Ultra wide angle help

[ritz1010]

looking to buy an ultra wide lens for my sony a580. Not sure which way to go.
options are
1) Tamron 10-24........can get in locally for 470ish + taxes with 6 years warranty.

2) Sigma 10-20 f4-5.6..... Locally its like $650 + taxes with 10 years warranty
from b&h its $479 shipped to a friends address in US downside is only 3 years warranty + PITA if the lens needs to be exchanged/replaced for any reason.

3) Tokina 11-16..........out of my range

Any kind of help is welcome........would also prefer to buy it used only if its available (which I have failed to find)
thanks

[Flash01]

looking to buy an ultra wide lens for my sony a580. Not sure which way to go.
options are
1) Tamron 10-24........can get in locally for 470ish + taxes with 6 years warranty.

2) Sigma 10-20 f4-5.6..... Locally its like $650 + taxes with 10 years warranty
from b&h its $479 shipped to a friends address in US downside is only 3 years warranty + PITA if the lens needs to be exchanged/replaced for any reason.

3) Tokina 11-16..........out of my range

Any kind of help is welcome........would also prefer to buy it used only if its available (which I have failed to find)
thanks

The 11-16 really is a beast! If you love architecture, especially indoors, it will wipe the ^%# off the other two. Sigma makes pretty good UWAs as well but to me, you're missing out if you invest 500$ and keep that extra 100$ from getting you the absolute deal that is the Tokina. The Tokina has pretty bad CA's but that's about it. Other knocks are slow AF but, really?!? Heck I could live with no AF on my UWAs! Tokina just announced their mark II version so prices on used might come down a bit if you're patient.

The tokina is built like a tank yet rather small, has very good sharpness across the frame and low vignetting AND it's f/2.8 which is great indoors. Stopped down to f/4 it becomes a resolution beast but already topples most APS-C UWA's resolutions even at f/2.8.

If I can throw you a curveball, look for the Samyang / Rokinon 14mm manual focus UWA. Chances are you're looking for a wide lens for panoramas, in which case you'll use your focus at infinity a large chunk of the times.

[onlySE]

I would highly recommend the Tokina 11-16mm, i have read many reviews and everyone who has it loves it!!

[dunderwood]

If you can get the Sigma 10-20mm for a good price I would grab it. If you have the money then the Tokina I hear is a great lens.

The f2.8 is really of no use to me shooting landscapes and Macro since I want front to back focus and shoot at a minimum F11 with tripod.

I have the Sigma 10-20mm which I picked up used and love it. It's light and stays in the bag always.

I'll let some of my photos speak for themselves.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/dougunderwood/6183668796/in/set-72157627753146094

http://www.flickr.com/photos/dougunderwood/6422596233/in/set-72157628199408395

http://www.flickr.com/photos/dougunderwood/6833206055/in/set-72157628326893029

[ritz1010]

thanks for the suggestions. One last question though

ls it worth spending $200 extra buying locally (650 + taxes) and get 10 years of warranty or simply order from B&H (would cost me only 479 from there)

[Flash01]

thanks for the suggestions. One last question though

ls it worth spending $200 extra buying locally (650 + taxes) and get 10 years of warranty or simply order from B&H (would cost me only 479 from there)

Well... There is no easy answer... I would buy the Tokina Online any day of the week. Its a simple optical construction and has no AF Motor if you're on Nikon, which makes it very unlikely for the lens to have bad AF. Sigma is a bit of a hit-and-miss for me. I had a 70-200 and it did Front focus at certain lengths, and Back focus at others, which made it impossible to completely correct. Still, it was fine once calibrated, which made me pretty happy to have bought from a Canadian retailer. Had a 85mm for a while and it was fine.

Also, to Sigma Canada's credit, they offer a rock solid warranty through Gentec. I'd buy Sigma in Canada and Tamron in the US.

Not that I'm patriotic or anything (well, a bit TBH), but have you checked with photoprice? I've never paid more than 5% above B&H when shopping around with Photoprice.ca while always buying from Canadian retailers. I'm one of those lucky able to avoid HST though so YMMV.

[xtracrispy123]

I bought a sigma 10-20 once for a trip used off Kijiji...paid 450 I believe.

It did what it was supposed to do, but the corners really were horribly disfigured at wide open aperture.

I sold it eventually, and didn't buy another UWA until recently (a sony which is actually a step up). I've always wanted the Tokina though, swing it if you can! Buy used if you have to, lenses don't wear much if they are high quality, which the tok is.

