I've been using my first DSLR camera for a year now, a Nikon D7100 with just the lens it came with, the Nikkor 18-200 mm. It's been fun trying various things because the lens is pretty versatile. However, I'm getting more serious about my photography now. I live in Albuquerque, travel the western states a lot and love shooting landscapes. I want to buy a good landscape lens with a wider angle of view than I have now. I've spent some time researching and am considering the Nikon AF-S 12-24mm f/4 or the Tokina 11-16 mm f/2.8. There is a big price difference, but I don't mind paying more if I would be happier with the Nikon lens over the long term. The appeal of the Tokina is the wider aperture. I've spent to whole day reading lens reviews and I'm still unsure. Would appreciate your input if you have experience with these lenses.
You might want to consider the AF-S NIKKOR 16-35mm f/4G ED VR lens, I use this for landscape and it does a great job. But if your looking for even a wider angle of view, I would go with the Nikon AF-S 12-24mm f/4.
My opinion......Nikon 12-24. Hard to beat Nikon lenses on a Nikon body. For landscapes, you will normally be stopping down anyway.
I'm sure the 11-16 is great but I went with the Tokina 12-24 f/4 when I was in the same situation. I love it. I wanted the greater focal length range. Would have gotten the Nikon if I had the $.
Nikon 12-24. Hard to beat Nikon lenses on a Nikon body. For landscapes, you will normally be stopping down anyway.
I agree with Alan. The 12-24 would be a fine addition to your kit. I also believe you'll get better performance with the Nikkor glass on your D-7100. Also, the Nikkor will have a better re-sale value. The f4 lens will be plenty fast enough for landscape work, and, as Alan says, you'll likely be stopping down for DOF and improved sharpness.
Sharron, you might also look at the AF-S NIKKOR 16-35mm f/4G ED VR. This is an FX lens. If you decide to upgrade to a full frame Nikon DSLR, you'll be a step ahead. I use a Nikkor 70-300 VR FX lens on my D-7100 and it works nicely, so the 16-35 FX should be fine on your camera.
Hi Sharron, I have the Nikon 12-24 f4 and a Tokina 12-24 f4 for use on a D7000 body. the problem with Tokina lenses is the way they design the manual focus functions. First going from auto to manual focus is done by pulling a ring forward to set to manual and back for auto. It's not a smooth transition at all, sort of clunky and jarring. the Nikon has a small switch very easy to access and works well. the other issue and a bigger one IMO is the Tokina (at least the one I have) has a very short throw for manual focusing. Basically, turn the focus ring a very small amount and focus is affected greatly making it hard to micro focus accurately. That is why I picked up the Nikon. Also The Tokina does not auto focus on my D7000 but did on my D5000 and did it very well. I know you're looking at the 11-16 not the 12-24 but I would definitely look into these issues with that lens before taking the plunge.
Discussion
5 repliesYou might want to consider the AF-S NIKKOR 16-35mm f/4G ED VR lens, I use this for landscape and it does a great job. But if your looking for even a wider angle of view, I would go with the Nikon AF-S 12-24mm f/4.
I'm sure the 11-16 is great but I went with the Tokina 12-24 f/4 when I was in the same situation. I love it. I wanted the greater focal length range. Would have gotten the Nikon if I had the $.
Hope this helps.
I agree with Alan. The 12-24 would be a fine addition to your kit. I also believe you'll get better performance with the Nikkor glass on your D-7100. Also, the Nikkor will have a better re-sale value. The f4 lens will be plenty fast enough for landscape work, and, as Alan says, you'll likely be stopping down for DOF and improved sharpness.
Sharron, you might also look at the AF-S NIKKOR 16-35mm f/4G ED VR. This is an FX lens. If you decide to upgrade to a full frame Nikon DSLR, you'll be a step ahead. I use a Nikkor 70-300 VR FX lens on my D-7100 and it works nicely, so the 16-35 FX should be fine on your camera.
--P