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| Sigma 24mm f/1.4 | Nikon 14-24mm f2.8G | Tamron SP 15-30mm f2.8 |
Last updated on June 1st, 2021 at 05:57 am
People who are into photography or cinematography as a hobby or profession know better what wide-angle lens is and what purpose it is used for. These lenses are an ideal choice for photographing landscapes and interiors as well. But the real deal is knowing which wide-angle lenses are best for this purpose because not all lenses are that good at capturing the moment in a perfect artistic way without losing the details and beauty of the scene being captured. The depth of field created by these lenses gives great sharpness to everything in the shot; it gives an artistic and dynamic edge to a shot. We have picked up a few top-notch best wide angles lenses for Nikon FX series that you will fall in love with once you hold them in your hands and start capturing moments.
Comparison Table: Best Wide Angle Lenses For Nikon FX
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Here are some of the best wide angle lenses for Nikon FX
So, without any further due lets get started with Nikon wide angle lens reviews. Where we’ll be reviewing each and every single model of the wide angle lens that we’ve mentioned in this guide. So, here we have made a list of the best wide angle lens for Nikon FX DSLRs, such as Nikon D850, Nikon D5, Nikon D750 and many more.
1. Nikon 14-24mm f2.8G
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- Focal Length: 14-24mm
- Maximum aperture: f2.8
- Autofocus: Yes
- Full-frame compatible: : Yes
- Lens Mount: Nikon F
- Image stabilization: No
- Weight: 1,000g
It’s a very exotic looking lens of great quality and solid build-up. Nikon’s 14-24mm f2.8G lens keeps the edges straight instead of distorting them; this gives a really natural look to your shot. The auto-focus system on this lens comes with Nikon’s Silent Wave Motor (SWM) that is quite smooth and fast, so if you’re photographing any element or recording some video you will not face any trouble in getting the focus right, and you won’t be bothered by the focus noise either.
The auto-focus is quite quick and accurate when it comes to interiors, landscapes, or street photography; this lens will do a great job in such situations. The constant f2.8 aperture will give you a stunning creamy bouquet that you would love to see.
Features & Performance
Nikon’s 14-24mm is incorporated with both Nano Crystal and Super Integrated Coating that improves the overall image quality and lessens internal reflection and flare effect. This lens is optimized for edge-to-edge sharpness and enhanced with ED (Extra-low Dispersion) Magic glass to get sharper images and better light transmission. It’s not wrong to say that this beast is one of the sharpest lenses ever made by Nikon.
The zoom feature of this lens will give you a 10mm difference, and if you are a pro you would know that even a 10mm difference makes a huge impact especially when it comes to architecture photography or when you are stuck at a point where space is not that spacious and moving back is also not an option. So, there you can use the advantage of zooming in and out to get your desired shot.
The best thing about this lens is it’s dust and moisture resistance, and if you’re a landscape photographer or love to photograph nature, then you know how hard it is to keep the lens safe in those conditions. But with this one, you have the advantage to capture moments in nature without any fear of the lens being damaged by bad weather conditions. When it comes to performance and quality, it surely beats Nikon’s 16-35mm f/4G ED VR and 18-35mm f/3.5-4.5G ED so if you’re looking for an all-in-one deal, then this thing is what you need to complete your camera gear.
Bottom Line
The lens is a little heavy around 972.0g, but it’s because this is solidly built which also makes the price tag a bit high, it’s one thing some won’t like but after using this lens one can’t get over it that easily because of its superb contrast and sharpness. Nikon introduced this lens in 2007, and still, it’s one of the sharpest lenses out in the market in the category of 14mm.
Even in Canon’s full-frame bodies, pro photographers are using this lens with adapters as I say it’s not easy to leave this beast alone. That’s the reason Nikon is still charging a higher price tag for it till today. It’s a beautifully crafted lens that does wonders in various photographic conditions. Being such a great lens, one can surely rely on this beast.
What we like:
- Artistic masterpiece with solid-built quality and ultra-wide-angle zoom.
- ED (Extra-low dispersion) glass for sharper stunning images
- Nano Crystal Coat to eliminate lens flare, internal reflections, and ghost effects
- Silent Wave autofocus motor for fast, quick and accurate autofocus
What we don’t:
- A bit heavy in weight and higher cost.
