12-24 Nikkor lense

[Rockett8]

Hi , finally got my hands on this new lense from Nikon.
I'm refering to the 12-24 mm zoom F4.
So far it's pretty cool, especially on the wide end. More to come as I shoot with this. Calumet- Chicago just got them in.

[bjnicholls]

I got mine a couple of days ago. Nikon's promise of smaller, faster, cheaper for DX lenses is BS in this case. The lens is slightly heavier and larger than my 18-35mm that provides the same range full frame. It costs more than twice as much.

That said, the 12-24 has no obvious barrel or pincusion distortion and the chromatic aberation is less than that for my 18-35mm. AF-S isn't any faster than the 18-35, but it is quieter. It's nice to have a wide angle again, but over $1000 is a lot to pay for a slow zoom.

[Rockett8]

bjnicholls-- you're ahead of me on this one!! The photo is very good, little or no distortion.......nice. I needed a good wide angle and wasn't sure if my 18mm Nikkor was compatible with the S2,since it's an AI lense and not auto-focus. Your are correct sir about the price!!! What a rip, but, it appears to be good glass.
I'll post any good reviews when I shoot more. I'm taking this rig to the tropics to do a feature and needed something wide for location photos. A little worried about the humidity.

[bjnicholls]

Sounds like an exciting trip. I've seen suggestions for carrying silica dessicant cannisters (that can be recharged in an oven) to help with storing gear in a humid environment. I'd think an airtight case like a Pelican or perhaps a dry bag by Ortleib would help protect your gear. I took my S2 down the Salmon river on a rafting trip earlier this month and the Pelican case did a fine job of protection.

The 12mm angle of view is 20° more than your 18mm on the S2, I think you'll be happy with a real superwide capability. Unless the old 18 has an element that extends far into the camera body, you could probably use it just fine, without metering of course.

I also got my lens from Calumet as well, they've been great to work with on a few orders now...

[rbeckerelite]

Originally posted by bjnicholls
Sounds like an exciting trip. I've seen suggestions for carrying silica dessicant cannisters (that can be recharged in an oven) to help with storing gear in a humid environment. I'd think an airtight case like a Pelican or perhaps a dry bag by Ortleib would help protect your gear. I took my S2 down the Salmon river on a rafting trip earlier this month and the Pelican case did a fine job of protection.

The 12mm angle of view is 20° more than your 18mm on the S2, I think you'll be happy with a real superwide capability. Unless the old 18 has an element that extends far into the camera body, you could probably use it just fine, without metering of course.

I also got my lens from Calumet as well, they've been great to work with on a few orders now...

Once again, I post a little off topic but I had to say Calumet is one of the most helpful and professional resellers out there.

I was in California a couple of years back when my 4x5 Polaroid holder went south. After calling a couple of other sources in S. CA, I suddenly remembered Calumet and called them. Within 5 minutes, the very nice sales lady had taken my order, gotten approval on my AmEx card and given directions to the store from the shoot site to their store. They even gave return directions that took my assistant past a Burger King so he could get lunch for us on the way back.

Is Calumet always the cheapest? No.

Are they the best for customer service? YES!

Best regards,

Randy Becker

[frankfurter]

I'd like to add that I would recommend Robert's Imaging in Indianapolis (http://www.robertsimaging.com/site/). I got on a waiting list with them and it was fulfilled very quickly. Price was on the lower end I had found, and they were super nice folks to do with. Ask for Cristy!

Can't wait to slap that baby on my S2! My poor dog doesn't know what she's in for...... :)

[Rockett8]

Frankfurter,
You are right, Robert's is a great source of gear.. I have used them for years and have always been happy with their support.
I just happened to be in Chicago and developed a relationship with Calumet and got my S2 from them- and shortly thereafter....my lense. which I still have not had a chance to put through the ringer. I use it every day, but not really had a chance to test it like I'd like to.