Fisheye Lens, Wide Angle Lens, and Zoom Lens for Nikon D50?

Question

Hey guys I am looking for a good wide angle, zoom and fisheye lens for my nikon d50. I have never had a a wide angle or zoom lens before and I want one made by someone other than nikon/nikkor.

Same for the fisheye, my previous one was the Nikkor 16mm af fisheye, I was not really happy with how "bubbly" it was compared to some other photos I have seen so again I want a good one made by someone else. If you can give me names of companies or specific lenses I might be interested in that be great.

Thanks!

Answer 1

Before you banish the entire line of Nikkor lenses, the basis for the Nikon slr system (the same can be said for Canon's lenses and camera, etc.) here's a software solution to your dissatisfaction with your 16mm.  The Nikkor 16mm fisheye was designed for 35mm and is optimized for full-frame cameras.  Though it will work on DX cameras like your D50, it's not the best match.

Read Ken Rockwell's Nikkor 16mm review and note the difference when used on a fullsized sensor camera like the D3.

http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/1628af....

And there's the software solution.

http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/fisheye-...

Remember, Nikon lenses are specifically designed for the Nikon system.  Again, the same can be said for Canon's lens system, as well as others.

Sigma, Tokina, Tamron, etc. make generic lens designs, that are then adapted to other cameramaker's bodies.  Their appeal is usually price, not innovative design.  Trust, me I've worked behind the camera counter, as well as behind the camera.

Answer 2

For WA, the Tokina 12-24 dx format lens is pretty well regarded.