2. Sigma 24mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens
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- Focal Length: 24mm
- Maximum aperture: f/1.4
- Autofocus: Yes
- Full-frame compatible : Yes
- Lens Mount: Nikon F
- Image stabilization: No
- Weight: 665 g
When it comes to 24mm focal length wide-angle lenses, there are two choices that come instantly into mind, one is Nikon’s 24mm f/1.4G that is double the price, and the other is Sigma’s 24mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens. Sigma Art series has intensely taken over the market of Canon and Nikon’s lenses without a doubt.
When it comes to the price tag, the Sigma has gone overboard and delivered such a quality lens technology that is worth more than the price. Sigma’s 24mm f/1.4 Art lens has been enhanced with premium three FLD and four SLD glass elements that minimize aberrations and distortion issues, which is one of the common issues with almost all the wide-angle lenses.
Features & Performance
Sigma has beautifully crafted this lens with 15 elements in 11 groups of optical design that delivers constant peripheral sharpness and brightness. Even on maximum aperture at f1.4, this lens reduces flare and ghosting for higher contrast and color fidelity all thanks to Sigma’s super multi-coating to the lens elements too.
On the other hand, Nikon’s 24mm f/1.4G, which is double the price, has a total number of 12 elements in 10 groups. It’s an ideal lens for indoor shoots, landscapes, wedding photography, cinematography, astrophotography, etc. because of fast aperture this lens does great in extreme low light conditions and Sigma’s advanced optical structure provides really good sharpness and high resolution at the same time. While holding this lens in hand one really feels it like a solid metal premium art of work and amazingly it’s not that heavy and weighs only 1.5 lbs. / 665 g.
One main concern in people’s minds is that Sigma’s autofocus is a bit slower as compared to Nikon or Canon lenses, but after working with this lens on Nikon mount one can easily figure out that these are just bubbles and nothing else, but yes on Sony mirrorless cameras like a6500 or a6300, the autofocus is slightly slower like there will be a 1 to 2 seconds delay but on Nikon mount this lens absolutely works fine, it will not disappoint you at any level whether it’s about accuracy or speed. Sigma has integrated HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor) in this lens for quick, quiet, and smoother autofocusing system and also one can control it by focusing manually.
Bottom Line
Sigma has built this lens while keeping professional photographers in mind, and it shows. It has produced a stunning looking lens with premium quality components that are in accordance with today’s need. The sharpness in images is amazing, and focusing with the Sigma 24mm f/1.4 HSM Art is also pretty great. Fast aperture like f/1.4 works crazy and delivers really good results as compared to f/2.8 or f/3.5. Another thing is that one doesn’t have to worry much about lightning issues as this Art boy will manage this thing for you. Sigma’s 24mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Series Lens is absolutely a great choice for pros and a good combo for Nikon DSLR users.
What we like:
- A great quality lens with a good price tag
- Fast f/1.4 maximum aperture is an ideal choice for shooting in low light conditions.
- Advanced optical structure for better performance, sharpness, and high resolution.
- It is built with Thermally Stable Composite (TSC) material to use in various temperature variations.
- USB dock compatibility for fine-tuning.
- Hyper Sonic Motor for quiet, quick and accurate focusing.
What we don’t:
- There is not much to add in the con section other than lack of image stabilization, but with a focal length like this, it’s not a big deal. Overall it’s a great value product for the money, and it meets the requirements of pros whether its photography or videography this Art series lens by Sigma will surprise you with its performance.
3. Tamron SP 15-30mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2
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- Focal Length: 15 to 30mm
- Maximum aperture: f/2.8
- Autofocus: Yes
- Full-frame compatible : Yes
- Lens Mount: Nikon F
- Image stabilization: Yes
- Weight: 2.42 lb / 1100 g
So here comes a deal for those who love to shoot handheld, in low light conditions and need something solid with image stabilization, constant wide aperture, and optical excellence. Tamron’s updated version G2 is an excellent choice to carry on.
Tamron introduced the older version back in 2014 with image stabilization and constant aperture, and that time it became well known as one of the sharpest lenses out there in market even better than Canon and Nikon lenses in sharpness and now we got an updated G2 version of the same lens but with new technology and improved quality. Those who love to carry lightweight lenses should be aware of one thing that Tamron SP 15-30mm G2 is not that light so if you’re looking for something light then you should pick it wisely, but if weight’s not an issue for you then we’ll say it’s a reasonably priced lens that is sure to impress you with its performance.
Features & Performance
First of all, the image quality of this lens will give you sharp images and footage throughout all the focal ranges. It comes with rounded 9 blade diaphragm which delivers a stunning bokeh quality, and Tamron has enhanced this lens with latest optical technology and 18 elements across 13 groups, including three low dispersion and eXpanded Glass Molded (XGM) element. Tamron’s new AX (Anti-reflection eXpand) coating will help to eliminate reflection, flare, and ghosting while still managing to provide good contrast and colors.
