Any input on the Nikon 18-35mm as Wide Angle for D700

[jromeophotography]

I cannot afford the Nikon 14-24mm for wide angle, so I was trying to find my best alternative to get extreme wide angle shots on my D700. Thanks.

 

[Mad Hatter]

http://www.bythom.com/1835lens.htm

I'm sorry I've never used this lens, but I do know of it. For the price, it's supposed to be ok if you aren't picky.

http://www.bythom.com/1530lens.htm

Here's another idea, the sigma 15-30. I think they run about $500 and have a decent reputation. it will get you wider than the nikon.

http://www.bythom.com/2035lens.htm

The nikon 20-35 f/2.8 is a pro lens with a great reputation. Prices are going to vary alot, anywhere from $500 to -$700. I dunno if it's wide enough for you but alot of pros liked this lens, alot. You'll appreciate the build quality that's for sure.


http://www.photozone.de/nikon_ff/594-tokina162828ff

The Tokina 16-28 f/2.8 is a good alternative, although it is probably more spendy than what you are considering. Figure around $900 new I think.

http://www.kenrockwell.com/tokina/17mm.htm

Alot of people like the 17mm f/3.5 tokina. It's the cheapest alternative I've posted thus far, around $200 used I think.

http://www.kenrockwell.com/tokina/20-35mm-f35-45.htm

A new cheapest lens. Figure about $100 if you can find one. Rockwell likes it, that's all I know. For $100, give it a shot I say if money is tight.

 

[Jonathan F/2]

I'd also consider the 20 2.8 AF-D or even the manual focus versions.

The lens can be had for under $400 I think.

 

[avyoung]

I though KR had a great review of different wide angle lenses. I had a nikon afd20-35/2.8 that I loved in film days. I had the afd18-35 recently and it was a good value for money but ended up selling it as I preferred to use fast aperture lenses. Currently I have afd18/2.8 that is light and small but I would consider a tokina 17/3.5 if the price was right. I like any of the nikon 20/2.8 lenses but I wanted wider.

 

[sambo.]

http://www.bythom.com/2035lens.htm

The nikon 20-35 f/2.8 is a pro lens with a great reputation. Prices are going to vary alot, anywhere from $500 to -$700. I dunno if it's wide enough for you but alot of pros liked this lens, alot. You'll appreciate the build quality that's for sure.

my reliable old 20-35/2.8D has recently been usurped by a new 14-24.

i'm actually finding a 14mm lens is a bit wide for my needs. i'll keep the 14-24 for another 6months to a year before making a final decision on it's future.

but that 20-35 has proven itself time and time again. if you can get one, it's a great lens.

another option is the good old 20/2.8D or the 24/2.8D. both are excellent lenses that can be had for cheap.

the final (and probably cheapest) option would be to get an old MF 20mm lens and have it chipped. AF is a bit redundant on wide glass and the quality of some of the older glass is exceptional. a 20/3.5UD would be a super buy.

 

[avyoung]

Samyang has a relatively cheap 14mm manual focus.
Sigma 14/2.8

Here are a couple of my favorites from the AFD18-35:
18mm; F13

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35mm;F13

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I got the Nikon AFD18/2.8 prime for less than $500 used:
F8

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And there are the fisheye lenses.
Nikon AFD16/2.8; F11

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[Rob Zijlstra]

I own this one on a D700. I use it often; for the price it's a beauty.

There is a dedicated thread on the Cafe:
https://www.nikoncafe.com/vforums/showthread.php?t=250775

 

[Someguy]

Alan,

that first shot is a classic!

 

[DaMavs]

A used Tamron 17-35 can usually be had for $300 or less and is a nice alternative to the pricier Nikon 18-35. It's faster too.

I presume the Nikon 16-35 VR is too expensive? It's worth of consideration as despite only being F4, the VR adds a lot on some shots...

 

[chipmaster]

I too am a fan of the Tamron, stopped down its a great value if you can track one down on fleabay or Fredmirranda.

A used Tamron 17-35 can usually be had for $300 or less and is a nice alternative to the pricier Nikon 18-35. It's faster too.

I presume the Nikon 16-35 VR is too expensive? It's worth of consideration as despite only being F4, the VR adds a lot on some shots...