Best Nikon Wide Angle Lens DX
In the realm of photography, a wide-angle lens is paramount for capturing expansive landscapes, architectural marvels, and dynamic interior spaces. This article offers a comprehensive review of the best Nikon Wide Angle DX lenses available in the market. From the versatile Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR to the artistic Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM Art, each lens is critically assessed for performance, quality, and value to aid photographers in making an informed choice.
- Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5G ED
- Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 10-20mm f/4.5-5.6G VR
- Tokina AT-X 11-20mm f/2.8 PRO DX
- Sigma 10-20mm f/3.5 EX DC HSM
- Tamron SP AF 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5 Di II LD Aspherical (IF
- Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-80mm f/2.8-4E ED VR
- Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR
- Tokina AT-X 14-20mm f/2 PRO DX
- Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM
- Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G
- Sigma 8-16mm f/4.5-5.6 DC HSM
- Tokina AT-X 11-16mm f/2.8 PRO DX II
- Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM Art
- Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 10-20mm f/4.5-5.6G VR
- Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 12-24mm f/4G IF-ED
- Conclusion
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5G ED
How does the image quality of the Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5G ED compare to other wide-angle lenses in the DX series? As an essential tool for landscape and architectural photography, the Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5G ED stands as a competitive option in the DX series collection.
This lens provides a remarkably broad 109° angle of view, allowing photographers to capture expansive landscapes and architectural structures in a single frame. The image quality is further enhanced by the incorporation of Extra-Low Dispersion (ED) glass and three aspherical lens elements that minimizes chromatic aberration and distortion. This results in images that are sharp, with exceptional color accuracy and high resolution, even at the widest aperture settings.
Compared to other wide-angle lenses in the DX series, the Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5G ED maintains a solid performance in terms of image quality. However, lenses such as the Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 12-24mm f/4G IF-ED may provide slightly better sharpness in the center of the frame, though with a narrower angle of view.
In terms of focus speed and accuracy, the Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5G ED is equipped with Nikon’s Silent Wave Motor (SWM) technology, ensuring fast, accurate and quiet autofocus. This feature, combined with its superior image quality makes the Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5G ED a compelling option for photographers seeking a versatile wide-angle lens in the DX series.
Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 10-20mm f/4.5-5.6G VR
Nikon’s introduction of the AF-P DX NIKKOR 10-20mm f/4.5-5.6G VR has expanded the brand’s range of wide-angle lenses, offering a compact and affordable option for DX-format users. This lens, designed for Nikon’s APS-C sensor DSLRs, is ideal for landscape, architecture, and interior photography, boasting a versatile focal length range.
The lens excels in three key areas:
- Compactness and Affordability – Weighing a mere 230g, the lens is incredibly portable, making it perfect for travel and outdoor shooting. It is also one of the most cost-effective wide-angle lenses in the Nikon lineup, making it accessible to amateur photographers and professionals alike.
- Image Quality and Performance – The lens features Vibration Reduction (VR) for sharper handheld shots, and a stepping motor (AF-P) for fast, smooth and quiet autofocus, which is especially beneficial when shooting video. The lens also offers excellent sharpness and color rendition, thanks to its aspherical lens elements and Super Integrated Coating.
- Versatility – With its 10-20mm focal length range, the lens allows for a broad field of view, making it perfect for capturing expansive landscapes, dramatic architecture, or tight interiors. The lens also has a minimum focus distance of 0.22m, allowing for creative close-up shots.
Tokina AT-X 11-20mm f/2.8 PRO DX
Turning our attention to the Tokina AT-X 11-20mm f/2.8 PRO DX, this lens stands out in the Nikon DX-format range due to its constant f/2.8 aperture which offers superior low-light performance. The lens is a high-quality option for wide-angle photography, with its impressive focal length range and fast aperture providing excellent flexibility for photographers.
Built for the rigors of professional use, the lens features a robust construction. The One-touch Focus Clutch Mechanism allows the photographer to switch between autofocus and manual focus easily. This feature has been lauded for its efficiency, allowing for quick adjustments on the fly.
The optical construction of the Tokina AT-X 11-20mm f/2.8 PRO DX includes three aspherical elements and three super-low dispersion elements. These contribute to the lens’ ability to minimize distortions and chromatic aberrations, ensuring sharp, high-contrast images across the entire zoom range.
The constant f/2.8 aperture not only facilitates superior performance in low light conditions but also enables a pleasing bokeh effect for creative photography. This is particularly useful for landscape and architectural photography, where depth of field control is crucial.
In terms of physical characteristics, the lens is relatively compact and lightweight, making it an ideal choice for photographers on the go. The lens also features a solid build quality, demonstrating Tokina’s commitment to durability.
Sigma 10-20mm f/3.5 EX DC HSM
While the Tokina AT-X 11-20mm f/2.8 PRO DX is undoubtedly an exceptional lens, the Sigma 10-20mm f/3.5 EX DC HSM offers a unique perspective with its wider angle of view, despite having a slightly slower aperture. This lens is particularly favored by landscape and architectural photographers, who appreciate the scope it allows for capturing expansive scenes and detailed structures.
- Superior Build Quality: The Sigma 10-20mm f/3.5 EX DC HSM is built to withstand the demands of professional use, with a robust construction that promises longevity. This gives a sense of security and trust in the product, allowing photographers to focus on their art with peace of mind.
- Optimized Performance: Despite its slower aperture, the lens offers excellent low-light performance and minimized distortion at the wide end, thanks to its advanced optical design. This allows photographers to capture stunning images in varying light conditions, extending creative possibilities.
- Versatile Focal Length Range: Offering a 10-20mm focal length range, this lens provides a unique perspective that adds a dramatic touch to images. This flexibility encourages photographers to experiment and find new expressions in their work, thus fostering growth and innovation.
Tamron SP AF 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5 Di II LD Aspherical (IF
Although the Sigma 10-20mm f/3.5 EX DC HSM is a remarkable lens, the Tamron SP AF 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5 Di II LD Aspherical (IF) challenges its position with a broader zoom range and superior aspherical elements for enhanced image quality. The Tamron lens offers a 35mm-equivalent focal length range of 15-36mm, which is notably wider than Sigma’s 15-30mm. This extended range provides a greater versatility, especially for landscape and architectural photography where capturing a wider view is often desired.
The Tamron lens also boasts Low Dispersion (LD) and Aspherical (ASL) lens elements that help to correct chromatic aberrations and distortions, ensuring high-resolution and high-contrast images without color fringing. The lens’s Internal Focus (IF) system further contributes to its superior image quality by allowing the lens to focus without changing its physical length, thus maintaining the overall balance of the lens and reducing aberrations caused by lens extension.
Furthermore, the Tamron lens has a built-in motor for fast and quiet autofocusing, a feature that is particularly useful in discrete shooting situations such as street photography. Although it has a variable aperture of f/3.5-4.5, as opposed to Sigma’s constant f/3.5, this slight drawback is counterbalanced by its superior optical performance and flexibility.
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-80mm f/2.8-4E ED VR
In our ongoing evaluation of wide-angle lenses, we have now moved on to the Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-80mm f/2.8-4E ED VR, a versatile lens that stands out with its impressive zoom range and advanced features. This lens is a perfect match for Nikon’s DX format DSLRs and offers a 24-120mm equivalent focal length range, making it a fantastic all-in-one solution for photographers.
- Range and Versatility: With a range that covers everything from wide-angle to telephoto, this lens allows you to capture landscapes, portraits, and everything in between. The zoom is smooth and precise, with great flexibility to adapt to your shooting needs.
- Advanced Features: The NIKKOR 16-80mm is equipped with Nikon’s Vibration Reduction (VR) technology, which helps to minimize camera shake for sharper handheld photos and videos. Additionally, the lens features an Electro-Magnetic Aperture mechanism, providing superior auto-exposure control, especially during continuous shooting.
- Image Quality: The lens utilizes Extra-Low Dispersion (ED) and aspherical lens elements to control chromatic aberrations, resulting in clear, high-contrast images even at the lens’s maximum aperture.
The Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-80mm f/2.8-4E ED VR is not just a lens, but a companion that will enhance your photography journey. The combination of its wide focal length range, advanced features, and excellent image quality make it an exceptional tool for any photographer. Whether you are a professional seeking versatility, or an amateur looking for an upgrade, this lens is a worthy investment.
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR
Equipped with a wide zoom range and VR image stabilization, the Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR lens offers versatility and precision, making it a valuable addition to any photographer’s kit. This all-in-one lens provides an impressive 7.8x zoom that covers a broad focal length range from a wide-angle 18mm to a telephoto 140mm. This feature grants photographers the flexibility to capture everything from sweeping landscapes to detailed close-up shots without having to switch lenses.
The lens’ Vibration Reduction (VR) technology ensures sharp image quality and smooth video capture, even in challenging low-light conditions or when shooting handheld. The VR function significantly reduces the effects of camera shake, thus allowing photographers to use shutter speeds up to four stops slower. This is a critical advantage when trying to capture clear images in low light situations or when photographing fast-moving subjects.
Additionally, the Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR lens incorporates an Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass element and aspherical lens elements. These components minimize chromatic aberrations, improve resolution, and correct distortions throughout the entire zoom range. The result is high-resolution images with vibrant colors, contrast, and clarity.
The lens also features a Silent Wave Motor (SWM) that enables fast, quiet autofocus operation. This is particularly useful for video recording, where noise from the focusing mechanism can be disruptive.
Tokina AT-X 14-20mm f/2 PRO DX
Switching to the Tokina AT-X 14-20mm f/2 PRO DX lens can provide photographers with an ultra-wide angle of view, ideal for capturing breathtaking landscapes and expansive architectural structures. This lens, specifically designed for Nikon DX cameras, provides sharp, clear images and a fast f/2.0 aperture that allows excellent low-light performance.
The Tokina AT-X 14-20mm f/2 PRO DX lens has several key features that make it a valuable addition to any photographer’s toolkit:
- Super Low Dispersion Glass: This type of glass minimizes chromatic aberration, resulting in superior contrast and sharpness. This means more vibrant, true-to-life images.
- One-Touch Focus Clutch Mechanism: This unique feature allows photographers to easily switch between manual and autofocus, offering greater flexibility during shooting sessions.
- Multi-Layer Coating: The lens elements are coated with a multi-layer process to minimize reflections and flares, ensuring optimal image quality even in challenging lighting conditions.
Moreover, with a nine-blade diaphragm, it provides a pleasing blur effect in the out-of-focus areas for aesthetic bokeh. Its robust construction with an internal focus design and a built-in lens hood adds to its professional appeal.
Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM
The Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM offers a versatile zoom range, and its Optical Stabilization (OS) feature ensures sharp images even at slower shutter speeds. This lens is designed for APS-C format DSLRs, and with a 35mm-equivalent focal length range of 25.5-105mm, it caters to a wide array of photographic needs.
Engineered with a Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM), the lens guarantees a quiet and high-speed autofocus. Furthermore, it incorporates a close-up macro feature with a minimum focusing distance of 22cm throughout the entire zoom range. The maximum magnification ratio is 1:2.9, making it an excellent choice for photographers interested in macro photography.
The lens comprises 16 elements in 14 groups, including a Special Low Dispersion (SLD) glass element and three aspherical elements that minimize colour aberration and deliver high resolution, sharp and contrasty images. The 7-bladed rounded diaphragm contributes to beautiful bokeh, enhancing the visual appeal of the images.
The Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM is built with Thermally Stable Composite (TSC) material, which reduces the size and weight of the lens while enhancing its durability. The brass bayonet mount ensures precision and longevity.
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G
With a reputation for exceptional sharpness and brightness, Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G provides a level of performance that inspires creativity, and with its compact, lightweight design, it is ideal for both professional and amateur photographers. Its wide-angle capability allows for stunning landscapes and portraits with beautiful depth of field. The lens is built with a Silent Wave Motor (SWM) which ensures quick, quiet autofocusing, and the Rear Focusing (RF) system means that the front of the lens does not rotate, making it convenient for use with polarizing filters.
The Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G offers several features that enhance its performance:
- Exceptional Brightness: The f/1.8 maximum aperture allows photographers to shoot in low light conditions without compromising on image quality. This makes the lens ideal for indoor photography and nightscapes.
- Superior Sharpness: The lens incorporates an aspherical lens element which significantly reduces spherical aberration and distortion, resulting in superior image sharpness and rendering.
- Compact and Lightweight Design: Weighing in at approximately 200g, this lens is perfect for travel and handheld photography. Its compact design makes it an unobtrusive addition to any photographer’s kit.
Sigma 8-16mm f/4.5-5.6 DC HSM
In our ongoing exploration of wide-angle lenses for Nikon DX cameras, we now turn our attention to the Sigma 8-16mm f/4.5-5.6 DC HSM, a lens known for its exceptional wide-angle capabilities. This lens, the first to offer an ultra-wide 8mm focal length for APS-C size sensors, is part of Sigma’s DC series and is specifically designed for cameras with a cropped sensor.
The Sigma 8-16mm f/4.5-5.6 DC HSM lens is a versatile and robust choice for photographers seeking to capture expansive landscapes, broad architectural structures, or any scene where a large field of view is desired. With an impressive range of focal lengths, it provides the user with considerable flexibility in framing shots without the need to physically move closer or further away from the subject.
One of the notable features of this lens is its Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM), which ensures quiet and high-speed autofocus. The lens also includes four FLD (“F” Low Dispersion) glass elements, which help to correct color aberration and provide high image quality. Despite its wide field of view, the lens effectively minimizes distortion, a common issue in wide-angle photography.
However, potential users should note that this lens does not support filters due to its built-in petal-type hood and bulbous front element. It also has a fairly slow maximum aperture, which might limit its use in low light conditions without the aid of a tripod.
Tokina AT-X 11-16mm f/2.8 PRO DX II
Shifting our focus to the Tokina AT-X 11-16mm f/2.8 PRO DX II, this wide-angle lens offers a constant f/2.8 aperture throughout its zoom range, and it boasts both remarkable sharpness and excellent color reproduction. This lens has been designed specifically for Nikon DX format DSLRs and is considered an ideal choice for photographers seeking to capture expansive landscapes, architecture, or astrophotography.
Here are three key features of this lens that make it a worthy addition to any photographer’s kit:
- Constant Aperture: The constant f/2.8 aperture provides consistent performance across the entire zoom range, allowing for low-light shooting capabilities and depth-of-field control.
- Optical Performance: The lens construction features 13 elements in 11 groups, including two aspherical elements and two Super-low Dispersion (SD) glass elements. These elements work together to minimize distortion and chromatic aberrations, resulting in sharp, high-quality images.
- Build and Design: With a robust, weather-sealed construction, the lens is built to withstand the rigors of outdoor shooting. The One-Touch Focus Clutch Mechanism allows for quick switching between autofocus and manual focus modes.
Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM Art
Moving away from the discussion on the Tokina AT-X 11-16mm f/2.8 PRO DX II, we now turn our attention to the Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM Art, a lens renowned for its consistent performance across the full range of focal lengths.
The Sigma 18-35mm is a versatile lens, providing photographers with the ability to capture a variety of scenes with a single lens. The wide-angle to standard zoom range, combined with the lens’s fast f/1.8 maximum aperture, makes it particularly adept at low-light photography, landscape, and portraits.
One of the key features of the Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM Art lens is its advanced optical design which incorporates a series of Special Low Dispersion (SLD) and aspherical elements. These components work together to reduce both chromatic and spherical aberrations throughout the zoom range, producing high clarity, sharpness and color accuracy.
The Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM Art also employs Sigma’s Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM), which delivers quick, quiet, and precise autofocus performance. Additionally, its nine-blade rounded diaphragm contributes to pleasing bokeh quality, which is a significant factor for portrait photographers.
On the build side, this Sigma lens is notable for its Thermally Stable Composite (TSC) material construction, which enhances its durability without adding undue weight. The lens’s brass bayonet mount further ensures accuracy and durability.
Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 10-20mm f/4.5-5.6G VR
Turning our focus to the Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 10-20mm f/4.5-5.6G VR, it offers an ultra-wide-angle view, and the inclusion of Vibration Reduction (VR) technology makes it especially suited for handheld shooting. This lens is a fantastic addition to any serious photographer’s arsenal due to its exceptional features and performance capabilities.
- Superb Clarity: This lens boasts superior optical performance thanks to the use of aspherical elements and Super Integrated Coating (SIC). These features work in unison to reduce chromatic aberrations and enhance overall image sharpness, color accuracy, and clarity.
- Compact Design: With a weight of just 230g, this lens is lightweight, compact and ultra-portable. Its design ensures it doesn’t add unnecessary bulk to your camera kit, making it an ideal choice for travel photography.
- Versatility: The 10-20mm focal range provides the flexibility to capture a wide range of scenarios. From sweeping landscapes to detailed architectural shots, this lens gives you the freedom to explore new perspectives.
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 12-24mm f/4G IF-ED
Undeniably, the Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 12-24mm f/4G IF-ED stands out for its remarkable constant aperture and broad focal range, making it a popular choice among photographers seeking to capture wide-angle shots with precision. This lens is also compatible with DX format Nikon DSLRs and offers an impressive 99-degree field of view, which significantly broadens the horizons of landscape and architectural photography.
The lens is equipped with Nikon’s Silent Wave Motor (SWM) technology, ensuring fast and quiet autofocusing without changing the length of the lens. Furthermore, it features a close focusing distance of approximately 0.3 meters, allowing photographers to get closer to the subject while maintaining sharp focus. The Internal Focusing (IF) design further enhances the lens’ operational ease and speed.
The Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 12-24mm f/4G IF-ED is also renowned for its superior optical design. It incorporates two Extra-Low Dispersion (ED) glass elements and three aspherical lens elements, effectively minimizing chromatic aberration, even at the widest aperture settings. This results in high-resolution, high-contrast images with minimal distortion and outstanding color accuracy.
The lens also boasts a rugged construction, making it durable enough for heavy-duty use. It’s equipped with a M/A focus mode switch, enabling swift changes between manual and autofocus operation. The lens also offers a round 7-blade diaphragm that creates a more natural appearance in out-of-focus areas, enhancing the overall image quality. In conclusion, the Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 12-24mm f/4G IF-ED offers a rare combination of wide-angle capabilities, robust construction, and superior optical performance, making it a valuable asset for any photographer’s gear.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the selection of the best Nikon wide angle lens DX depends greatly on individual needs and preferences. Factors to consider include the lens’ focal length, maximum aperture, and additional features such as image stabilization. All the lenses mentioned in this article have their unique strengths, offering a range of options to photographers of varying skill levels and specializations.
Ultimately, the best lens is one that allows the photographer to capture their intended shot with precision, clarity, and creativity.
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