The VC (Vibration Compensation) stabilization system will provide up to 4.5 stops of camera movements with the help of dual dedicated MPUs (Micro-Processing Unit) in this lens; one is for quick and precise Ultrasonic Silent Drive Auto Focus and the other one for VC – Image stabilization with responsive performance.
Bottom Line
Tamron’s SP 15-30mm f/2.8 updated G2 version is a good combo for both photographers and especially for those who are into videography and cinematography too. It’s a perfect lens for shooting handheld as the VC stabilization system will handle camera movements and jerks, so you don’t need to worry about spending money on expensive fluid head tripods, etc.
When it comes to image quality, the new optical lens technology is not going to disappoint you. It delivers highly sharp image quality while managing to give good contrast too, and with a weather-sealed moisture-resistant construction, one can shoot in various atmospheres.
The one negative point in this lens is its weight that is around 2.42 lb / 1100 g so if it’s heavy for you then you should skip this option but the image quality and stabilized footage in such a reasonable price is worth the while.
What we like:
- Moisture resistant built quality
- Ultrasonic Silent Drive Auto Focus system for accurate and quick focusing performance.
- VC image stabilization up to 4.5 stops for stable shooting.
- AX, eBAND and BBAR coating to elements for enhanced contrast and suppressed lens flare and ghosting.
What we don’t:
- Heavy in weight.
4. Nikon AF-S 16-35mm f/4G ED VR Lens
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- Focal Length: 16 to 35mm
- Maximum aperture: f/4
- Autofocus: Yes
- Full-frame compatible: : Yes
- Lens Mount: Nikon F
- Image stabilization: Yes
- Weight: 1.5 lb / 680 g
This lens is targeted for the professionals out there. Nikon’s first ultra-wide-angle lens with second-generation VR II (Vibration Reduction) image stabilization system to minimize camera shake up to 2.5 stops. Especially for travelers who need to carry a lightweight lens with them for landscape or nature photography, it’s a well-suited item for them to add up in their wishlist. Nikon has enhanced this lens with Nanocrystal coating to reduce flare and has built this lens with weather sealing qualities, so an outdoor shoot in bad weather conditions is not an issue.
Features & Performance
On Nikon’s 14-24mm you can’t attach a lens filter because its front is not plane but with Nikon’s 16-35mm ED VR lens you can attach a lens filter, so it’s a good option for landscape photographers.
Nikon’s 16-35mm is also thinner, shorter and light weighing lens than Nikon’s 14-24mm and other competitors in this category. It weighs only 680g and still built quality feels great like solid metal and just like Nikon’s big expensive lenses it will give you a premium built quality feel. When it comes to image quality, it provides excellent color contrast and center sharpness across the focal ranges, but at the long ends it may drop a little bit sharpness, the best focal range to be used on this lens is around 20mm as there it will deliver absolutely stunning quality.
Yes, this lens can’t beat the sharpness and image quality of Nikon’s 14-24mm, that one is an all-rounder and that is the reason why Nikon is charging so much for that beast but overall Nikon’s 16-35mm is reliable and a good quality product with Nikon’s latest optical technology features, Silent wave autofocus motor and VR image stabilization system. This lens can also be used with Nikon DX cameras, with such a good reasonable price tag one should keep this lens in their camera kit.
Bottom Line
Nikon AF-S 16-35mm f/4G ED VR is a solidly constructed lens with latest technological features like VR image stabilization, Silent Wave Motor for fast and accurate focus, weather sealing, Nanocrystal coating, and 2 ED (Extra-Low Dispersion) glass elements and 3 aspherical lens elements that help in providing stunning sharp images with high resolution and also it’s a light weighing lens with a reasonable price tag so don’t forget to add it to your wishlist.
What we like:
- Can be used with DX models also
- Three aspherical elements to reduce distortion.
- Nano Crystal Coat
- Silent Wave Motor for silent and accurate focus system
- Light in weight
- VR II (Vibration Reduction) image stabilization system
What we don’t:
- It may drop sharpness at long ends, but overall, it delivers a really good performance.
5. Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 20mm f/1.8G ED
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- Focal Length: 20mm
- Maximum aperture: f/1.8
- Autofocus: Yes
- Full-frame compatible: : Yes
- Lens Mount: Nikon F
- Image stabilization: No
- Weight: 12.5 oz / 355 g
It is one of Nikon’s fastest ultra-wide-angle lenses with f/1.8 aperture ready for any kind of shooting in various conditions and provides really good control over depth of field. In low light conditions, one doesn’t have to worry as with f/1.8; this lens can easily handle difficult lightning conditions.
Features & Performance
The Extra-low Dispersion (ED) elements in this lens will provide beautiful color correction and also manages to deliver really great sharpness; it also reduces chromatic aberration. Like the other Nikon’s expensive lenses, the 20mm is also enhanced with Nanocrystal coating to get rid of flare and ghosting issues. Nikon Super Integrated Coating (SIC) improves light transmission efficiency.
The lens features Nikon’s Silent wave motor for smooth, fast and accurate focus system. It’s a well-constructed solid lens with a metal mount and a rubber gasket on the lens mount for better sealing which really helps to stop dust getting into the lens.
Bottom Line
It’s a good lens for someone who is happy with 20mm focal length and needs something fast and ultra wid. The best thing about this lens is that one can carry it all the time without any burden as it weighs only 355 g becoming one of the lightest weighing lenses in the wide-angle category.
I would recommend this lens to anyone who does photography or videography as a hobby or as a profession as this lens will do a great job in almost every situation and with focal length like 20mm, one can get a broad field of view.
What we like:
- Can also be used with DX models also
- f/1.8 maximum aperture for low light conditions
- Nano Crystal and Super Integrated Coatings
- Silent Wave Motor for precise and quick focus.
What we don’t:
- Well, I tried hard to find a con but was not able to find anything worth notifying. So, in my opinion, it’s a well-made, good quality lens in an affordable price range.
6. Nikon AF-S Fisheye Nikkor 8-15mm f/3.5-4.5E ED
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- Focal Length: 8 to 15mm
- Maximum aperture: f/3.5 to 4.5
- Autofocus: Yes
- Full-frame compatible: : Yes
- Lens Mount: Nikon F
- Image stabilization: No
- Weight: 1.1 lb / 485 g
Nikon’s 8-15mm is a uniquely designed piece of art for professionals who want to have a creative and distinctive look in their footage to show their artistic work. It’s a fisheye and also a lens designed specifically for zooming by Nikon, providing a focal length between 8mm to 15mm with 1.9x super wide-angle zoom. With the lens of this type, you’re able to create a complete circular effect and also full-frame fisheye image at the 15mm focal length.
Features & Performance
Nikon has built it with solid premium material and sealed it well to ensure that the dust particles and moisture doesn’t harm the lens in any way. This lens also comes with Nikon’s three ED glass elements, Silent wave motor for better focus system and Nanocrystal coating and it can control chromatic aberrations really well. An advantage which you will get by using a fisheye lens instead of a super wide-angle lens is that the object on the edge of the frame doesn’t stretch out.
The latest AF-S Fisheye Nikkor 8-15mm ED lens has literally replaced all the older fisheye lenses that had been ever made by Nikon. When it comes to corner sharpness, this thing will amaze you with its great image quality.
Bottom line
It’s not an everyday lens, but if you’re looking for something creative, more ultra-wide which can create a dramatic and unique looking effect in the footage, then this fisheye lens is just the right one for you. It is wide with an exceptional zoom range, and when it comes to image quality, it works really great in that area too.
After using it, you will be impressed with its extremely sharp and well contrast images at almost all focal lengths, even in hard lightning, you will not face any issue regarding lens flare or ghosting. So in our opinion, it’s a good lens to combine with your camera gear in the category of fisheye lenses by Nikon.
What we like:
- Great image quality
- Extremely sharp
- Solid built quality and sealing
What we don’t:
- Price is high
7. Sigma 12-24mm f/4 DG HSM Art Lens
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- Focal Length: 8 to 15mm
- Maximum aperture: f/4
- Autofocus: Yes
- Full-frame compatible: : Yes
- Lens Mount: Nikon F
- Image stabilization: None
- Weight: 2.53 lb / 1150 g
An ultra-wide-angle lens with various focal lengths and that too without getting fisheye lens effect is a need of the majority of professional photographers as zoom designed wide-angle lenses do a great job when we can’t get close or move back from our subject. This one is from Sigma Art series, designed for shooting in a variety of situations.
The difference between a 12mm lens as compared to 14mm focal length doesn’t seem a huge difference, right? But practically when you shoot at 14mm and then respectively at 12mm, you’ll be able to realize that it makes a solid impact on the view.
