hi guys,

i just wanted to get your opinion

im a serious hobbyist and i now have the following lenses in tow:

18-200 Vr
50 1.8

my main purposes are really for portraiture, travel and general documentation.

i was toying with the idea of a 70-200 or a 17-55 but these ranges are now present in my line up so now im looking at the 12-24

in my research, i found that the nikon 12-24 is about 300 USD more expensive than the tokina 10-17.

what would you recommend? i intend to use this for landscapes and group shots (if the need arises)

thanks for your help guys.

cheers

Some lenses to compliment what you already have.....

12-24 if you need an ultra-wide lens (10.5 Fisheye if you like that effect). I have no experience with the Tokina lens so I can't offer advise (I would just assume/guess that the Nikkor is better).

105 f2.8 if you need macro capability.

300mm (400 f.28 is you can swing it) if you want something long.

....plenty of lenses out there, depending on your budget and interest.

thanks nick.

i havent reached the fisheye effect, macro and really long distances yet. havent found the need.

thanks for your feedback.

cheers

Your 18-200 VR is already good for landscapes and groupshots. However, like what Nick mentioned, the 12-24 Ultrawide or a 10.5 fisheye are also good options... They will give you a fresh new perspective coz of their "creative" distortion... But it really depends on how you look at it. I used the term "creative" coz that is how I perceive or take the eminent distortion that these lenses would package-together with your pics... Others may think the opposite... But it totally boils down to you. Your mileage may vary. :)

I'll take it from your first openning salvo - serious hobbyist. If you find a good lens copy regardless of brand, based on ur experience or recommendation, then go for it. But if the intention will be hit and miss, then re sell, my opinion is you would be better off getting mid to high levels of lenses to preserve the value. Else, you'd be losing a lot on the re-sale.

hi earl and derick. thanks for the insights. i must admit that the perspectives of the ultrawides may be of interest to me. for the 18 it seems to be a bit limiting so i would probably go for another lens in the 12-24 as derick has pointed out for better value.

thanks guys and i look forward to this new more "rounded" perspective.

cheers!