[TruE SkiLLS]

+1 save up for the tokina.

[ritz1010]

Well... Not that I'm patriotic or anything (well, a bit TBH), but have you checked with photoprice? I've never paid more than 5% above B&H when shopping around with Photoprice.ca while always buying from Canadian retailers. I'm one of those lucky able to avoid HST though so YMMV.

Here is the photoprice link for price difference
http://www.photoprice.ca/product/00277/Sigma-10-20mm-F4-5.6-EX-DC-HSM-for-Sony-price.html
Its $171 more if bought in Canada vs B&h shipped here
or
$255 even bigger difference if bought at B&H and shipped to US

For the Tokina, cant find any Canadian retailer carrying it for the sony mount.

[Ethan15]

I personally was dwelling in this exact decision few months ago and I decided to get Sigma 8-16mm. When mounted on APS-C sensor, the 8mm provides equivalent to around 14mm on full frame which is the widest counterpart on full frame.

So far, I have nothing but good things to say about the lens. Both the optical and build quality of the lens have exceeded my expectations.

Given, using 8mm focal length than 10mm could prove to be more challenging :D

[Flash01]

I personally was dwelling in this exact decision few months ago and I decided to get Sigma 8-16mm. When mounted on APS-C sensor, the 8mm provides equivalent to around 14mm on full frame which is the widest counterpart on full frame.

So far, I have nothing but good things to say about the lens. Both the optical and build quality of the lens have exceeded my expectations.

Given, using 8mm focal length than 10mm could prove to be more challenging :D

+1. I have the Tokina but checked out the Sigma 8-16 as well and it was right up there. I didn't suggest it because the OP said the Tokina was too expensive and the 8-16 was slightly more expensive than the Tokina when I bought mine. Basically, I was swayed by the f/2.8 because I like to do indoors wide angle shots (architecture and stuff) but the 8mm was appealing. I also like filters which the 8-16 did not take but its not a huge thing.

[Flash01]

Here is the photoprice link for price difference
http://www.photoprice.ca/product/00277/Sigma-10-20mm-F4-5.6-EX-DC-HSM-for-Sony-price.html
Its $171 more if bought in Canada vs B&h shipped here
or
$255 even bigger difference if bought at B&H and shipped to US

For the Tokina, cant find any Canadian retailer carrying it for the sony mount.


Agreed, I checked for Nikon / Canon but not Sony. For a long while Tokina couldn't keep up with demand on these 11-16 and they were selling way above MSRP. They've announced the MK II so perhaps they are ramping production down as well. There's some on Ebay (like DZone2 - I bought my 35mm prime and a 17-70 OS for my bro there with no issues) but I prefer not to buy from Ebay stores if I can, even reputable ones...

Fact is the Sigma is also a very good UWA. I prefer the 8-16 but that's quite expensive as well (like the Tokina) and does not accept filters if you're into such things. That seems like a good price. I doubt you will be disappointed with any of those lenses... Its kinda like macro lenses where there are no real cheap <200$ alternatives... Almost all UWA's have very good optical qualities.

Take your time and select the one that best suits your style / budget. I can't believe how so many photog don't have a dedicated UWA in their bag. It is such a marvelous tool that cna be used for much more than simply landscapes. It is awesome for travel photography for example, especially if you like architecture like me. An UWA means you can leave the crowd at the back, bump right into stuff and still get a good field of view. What good is a picture of that sweet Carribean beach if you're not actually showing the whole beach? Great for tight places like crowded shops... Its even good for unusual portraiture, like animals, where people don't complain so much about distortions. Anyhow, rambling on here...

[ritz1010]

^thanks again^
Hows Adorama's used lenses ? They have one Sigma for $374.

[Flash01]

^thanks again^
Hows Adorama's used lenses ? They have one Sigma for $374.

Meh, hit and miss I've read. They do have a hassle free 90-day return period though so its up to you to decide if you're willing to take the risk. Although I'd be worried with a telephoto Sigma due to AF issues, this is almost a non-issue at such short focal lengths.

[williamk10]

A few months ago I was deciding between the Sigma 8-16 or the Tokina 11-16. It was between the ridiculous 8mm of the Sigma and the faster f2.8 of the Tokina. I ended up with the Tokina and I am glad I did. Being able to capture a useable night shot at f2.8/iso1600 makes me glad I bought the Tokina.

[KorruptioN]

I have the Tamron 10-24/3.5-4.5 on the Sony mount and am very happy with it. Not the best in any one area, but sharpness overall is good, and it offers great value.

