Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5G ED Lens

This ultra-wide angle zoom lens for Nikon DX format SLRs costs around £670 and sports fast silent internal focusing with full time manual override. At only 460g, it is a quite a lightweight lens too and it balances perfectly on the Nikon D300 body used for testing.

Alternatives include Nikon's 12-24mm f/4G lens, which sports professional build quality and a constant f/4 aperture, but with a widest angle of 12mm, doesn't capture as wide a view as the 10-24mm.

Sigma also manufacture two different lenses covering a focal range of 10-20mm. Both sport fast, silent internal focusing and full time manual focus override. The cheaper of the two has a slower maximum aperture of f/4-5.6 and costs around £430. The more expensive model has a constant maximum aperture of f/3.5 and costs around £490. Those who wish to go really wide may also consider Sigma's 8-16mm f/4.5-5.6, which costs around £550.

Tamron also offer a 10-24mm lens with a maximum aperture of f/3.5-4.5, which costs around £370, however this lens does have a silent focusing motor.

Finally, Tokina offer two ultra-wide zooms for DX format cameras. Their 12-24mm f/4 AT-X PRO II costs around £630, sports a constant f/4 maximum aperture, rugged build quality and although it doesn't support full time manual focus override, it does have a quick clutch mechanism for engaging manual focus. The other lens in this range from Tokina is the 11-16mm AT-X PRO f/2.8, which has a fast constant maximum aperture of f/2.8, costs around £545 and has the same rugged build quality as Tokina's 12-24mm.

Add your message