|
With the smaller format image sensor Nikon has had to come out with a whole new line of lens and I think they are outstanding. Since this lens is so expensive compared to third party lens (Tamron, Sigma, etc). I'm having fun. Short answer, yes.
I use it with a Nikon D300, Photoshop Elements 7 and Epson Stylus inkjet printers. Can you believe it. And here is a 12mm ZOOM and I really don't see any noticable distortion let alone something as obvious as pincushioning.SO if you can afford it the Nikon is worth every penny (and thanks for the great pricing Amazon). but if you can't there are other less expensive choices with great specs that can meet your needs and where you can be just as creative. My first review for Amazon.com. So to cut to the chase, is this lens great. Through it's full zoom range 12-24mm I couldn't be happier in regards to resolution, color, contrast. is a whole new world.
I must say that 12mm (which is 18mm 35mm film equivalent). I think we are in a new golden age for optics. Enjoy. When I started out in 35mm photography, reviews would talk about pincushioning with 50mm lens. I like the speed of f/4 as I try to avoid using flash. I never would have thought such a wide angle could be so distortion free.
Was it worth the money. If you've been shooting film and have been waiting for digital to "catch up" I think it's finally here. I'm sure they know what they're talking about but I just don't see it in my photos. this lens needs to be great, 5 stars and it is. There are other reviewers that will talk about color fringing or distortion.
It is well constructed, feels good, and is a pleasure to use. I am building a lens collection for my Nikon D90. Good investment. A fine piece of equipment for about the kind of money I expected. This lens is terrific. The sharpness and detail are very fine.
An excellent second lens to the Nikon 18 -200mm VR lens when you want to get "The Big Picture". Everything it was advertised to be.
On a 1.5 crop DSLR that equates to a focal length range of 18-36, 52, 75, 127 and 105-300, with no compromises anywhere in image quality and spectacular low-light ability. Everything one would expect from top-end Nikon glass, the 12-24 is excellent at f4 and stunning at f8. The Tokina 11-16 was attractive because of its 2.8 aperture, but with the 12-24 sharp hand-held at 1/15 to 1/25, the f4 maximum aperture is less of a drawback than I had anticipated. Bought new, the 35-50-85 combination comes in at just under $1000, compared to $1500 for Nikon's excellent 24-70 2.8 zoom. I seriously considered the Tokina 11-16 as an alternative, but ended up opting for the 12-24 because of its wider focal length range. After revamping my mid-range lens lineup in favor of primes, my working bag now includes the 12-24, the 35 f2, the 50 1.4 and the 85 1.8, with the 70-200 2.8 VR zoom covering the long end.
It feels good in my hand and greatly expands my creative options. Of course I would. And why would I plunk down the money on a great D70 and then cheap out on the lenses. Plus, it's very well made and I expect it will serve me well for many years to come. If you want to take great photos with a Nikon, why not go all the way (if you can), I say. .I went for this.
As my uncle once told me, "Kid, if you want the best things in life, you've got to be prepared to get ripped off to get them." Truer words were never spoken. But this lens is magnificent and delivers the performance I want. I know, I know - Nikon gear is really expensive. Would I like to pay a little less (or maybe even a lot less) for this great lens. Perhaps not for everyone, but it's my extravagance for myself and my hobby (since I can't afford the Maserati). But I think it's still one of the few things in life where you get what you pay for.
Seems a bit silly.
|