[pessamystic]

If all the OP ever shoots is landscapes then f/2.8 is wasted. But, really? never an evening shoot? never a indoor party shoot? as you can guess, i say f/2.8 is the way to go. when you need it, you have it.

[Flash01]

If all the OP ever shoots is landscapes then f/2.8 is wasted. But, really? never an evening shoot? never a indoor party shoot? as you can guess, i say f/2.8 is the way to go. when you need it, you have it.

Aye. Indoor shots with an UWA are awesome, especially in cramped places (oddly since most people who think UWA think outdoors). Great for night time events, street photography... Even if you only shoot f/4, the Tokina will be sharper stopped down to f/4 than most if not all f/4 UWA's wide open at f/4.

[ritz1010]

Finally ordered the Sigma 10-20 f4-5.6 at Henry's. They have a price drop to $590(from $650) + I could manage to sweet talk the CSR to sell it for $555 + taxes.
Friday is the day............let's see if it can be a bit more sweeter by adding a filter to it.

thanks everyone

[ritz1010]

>:(Did a focus test on the lens. Took some shots at min. focusing distance of 4 AA batteries lined up diagonally. The lens is focusing way too back. With first (front most) battery picked up for the focus by the centre AF point, the 4th (the backmost)battery is in focus. This is like more than an inch.
I am not trying to pixel peek here and wont talk about how sharp the lens is (didnot do a sharpness test yet) but is it Ok for it to back focus that much.
I also understand that I wont be using the lens on the minimum focusing distance and while shooting interiors and buildings at smaller f stops this back focusing wont be (should not be) an issue but I can't get to satisfy myself on this issue specially when I spent $600+ on a new lens.
I tried it on 2 separte bodies, in both natural and incan. light, the back focusing is big on 10mm f4 and well again all though less on 20mm f5.6 still clearly clearly noticiable. As for info my body doesnot have micro focus adjustment but can be done(as i read over the net) by sending it to Sony service station.
Is it normal for the lens to behave like it is doing ?
In the nmean while Henry's is bringing in another copy as replacement.

Any lighs on this issue please.:(
thanks

[Flash01]

>:(Did a focus test on the lens. Took some shots at min. focusing distance of 4 AA batteries lined up diagonally. The lens is focusing way too back. With first (front most) battery picked up for the focus by the centre AF point, the 4th (the backmost)battery is in focus. This is like more than an inch.
I am not trying to pixel peek here and wont talk about how sharp the lens is (didnot do a sharpness test yet) but is it Ok for it to back focus that much.
I also understand that I wont be using the lens on the minimum focusing distance and while shooting interiors and buildings at smaller f stops this back focusing wont be (should not be) an issue but I can't get to satisfy myself on this issue specially when I spent $600+ on a new lens.
I tried it on 2 separte bodies, in both natural and incan. light, the back focusing is big on 10mm f4 and well again all though less on 20mm f5.6 still clearly clearly noticiable. As for info my body doesnot have micro focus adjustment but can be done(as i read over the net) by sending it to Sony service station.
Is it normal for the lens to behave like it is doing ?
In the nmean while Henry's is bringing in another copy as replacement.

Any lighs on this issue please.:(
thanks

This is an old Sigma wound. They probably have the best 3rd party AF as fa as speed and performance are involved, but there are numerous, numerous threads where some lenses back or front focus. You're right in assuming you might never use minimum focus distance, but you want it right when you buy new glass. I sent a 70-200 sigma to Gentec and it came back with better focus. I was impressed considering this was second hand glass and they were very prfessional in handling the lens. Still, even the newer glass like the fabulous 85mm f/1.4 have reports of focus hunting. What is true and what is fiction is hard to tell apart. I have owned Sigma, Tamron and Tokina glass and the only one I had to send back for calibration was the Sigma. As long as you buy locally / canadian retailer you're OK but I'd never buy Sigma glass from Ebay for that reason alone.

I'd say give the replacement a shot, if its not OK, look for a different lens. My Tokina 11-16 wide is spot on, even at minimum focus distance.

[ritz1010]

thanks.
This was one big reason I was a bit hesitant in buying from B&H. As all o you suggested for Tokina, I wanted to go for it but could not find it locally for the Sony mount. Well, will give the new lens a shot and take it from there.

Parallely also spotted a Minolta 11-18 on e-bay but the seller is not shipping to Canada. Although this could be arranged but still thinking.
decisions decisions and decisions.............. :confused: