1.8 or 2.8 wide angle Lens for D850: Traveling to Iceland and I can already see the need for wide angle low light lens. I am not a landscape photographer so I want a decent lens in the...

ggttc Loc: TN

Traveling to Iceland and I can already see the need for wide angle low light lens.

I am not a landscape photographer so I want a decent lens in the 12 to 18mm that wont break the bank if I bi buy used.

Thanks to any ideas

larryepage Loc: North Texas area

ggttc wrote:

Traveling to Iceland and I can already see the need for wide angle low light lens.

I am not a landscape photographer so I want a decent lens in the 12 to 18mm that wont break the bank if I bi buy used.

Thanks to any ideas

When I was looking for my 14-24mm f/2.8 Nikkor zoom, I found literally hundreds of lightly used ones for sale both by individuals and retailers at attractive prices. That is a great and flexible lens. It can't use traditional filters, but in the five years that I've had and used mine, that has never been a problem. I finally bought mine new, but there were tons of used choices.

My lens is used for night sky and specialty architectural photography. I initially purchased an older 18-35mm Nikkor with a smaller variable aperture, but found it totally unsuitable for what I wanted to do..

User ID

I dont know how big "the bank" is, but mine is around midsize, and I love wide lenses. My Sigma 17/4.0 is fast enough and didnt dent the bank. Its also "travel sized" if that matters to you.

Not so compact, but not too huge, is my Nikon 14-30/4.0. That one did dent the bank. It uses normal filters.

If you really want f/2.8 go for that. My experience with f/4.0 lenses leads me to suggest you really shouldnt need f/1.8.

Those examples are only in response to your lens speed question. I dont use a D850 or similar model. But I do use a Nikon 18-35/3.5-4.5 that will fit a D850. Not really huge and commonly available used without denting the bank.

Robeng Loc: California

ggttc wrote:

Traveling to Iceland and I can already see the need for wide angle low light lens.

I am not a landscape photographer so I want a decent lens in the 12 to 18mm that wont break the bank if I bi buy used.

Thanks to any ideas

Hi ggttc,

Not sure what system you are using but if your'e using a Nikon I would reccomend the 14mm-24mm. It a bit large but the sharpness is incredible.

Rob

Orphoto Loc: Oregon

GGTC - For a D850 you won't find much in 12 or 13mm. Your choices begin at 14mm. Assuming that size and price are fairly large factors here, you might look at the Tamron 15-30 zoom instead of its Nikon equivalent. Most bang for buck are the Samyang/Bower/Rokinon 14mm 2.8 lenses. Shop carefully as there is a lot of quality variation from copy to copy. Look for one with the electrical contacts. Also check out the Irix 15mm 2.4.

If you want a faster 1.8 lens, there are not many options and they get larger and more expensive. Consider your needs -- do you need to attach front filters? If so, many options get more awkward.

User ID

Robeng wrote:

Hi ggttc,

Not sure what system you are using but if your'e using a Nikon .........

Go back and re-read the thread title, or just read the replies before yours. Either approach will clear up your uncertainty.

Tom McGrew Loc: NE Ohio

I think you will like the Nikon 14-24mm. I know I do!

Tom McGrew Loc: NE Ohio

I think you will like the Nikon 14-24mm. I know I do!

Judy795

I have a Nikon 20mm f/1.8 that I bought used from MPB or KEH. Got very good reviews. If not low light, I use my Nikon 16-35 f/4. I like the easy ability to use ND filters with these lenses.

Burkley Loc: Park City

I don’t like the distortion of the 14-18 mm focal length. I use the 20 mm 1.8 prime lens. It is relatively inexpensive, razor sharp and light weight. The 20 mm 1.2 is exceptional but not worth the additional cost for my uses.

User ID

Judy795 wrote:

I have a Nikon 20mm f/1.8 that I bought used from MPB or KEH. Got very good reviews. If not low light, I use my Nikon 16-35 f/4. I like the easy ability to use ND filters with these lenses.

ND filters ?? The OP is wondering if f/2.8 is sufficient or whether he needs f/1.8 !

SuperflyTNT Loc: Manassas VA

The Rokinon/Samyang 14mm is around $300 new. It’s manual focus, not a big deal for wide angle, but if you can find a chipped version used it will give you AE and focus confirmation.

Burkley Loc: Park City

User ID wrote:

ND filters ?? The OP is wondering if f/2.8 is sufficient or whether he needs f/1.8 !

The Nikon 14-24 2.8 does not accept traditional round threaded filters. If you use an ND, which creates some very nice landscape effects in regards to clouds, sunsets and water, the 14-24 2.8 creates some extra difficulties. Although you’re right, it doesn’t relate to the question, the comment points to another factor to consider in choosing.

larryepage Loc: North Texas area

Burkley wrote:

The Nikon 14-24 2.8 does not accept traditional round threaded filters. If you use an ND, which creates some very nice landscape effects in regards to clouds, sunsets and water, the 14-24 2.8 creates some extra difficulties. Although you’re right, it doesn’t relate to the question, the comment points to another factor to consider in choosing.

The OP tells us that a trip to Iceland is driving this lens. I infer from that , and from the statement that low light situations are involved, that the Northern Lights are a key target here. F/2.8 seems important. Filters do not.

Burkley Loc: Park City

larryepage wrote:

The OP tells us that a trip to Iceland is driving this lens. I infer from that , and from the statement that low light situations are involved, that the Northern Lights are a key target here. F/2.8 seems important. Filters do not.

I can see your point. I just thought Iceland is a land of water and interesting light and an ND or circular polarizer can create nice effects. Those are harder to use on a 14-28 2.8.