Are you wondering whether it is worth splashing the cash on an ultra wide angle lens and which to buy?
Here we take a look at 2 very strong contenders for Nikon cameras.
The Specifications:
Nikon 12-24.
11 elements in 7 groups (3 aspherical, 2 ED), maximum aperture f4, built in focus motor. weight 485g, filter size 77mm.
Tokina 12-24
13 elements in 11 groups (2 aspherical, 1SD), maximum aperture f4, focus driven from camera body, weight 570g, filter size 77mm.
To save the constant lens swapping, for this test we used an Nikon D90 and a Nikon D300, since they use a similar sensor (12mp CMOS), white balance, aperture, ISO and colour space and file size were set the same on both cameras.
Nikon 12-24 at 12mm
Nikon 12-24 centre at 12mm
Nikon 12-24 edge at 12mm
Nikon 12-24 at 24mm
Tokina 12-24 at 12mm
Tokina 12-24 centre at 12mm
Tokina 12-24 edge at 12mm
Tokina 12-24 at 24mm
Nikon 12-24 at 12mm
Tokina 12-24mm at 12mm
Conclusion
Overall both lenses produce very sharp results, if one were to split hairs, then the Tokina is a whisker less sharp at the extreme edges, but it is only a whisker and in most situations it would be very difficult to see.
Colour balance between the lenses is almost identical, flare is well controlled on both lenses, just use the hood provided and take care when the sun is out ,as any lens with a large number of elements flare can be a problem.
Value for money, the Tokina wins hands down, but if money is no object then the Nikon lens will not disappoint, you pay your money and you take your choice.
Additional information
Both lenses were purchased second hand, this is a good method of keeping the cost lower to start with, currently second hand the Nikon costs nearly twice that of the Tokina
Obviously the Nikon 12-24 will only fit and work on all Nikon DX cameras, whereas the Tokina lens will only fully function on DX models with a focus motor built into the camera body, it can however be purchased in several different fittings, so non Nikon users can enjoy it.
Coincidently the lens designed in collaboration with Pentax and can be purchased under the Pentax name, with a few minor alterations to the design.