Features & Performance
Sigma art series sharpness and image quality have never disappointed their users, and the same is the case with this model while using sigma one doesn’t complain about any issues regarding sharpness. This lens is capable of providing excellent center sharpness throughout all the zoom ranges. The good news about landscape and architecture photographers is that this lens allows you to create stunning images with zero distortion.
Sigma has enhanced it with its super multi-layer coating that minimizes flare and ghosting and provides well-saturated contrast images in a variety of lightning conditions. Hyper Sonic AF motor will allow this lens to focus accurately and quickly. Sigma has designed this lens with an electromagnetic aperture mechanism which helps to provide greater exposure control while working at fast continuous shooting rates.
Bottom line
Great value product with a variety of wide-angle focal lengths which are not available in other wide-angle lenses of the same quality. It is good for a variety of situations where one need to have the facility of zooming in and out without losing the image quality and sharpness. It lacks image stabilization, but if it’s not a big deal for you, then you should consider taking this Sigma art series lens for your camera gear.
What we like:
- Ultra-wide angle lens with a variety of focal lengths
- Constant f/4 maximum aperture
- Super Multi-Layer Coating
- Hyper Sonic Motor
- Made with Thermally Stable Composite (TSC) material
- Enhanced with an electromagnetic aperture mechanism
What we don’t:
- Heavy in weight
- Lack of image stabilization
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): About Wide Angle Lenses For Nikon
Q: What is the best wide-angle lens for Nikon?
A: The following lenses are one of the best performing wide-angle lenses for Nikon FX-format cameras.
- Nikon 14-24mm f2.8G
- Sigma 24mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens
- Tamron SP 15-30mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2
- Nikon AF-S 16-35mm f/4G ED VR Lens
- Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 20mm f/1.8G ED
- Nikon AF-S Fisheye Nikkor 8-15mm f/3.5-4.5E ED
- Sigma 12-24mm f/4 DG HSM Art Lens
Q: Which wide-angle lens should I buy?
A: You should consider buying Sigma 24mm f/1.4 or Tamron’s SP 15-30mm f/2.8 lens for wide-angle photography.
Q: What is the best size for a wide-angle lens?
A: It all depends on the need, but generally 24mm lens is an ideal choice, and for wide-angle zoom lenses, one should go for anything between 15mm to 30mm.
Q: What is the best wide-angle lens for landscape photography?
A: One should get hands-on Sigma’s 12-24mm f/4 or NIKKOR 20mm f/1.8G ED for landscape photography; these both are absolutely perfect focal ranges for landscape photographers. Nikon 14-24mm f2.8G is also a great premium lens, but it’s expensive.
Q: Is 24mm wide enough for landscape?
A: Yes, the 24mm lens is good but not ideal for landscape photography. Any ultrawide 14mm lens or Tamron’s 15 to 30mm wide-angle lens will be more suitable for capturing landscapes.
Q: What is a 10-20mm lens good for?
A: It’s a perfect lens for people who travel a lot; you can take really good pictures of cityscapes, landscapes, and a large group of people in one frame with a 10-20mm lens. Such focal length is also much suitable for architectural photography.
Q: Is 35mm wide enough for landscape?
A: Well, 35mm is a wide-angle lens but not really enough for landscape. A lens between 14mm to 28mm focal length will be a better option.
Q: What size lens is best for landscape?
A: An ultra-wide angle lens with a focal length of 14mm or a wide-angle lens between 15mm to 30mm is the best.
Q: What F stop is best for landscapes?
A: Never use a lower f stop while shooting landscapes because, in landscape photography, one always wants more scene to be in focus in the frame. Try to use f/8 or higher number like f/12 – f/16, but if you’re doing night photography, then you need lower f stop number as capturing landscapes in the night time is not possible without low light aperture setting.
Q: What’s the difference between wide-angle and ultra-wide-angle lenses?
A: A lens with a focal length of 35mm or wider is considered to be a wide-angle lens, but lenses with a focal length around 24mm or wider like 14mm, 12mm, 10mm, etc., are to be considered as ultra-wide-angle lenses.
Conclusion
We’ve explained all you need to know about wide-angle lenses for Nikon in detail, and we’ve given answers to various queries that people ask while buying a new wide-angle lens. While investing in a wide-angle lens, many photographers get confused that what lenses or focal lengths are ideal for their needs, so we hope this guide will resolve the confusion, and you will find it helpful in choosing the best wide-angle lens for Nikon FX.