Fast glass for landscapes

[jbarrick]

Do you need an f2.8 lens for landscapes?

Like a Nikon 17 55mm f2.8 or Tamron 17 50 f2.8. I can see where using one indoors or in low light situations it will come in handy. But if your main focus were landscapes would there be a benefit from using a Tamron 17 50 f2.8 over a Nikon 18 70mm lens, or even the rumored 16 85mm VR lens. I am assuming using f8 or f11 for most landscapes situations would be preferred for maximum in focus depth of field, correct me if I am wrong.

Not being able to afford the Nikon 17 55mm f2.8 I am considering the Tamron or the rumored 16 85mm VR lens for landscape work. I would appreciate your thoughts and comments.

Thanks
Jeff

[rjseeney]

Landscapes are rarely shot wide open. F8 to f11 is the typical aperature used. Any larger aperatures lead to possible Dof issues, smaller leads to softness due to diffraction. I would stick with the Nikon over the tamron, as the 18-70 is sharp and suffers less from issue like CA (purple fringing). The rumored 16-85 would be even better as it will allow an even wider field of view. A tripod is a much better option over VR for landscapes.

[NHL]

You might want to check the Tokina 16-50 f/2.8 AT-X Pro out, I got it for my D300... :idea:

-> It's slighly wider than the 17-55 f/2.8, vignette less, and is just as sharp as the AF-S 17-55 if not sharper at some focal lenghts according to theses tested MTF's - You just don't get the AF-S mechanism, but then the "screw" drive on the D300 is quite fast (and quiet) already, plus this is a landscape lens so who care about speedy AF anyway:

http://www.photozone.de/Reviews/Nikk...report?start=1
http://www.photozone.de/Reviews/Nikk...review?start=1

[bluesman graham]

In a word NO, I don't know which nikon body you use butif you use a tripod for the majority of your work you don't even need the AF lenses, you could go for a high quality manual focus lens, (cheap now), as the infinity settings IMO areofa greater quality. Kind regards Graham.

[jbarrick]

Thanks for the input.

Assuming IQ is similar on the Nikon 17 55 f2.8, Tamron 17 50 f2.8, Tokina 16-50 f/2.8 and rumored Nikon 16 85 VR, in come down to price.

Pricing from B&H

Nikon 17 55 f2.8 $1200
Tokina 16-50 f/2.8 $659
Nikon 16 85mm VR estimated selling price of $649
Tamron 17 50 f2.8 $419

If the Nikon 16 85mm VR estimated selling price of $649 is correct, it looks like the Tamron 17 50 f2.8 for $419 is the best bang for your buck.

Any Tamron 17 50 f2.8 users like to comment?

Jeff

[NHL]

jbarrick wrote:

If the Nikon 16 85mm VR estimated selling price of $649 is correct, it looks like the Tamron 17 50 f2.8 for $419 is the best bang for your buck.

Any Tamron 17 50 f2.8 users like to comment?

It sure is; However as you noticed 16mm is actually 24mm on a full-frame so I opted for the Tokina instead... (every little mm counts here @ the wide)

-> A bit more perhaps, but a lot less than the 17-55 f/2.8 as I don't care much for VR since most of my shots are being action based, plus the D300 has a fantastic high-ISO capability - IMO 24-75mm f/2.8 is really useful range and the Tokina is fully metal tough!

[jbarrick]

Thanks for the input guys…………

I have decided to get the Nikon 16 85mm VR, pre-ordered at Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-16-85mm-...645&sr=8-2

Thanks again

Jeff

[rjseeney]

Let us know how it works when you get it. I'm on the fence about this lens. I like the range, but I feel like it is priced a bit high.....

[jbarrick]

rjseeney wrote:

Let us know how it works when you get it. I'm on the fence about this lens. I like the range, but I feel like it is priced a bit high.....

Will do……



Estimated shipping date is March 24



I hope I made the right dissension; I really like the focal length and the VR. It will complement the two lenses I have left, Sigma 10 20mm and Nikon 70 300mm VR. I sold my Nikon 18 70 & Nikon 24 120mm VR to finance the purchase the of the 16 85mm.


Only time will tell
Jeff

[vl4d]

Hello!

I just received my Nikkor 16-85 VR and it seems to be a very very good lens !

I made some sample shots here (text in french) :

http://forum.hardware.fr/hfr/Photonu...et_16749_1.htm