #14 · p.2 #14 · Help with an ultra wide


goosemang wrote:
Is the AI-S better than the 20 2.8 AF version?


They are the same optical formula.


BTW, I had the 20/2.8D-AF at the time I stumbled upon the 18, pictured above. I did an A:B comparison of the two lenses and the 18 was superior, and was significantly wider. Sold the 20, and never regretted it for a second. KEH has am 18 in stock of $572 right now ;-)

Edited on Apr 17, 2015 at 12:59 PM · View previous versions



Apr 17, 2015 at 12:52 PM
Jason_Brook
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p.2 #15 · p.2 #15 · Help with an ultra wide


goosemang wrote:
Is the AI-S better than the 20 2.8 AF version?


I'd imagine so.

I held off on AI and AI-S glass for so long because I assumed since the AF & AF-D versions were sucky, the AI & AI-S versions would be worse. I was completely wrong.



Apr 17, 2015 at 12:52 PM
PeaktoPeek
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p.2 #16 · p.2 #16 · Help with an ultra wide


Having shot the Canon 17-40 for a long time before switching to Nikon, I think the 18-35 represents the closest thing to that lens in Nikon terms. I have backpacked with both lenses, shot them both in rain, etc and frankly the build quality is pretty similar. Performance wise they are also pretty close, the Nikon is quite a bit better in the corners however. When the new 20mm came out I looked hard at that as well but it didn't seem to be a huge improvement when taking landscape usage into consideration.
Paul



Apr 17, 2015 at 01:36 PM
goosemang
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p.2 #17 · p.2 #17 · Help with an ultra wide


Thanks Paul. As someone coming from the 17-40 I think you know where I'm coming from. Loved that lens. I know it's not got the greatest reputation, but for my purposes the focal length range, the size and build quality were a perfect balance.

Interesting to hear the build is similar. It's hard for me to figure all the different Nikon lenses. With Canon I knew if it was an L it'd have a certain build, even if it was mostly plastic. Nikon doesn't seem to have the same consistency requirements across a range - at least as far as I can tell being new to the system. But I'm really liking the image quality so here I am.



Apr 17, 2015 at 02:07 PM
ckcarr
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p.2 #18 · p.2 #18 · Help with an ultra wide


goosemang wrote:
... Nikon doesn't seem to have the same consistency requirements across a range - at least as far as I can tell being new to the system. But I'm really liking the image quality so here I am.


Of course Nikon does. You are making a presumption, being new to Nikon...

14-24mm, 24-70mm, 70-200mm All built like tanks
16-35mm. 24-120mm, 70-200mm f/4 Well built and similar






Apr 17, 2015 at 02:20 PM
goosemang
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p.2 #19 · p.2 #19 · Help with an ultra wide


I didn't mean they don't have the good stuff, I just mean it's harder to tell where the line is drawn. Like the 14-24 has the same G and gold ring as my 28 1.8. But obviously the build is very different despite these lenses having similar markings. It's just easier with Canon is all I meant.


Apr 17, 2015 at 02:23 PM
Danner
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p.2 #20 · p.2 #20 · Help with an ultra wide


Yes, there is some truth to that. Canon is clear with the L range lenses. While Nikon has the Gold Ring lenses, they seem to fill voids in the range by placing a gold ring on lenses that don't seem to have the same "professional" quality.


Apr 17, 2015 at 02:42 PM
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