What low-cost ultra-wide angle DX lens will autofocus on my Nikon D5000?

Question

I need a wide angle lens for low-light/club photography with my Nikon D5000. I was going to pick up this one, but then I realized that it won't autofocus on my body. What is the closest equivalent in terms of price and performance that will?

Answer 1

If you can try it out before buying, the Tokina 11-16 might still be the best option. It is less expensive than the Nikon 12-24. The Nikon is the runner up in my opinion. The two lenses are significantly different: the Nikon 12-24 is part of the 3 lens continuous zoom coverage set, the Tokina 11-16 is a Prime with wiggle room.

I say that the Tokina might be your best option since focus does not have to be very precise. The focus scale is 1/4 turn on this lens, it goes from 1ft to infinity. 2ft is over halfway across the scale. Another consideration is whether auto-focus will be effective in a club environment. It is probable that neither the Tokina or Nikon will auto-focus in a club without the af assist light on-- and that is so bright you will annoy people and disrupt your composition.

Answer 2

I own the Tokina 11-16. It's a great lens, but you'd be surpirised how wide the lens is. I use it on a D7000. Also, the limited zoom range (it's really wide even at the 16mm setting.) Unless you're literally a meter in front of the subject, it's going to look small.

Also - it's so wide, your flash won't light the whole frame.

I am looking to solve a similar problem to what you have - and I'm currently planning on purchasing the Nikon 17-55mm lens as the solution to the problem.

I've been testing the concept - standing at the back of the room with my 80-200mm 2.8 on my D7000, ISO at about 3000 and shooting around 1/60 - 1/100 sec. With Aperture at 2.8.

No flash - using the stage lighting only - it produces a fairly decent image. You can see the grain, but it's acceptable if you frame your shot well and don't have to zoom in too much.

Answer 3

You'll need an AF-S lens. Unfortunately most of the lenses available will be more expensive or have a smaller maximum aperture.

• Nikon 12-24mm f/4
• Nikon 17-35mm f/2.8
• Nikon 17-55mm f/2.8
• Sigma 10-20mm f/3.5

I think the Sigma is probably the closest in price/performance to the Tokina.

Answer 4

Tokina apparently makes a D5000 compatible version of your original lens.

http://www.amazon.com/Tokina-11-16mm-AT-X116-Digital-Cameras/dp/B007ORX8ME/ref=pd_cp_p_0