Should I get a wide angle lens?

[Demo24]

So I will be going to Germany(and surrounding areas) this summer, basically the whole month of July plus a few days, and I intend to take a lot of pictures when over there. This got me thinking that perhaps I ought to add a wide angle lens to my collection, as this would allow better landscapes and more importantly easier to get more in the frame in the cities. I've been to Europe before and I remember having limitations on what I could get in the frame.

I'm considering the Tokina 12-24mm lens as that seems to be a nice middle ground between all those available. I simply can't afford a 1K lens, so thats out of the question, nor would I want to spend that much. I was looking at the Sigma 10-20, but I'm a little worried about it as it seems to be very hit or miss. Some people get nice examples with reasonably clear lenses, and others keep sending them back hoping for clearer ones. Also it seems to suffer badly with lens flaring. The Tokina doesn't seem to share those issues, although I suppose a few have that fate. Also another advantage being the Tokina's end does not move when focusing, which would be great with a CP filter, which I was planning on unless thats a bad idea?

So do you all think it would be worth it? I can get it for ~$480, which is on the high end for me but do-able. I'd prefer something around 300 but that doesn't really seem to be possible.

Also would I really miss those extra 2mm the sigma would give me? I'm thinking not, and the extra zoom on the Tokina is nice.

My gear:
D50
Nikkor 50mm(Love how clear this is!)
Sigma 28-80
Quantaray 70-300(not great I know, it came with the camera although image quality really isn't to bad. I don't use it a lot)


I've got a tripod but I won't be bringing it with me, I simply don't want to lug it around with me. It would mean walking around with 3 bags on me most of the time: camera, back pack, and then tripod. I don't think it would be worth the hassle.

 

[fuzzybabybunny]

My Sigma 10-20mm is still kicking after a lot of good whacks, and the image quality is still great. With continued use though the lens hood will get loose and can even twist off on its own if you bump it. The plastic nubby that normally locks it in place eventually wears down. As for the extra 2mm, you can't miss something you never had. But I will tell you that 2mm on the wide end makes a lot more difference than 2mm on the long end.

The Tokina is a solid lens, has great quality control, and is built like a tank and has constant f/4 aperture to boot. Heh, I've been using the 10-20mm for so long but even I'm still on neutral ground when it comes to which to recommend. Basically, I think you'll be happy with either.

 

[gwlam12]

Originally posted by: fuzzybabybunny
My Sigma 10-20mm is still kicking after a lot of good whacks, and the image quality is still great. With continued use though the lens hood will get loose and can even twist off on its own if you bump it. The plastic nubby that normally locks it in place eventually wears down. As for the extra 2mm, you can't miss something you never had. But I will tell you that 2mm on the wide end makes a lot more difference than 2mm on the long end.

The Tokina is a solid lens, has great quality control, and is built like a tank and has constant f/4 aperture to boot. Heh, I've been using the 10-20mm for so long but even I'm still on neutral ground when it comes to which to recommend. Basically, I think you'll be happy with either.

You've got some awesome photos fuzzybabybunny

 

[jpeyton]

I did the same thing a couple years back; my D50 served me well when I visited Germany.

I would get the Sigma 10-20mm instead of the Tokina.

Sell the old Sigma and Quantaray lenses (or leave them at home), and buy a inexpensive used AF-S Nikkor 18-55mm (the kit lens).

Between the Sigma 10-20mm and the Nikon 18-55mm, you'll be covered for most of what you'll be seeing in Germany.

I might even leave the Nikkor 50mm at home too, but it's small enough you can pack it anyway.

 

[Demo24]

Originally posted by: jpeyton
I did the same thing a couple years back; my D50 served me well when I visited Germany.

I would get the Sigma 10-20mm instead of the Tokina.

Sell the old Sigma and Quantaray lenses (or leave them at home), and buy a inexpensive used AF-S Nikkor 18-55mm (the kit lens).

Between the Sigma 10-20mm and the Nikon 18-55mm, you'll be covered for most of what you'll be seeing in Germany.

I might even leave the Nikkor 50mm at home too, but it's small enough you can pack it anyway.

Why? I have a good camera bag so carrying around the lenses is no big deal, plus if I need to I can leave them at my base for the month.

 

[Jawo]

You might want to ask GTAudiophile....he frequently travels to Germany and has many awesome pics from over there.