[flyingfortress]

i have recently gotten into urban exploring here in buffalo since it's literally full of abandoned factories/buildings. i am shooting with a nikon d3100 which has already proven to be limiting... however, i am stuck with it at the time being.

i am looking for a good wide angle lens though and after reading ten thousand reviews, i am still completely undecided. i know the tokina 12-24 f2.8 is a favorite, but it wont auto-focus on the d3100... so here are the three i am looking at (although, i am open to other suggestions):

nikon 10-24 f3.5-4.5 $890
nikon 12-24 f4 $838
sigma 10-20mm f4-5.6 $428
tokina 12-24mm f4 pro dx II $527

now, 85% of what i will be using this for is night time, tripod long exposure shots with little to no lighting (or painted with flashlights). inside factories, rooftop shots, hallways, rooms... all that - but also a car show or something here and there.

any help would be greatly appreciated!! thanks a lot

[oneintheory]

i'd go with the nikon 12-24. constant aperture is a must for me.

[Chewy734]

This is what you need.

It's better than the Nikon 12-24mm you listed, and costs less. It's a faster f/2.8 and will work better for you in low-light.

[flyingfortress]

Originally Posted by Chewy734

This is what you need.

It's better than the Nikon 12-24mm you listed, and costs less. It's a faster f/2.8 and will work better for you in low-light.

"i know the tokina 12-24 f2.8 is a favorite, but it wont auto-focus on the d3100... "

haha, i appreciate the reply, but i am aware of that lens, but it doesn't auto-focus on my camera - so it's not worth it to me.

[flyingfortress]

Originally Posted by oneintheory

i'd go with the nikon 12-24. constant aperture is a must for me.

any reason or more insight?

[Chewy734]

Originally Posted by flyingfortress

"i know the tokina 12-24 f2.8 is a favorite, but it wont auto-focus on the d3100... "

haha, i appreciate the reply, but i am aware of that lens, but it doesn't auto-focus on my camera - so it's not worth it to me.

I linked to the Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8. That one also doesn't autofocus on your camera?

[flyingfortress]

sorry, you're right. but that one still doesn't auto focus on the d3100. sucks

[Chewy734]

In that case, go with either the f/4 Nikon or Tokina. I agree with Josh that it'll be better to use a constant aperture. You don't have to keep adjusting the iso and other parameters when shooting. The f/4 will be faster and work better under low-light compared to others. I would also probably go with the Tokina over the Nikon to save $300, since the Nikon isn't that much better.

[flyingfortress]

thanks guys, i appreciate the info!