Raz Theo Loc: Music City

Any users of this lens? Whaddaya think? For use on my D7100.

Desert Gecko Loc: desert southwest, USA

I've read good reviews but I've not used it. I am curious what others here will have to say.

I do own the 11-16mm f2.8 AT-X Pro. I like the lens generally, but I dislike the strong coma in the corners wide open. This isn't a problem with landscapes, but it is very noticeable on starscapes, which is its primary use for me. So either I have to crop or go to my newer lens, a Rokinon 24mm f1.4, which is sharp and coma-free throughout. It's manual focus only, but that isn't a problem for 'scapes.

I apologize for going off-topic on your question, but I thought this might be related. May I ask for what kind of shooting you're considering the 11-20?

Raz Theo Loc: Music City

Thanks for your response and if I was in the desert I think my camera would always be pointed up. Generally I plan to use the lens for its interesting angle/depth possibilities for everything from landscapes, cityscapes, architecture, even portraits (that's when I'll get even with a trickster friend!) and whatever strikes my eye as interesting. I assume you're shooting full-frame since you mention the coma problem but I'm using a crop camera so shouldn't have that problem. Right?
Thanks again.

Desert Gecko Loc: desert southwest, USA

Yeah, it's hard to resist a dark, clear desert sky!

I shoot on a crop as well. The Tokina 11-16 was designed for a crop sensor and would produce bad vignetting on a full frame. I understand the 11-20 is the same. My Rokinon 24mm, however, is designed for a full frame sensor (and is not ultra-wide on a crop), so like any lens designed for a full frame but used on a crop, it delivers better edge & corner image quality. If you think about it, that becomes obvious because on a crop a smaller, central portion of the image rendered by the lens is actually recorded by the sensor, so you end up with the very best portion of the image.

Rokinon (same as Samyang, Bower) also produces excellent ultra-wides in the 12mm f2.8 range, (also manual focus). I went with the wide 24mm to get the faster 1.4 aperture because I already own an 11-16mm f2.8.

So I guessed right that you weren't committed to the 11-20. I am not trying to dissuade you, but I thought I would offer my experience with other wides.

Raz Theo Loc: Music City

Well then....what you suggest is contrary to a couple "manufacturer's" reviews that extoll the lens' lack of any aberration, corner to corner, which is why I assumed you were FF. There were no consumer comments about it either, but many folk might not notice it. But I would. And I would rather take advantage of your actual experience. I have a few alternatives but I'll look into the Rokinon too. Thanks

Desert Gecko Loc: desert southwest, USA

I was a bit surprised and certainly disappointed. I had also read good things and heard good things here from actual users in a thread a started a while back. But as I said, the coma isn't really a factor except for starscapes. That's when it really shows. Perhaps later this evening when I have time I'll post a sample or two, if it's okay (this is your thread after all) and a link to the thread about the 11-16.

Now I wonder if the 11-20, which I believe replaced the 11-16, has dealt with the corner coma issue.

Let us know what you ultimately decide on, especially if it's the 11-20.

Raz Theo Loc: Music City

:thumbup: :thumbup: