Recommendation for a good 18-24mm Nikon mount DX lens for under £400?

[Mark A]

I am currently using my old 18-135mm kit lens for general photography and mainly use it in the 18-35mm range indoors. It's ok, but seems to hunt constantly when trying to focus and the images are very soft, especially noticeable on eyes.

I want to get something that will be an upgrade from this kit lens, that is faster focusing and sharper if possible. It would be used for general indoor photography and as its wide angle I'd also use it for landscape as well.

I do also have a 35mm Nikon 1:1.8g which is nice and sharp and faster focusing, but is a little too long for inside my small house.


So far I am looking at the Nikon 12-24 1.4 g dx second hand, but reviews aren't great for it. Anything else I should look at?

Camera is a D5300 and doesn't have an internal motor.

TIA

 

[Mark A]

A used Sigma 18-35mm f1.8 may be within your budget. Its a fantastic lens, sharp as hell. The one thing I miss about owning a DX camera is not being able to own this lens

Thanks a lot! I'll have a look into this lens. I don't mind paying a bit more if its really worth it.

Edit: It seems to go for around £400 second hand but in "excellent" condition. Hmm, it does sound great from a quick scan of reviews. The only slight negative would be the size and weight as my camera is quite light, but that doesn't bother me too much as I am used to using my Nikon 105mm macro, which is a beast.

I could also then sell my 35mm f1.8 lens to help pay for it.

 

[Mark A]

That looks great! Had a quick look through your photos and you have some amazing shots there!

I have a few in my watch list in the hope the sellers will send an offer to tempt me.

 

[Mark A]

Thanks for the suggestions, i'll have a look into those. Also yes, I sold my D80, but kept the 18-135 kit lens and replaced it with the D5300 for the video capability and updated sensor.

I still have a few Nikon 12-24mm lenses in my watch list on ebay and they're generally going for around £250-£300 . This lens is £1100 new! Whats up with that? I thought Nikon lenses usually keep their value pretty well, buts thats a fair old drop in price for that one. Ken Rockwell seems to love the 12-24mm, but i'm not sure if hes sponsored by Nikon or just a big fanboy as he tends to be very biased.

 

[Mark A]

Thanks @Columbo I think i'm definitely leaning toward the Sigma 18-35mm as it sounds like a great lens. I did read something about it needing to be calibrated to get the best out of it, but not sure my camera has that option.

I'll have a look into the other lens mentioned. The Tokina 12-24 also sounds good and that price is very tempting..

So not much love at all for the Nikon 12-24 then.. I'm surprised its still selling for such a high price.