Compare Ultra Wides

[CP_alum08]

Tokina 11-16 vs. Sigma 8-16. Who's used both? Thoughts? Go!

I haven't used either, but my initial thought is if you're going to go wide, you might as well go WIDE. Obviously the Tokina is faster and accepts filters but I don't use filters that often so that isn't a huge concern but still a difference. From the comparisons I've seen online the image quality looks pretty close, the Tokina maybe winning by a hair.

 

[WDWFigment]

I've owned both. You pretty much nailed the key considerations. There's a huge gulf between 8mm and 11mm.

Other things to consider: the Sigma can have quality control issues, doesn't focus as quickly, and has more flare issues.

 

[CP_alum08]

I've owned both. You pretty much nailed the key considerations. There's a huge gulf between 8mm and 11mm.

Other things to consider: the Sigma can have quality control issues, doesn't focus as quickly, and has more flare issues.

Quality control issues like what? Like sharpness and contrast or physical build issues?

Did you find yourself liking or using one more than the other? Personally I think 8mm would be too wide for everyday-type use but at least you would have the option of zooming in, whereas with the Tokina there is no option to go wider.

 

[ddbowdoin]

Quality control issues like what? Like sharpness and contrast or physical build issues?

Did you find yourself liking or using one more than the other? Personally I think 8mm would be too wide for everyday-type use but at least you would have the option of zooming in, whereas with the Tokina there is no option to go wider.

It's an issue of reputation with build quality, basically they have a higher percentage of producing bad lenses within a batch. What's the percentage? I'm not sure but sigma and tamron have a higher percentage than Nikon and Canon, and from what I've read... Tokina

 

[ddbowdoin]

Quality control issues like what? Like sharpness and contrast or physical build issues?

Did you find yourself liking or using one more than the other? Personally I think 8mm would be too wide for everyday-type use but at least you would have the option of zooming in, whereas with the Tokina there is no option to go wider.

• physical build issues

• back focusing issues with the IQ between the lens and camera depending on if the lens has its own focusing motor etc

 

[WDWFigment]

Quality control issues like what? Like sharpness and contrast or physical build issues?

Did you find yourself liking or using one more than the other? Personally I think 8mm would be too wide for everyday-type use but at least you would have the option of zooming in, whereas with the Tokina there is no option to go wider.

Auto-focus issues (never heard of any other Sigma QC issues, but it doesn't mean they're not out there). I've had one Sigma with that problem (which I was able to fine tune in-camera to negate), but it's a commonly reported problem. How common? Common enough that complaints pop up from time to time, but not so common that any particular Sigma lens is dinged on its Amazon review score (not that I trust those reviews in general, but I trust them enough for that limited purpose).

I've never had an issue with build quality of the Sigma lenses I've used. Granted, I haven't used their low end stuff, but the build quality on their EX line and their more expensive lenses is pretty solid. Better than some Nikon lenses I've used. For example, the build quality on the (EX) Sigma 30mm f/1.4 is far better than the build quality of the Nikon 35mm f/1.8.

 

[CP_alum08]

• physical build issues

• back focusing issues with the IQ between the lens and camera depending on if the lens has its own focusing motor etc

Ok, now that I think about I have heard about that. But wouldn't that be something that Sigma or wherever you buy it from replace? I understand it would be a hassle to have to return and get another, especially if you have to mail it, but theoretically couldn't you just keep exchanging them until you got one that worked properly?

 

[ddbowdoin]

Ok, now that I think about I have heard about that. But wouldn't that be something that Sigma or wherever you buy it from replace? I understand it would be a hassle to have to return and get another, especially if you have to mail it, but theoretically couldn't you just keep exchanging them until you got one that worked properly?

yeah, testing a lens is not as easy as it sounds... and back focusing issues are the types of things a lot of amateurs don't even know exists.

but yes, theoretically you can keep on returning until it works right... unsure if they'd cover shipping though.

 

[wdwmagic]

I've had back-focus issues on a Sigma 30mm 1.4. Seems more common than it should be from reading online.