teknik 0 #1 April 21, 2009 Hello all photographers, I've been fiddling around with the Canon XSI kit lens (18-55 IS) for a while now and it's time for me to invest in a ultra-wide angle lens. I was initially planning on getting a Canon 10-22 which has been praised for its on and off the ground qualities. By doing a little research i came across this fairly recent lens: the Tokina 11-16mm 2.8. http://www.kenrockwell.com/tokina/11-16mm.htm Even though the range isn't as good as the Canon, the aperture is definitely way better all across. the extra stops could really help on evening loads and for indoor photography. Has anyone tested this lens for skydiving? Impressions? Pictures? Thanks for the help Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Icon134 0 #2 April 21, 2009 granted I'm biased... since I have the Canon 10-22... but for the few times I might need/want a 2.8 aperture (sunset loads... etc) I would rather jump with a flash... The 10-22 is an outstanding piece of glass and I think is much better then the kit lens (which isn't bad either) Below is a shot with the Canon 10-22... http://www.scottgunstills.com/photos/516816774_GKsCo-L.jpgLivin' on the Edge... sleeping with my rigger's wife... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
teknik 0 #3 April 21, 2009 I've never actually used a deported flash so i don't have much knowledge on that (on the ground as well). May i ask what flash you are using. Do you use the same flash for indoor shots as well ? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BMFin 0 #4 April 21, 2009 This is a tough one. These are the best two wide angles for a cropped sensor IMO. I think you just need to google and read some reviews and make a decision. Remember though that 10mm is noticably wider than 11mm and the canon has a zoom range of 12mm and the tokina only has 5mm Its a tough decision, but on the other hand which ever you choose you cant go wrong.. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Icon134 0 #5 April 21, 2009 QuoteI've never actually used a deported flash so i don't have much knowledge on that (on the ground as well). May i ask what flash you are using. Do you use the same flash for indoor shots as well ? I haven't done much shooting in freefall with a flash... (I do have a prototype setup for my 580 EX) The principles of photography themselves don't change just because I'm in freefall so in general I will use the same flash I would use on the ground and would use it in the same manner... as all things to get it right takes practice and experience... Something that I have on the ground but not nearly as much in the air... btw: the picture I posted was taken in the mid afternoon and a flash wasn't used... (I was merely showing what the 10-22 was capable of doing.)Livin' on the Edge... sleeping with my rigger's wife... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
raceface 0 #6 April 21, 2009 my friend just bought canon 1000D + tokina 11-16 combo, i am currently working on his helmet setup. maybe this week will have first pictures...my pictures Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
billvon 2,989 #7 April 21, 2009 I've had very good luck with the Canon 10-22. Works great for ground, freefall and (at 22mm) under canopy. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
grayhghost 0 #8 April 21, 2009 the Tokina is awesome! very sharp throughout the range don't get hung up on the zoom range because at the wide end of the spectrum zoom is much more distinct the only downside is the size I would recommend building a foam support for underneath the lens because the lens mount on smaller cameras is slightly too weak for a hard opening here is a shot at 11mm and f/2.8 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
teknik 0 #9 April 22, 2009 Thanks to all for the answers. After lots and lots of reading (reviews, forums...) I've decided to go with the Canon 10-22mm. The extra range on the canon will definitely come in handy for landscapes and won't leave a gap with the Tamron 28-70 2.8 i'm planning on getting. I'll probably get the "strobe mania" in a couple months time and start buying flash and accessories like candy so the extra stop on the tokina won't really be so useful. Does anyone have a picture of a helmet setup with a 10-22. Do you use a support for the lens since it sticks far out? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PharmerPhil 0 #10 April 22, 2009 Quote...and won't leave a gap with the Tamron 28-70 2.8 i'm planning on getting. If you haven't already gotten the Tamron, you should look into the Sigma 24-70 2.8. I sold mine a while ago, but I loved it and kinda wish I still had it. It was my walking around lens for several years (as well as a great under the net lens for basketball). The extra range at the wide end was great, and it would leave less of a gap between it and the 10-22. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Icon134 0 #11 April 22, 2009 There are a few shots of my setup in the post your camera helmet thread. http://www.dropzone.com/cgi-bin/forum/gforum.cgi?post=3516110;#3516110 I don't use a support for the lens (not that this is right or wrong)... and I think the Canon 10-22 is lighter then my Tokina 17 (which I don't use anymore.)Livin' on the Edge... sleeping with my rigger's wife... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
teknik 0 #12 April 22, 2009 Oops slight mistake, it's Tamron 28-75 2.8 . Apparently this lens is magic for its price. It almost compares to an L lens on some aspects and apparently blows any other competition lens in the same range. Lots of reviews out there praising it. I will probably have more use of the extra far-end range of the tamron anyways. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
markovwgti 0 #13 April 22, 2009 go with the canon 15mm....the 10-22 is too long and too heavy ;) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
teknik 0 #14 April 22, 2009 Since the ultrawide lens will also serve as a landscape lens, i'd prefer not having to post process the fish-eye effect on every single pic... Thanks for all the help peeps. Now if anyone is selling (or giving ) their 10-22, i'd be glad to help ! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PharmerPhil 0 #15 April 22, 2009 Quote....the 10-22 is too long and too heavy Actually, the 10-22 is fairly light, and only 2 oz. heavier than the Canon 15mm (and yes, it is lighter than the Tokina 17mm). It is an inch longer than the Canon 15mm, but if the camera is top-mounted, that often isn't an issue. I have the Canon 15 and I like it, but I used the 10-22 on the ground and can definitely see the value in it for skydiving. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bdazel 0 #16 April 22, 2009 Quotego with the canon 15mm....the 10-22 is too long and too heavy ;) Good example of a subjective statement couched as fact. Many will disagree with your opinion, including myself. I jump a 10-22, and it is not too long, nor too heavy. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BETO74 0 #17 April 22, 2009 Quote Good example of a subjective statement couched as fact. Not really!!!!.... it is a FACT the 15mm is lighter and shorter than the 10-22. And for some of us thats important! I also recommend a 15mm but there is also a 10mm or 8mm??? depending on your flying skills.http://web.mac.com/ac057a/iWeb/AC057A/H0M3.html Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bdazel 0 #18 April 22, 2009 QuoteQuote Good example of a subjective statement couched as fact. Not really!!!!.... it is a FACT the 15mm is lighter and shorter than the 10-22. And for some of us thats important! I also recommend a 15mm but there is also a 10mm or 8mm??? depending on your flying skills. Come on man. Re-read the posts. He didn't say the 15mm is lighter. He said the 10-22 is TOO LONG and TOO HEAVY. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
billvon 2,989 #19 April 22, 2009 >it is a FACT the 15mm is lighter and shorter than the 10-22. Yep. But it's far from too heavy. I use an HC1 with the XSi plus the Canon 10-22 all the time, and it works just fine. Now, the 16mm cameras we were jumping for the Honda commercial - they were definitely too heavy (20 pounds.) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pcalandra 0 #20 April 26, 2009 Canon 10-22mm is a great lens, here's a shot with fill flash. It's not too heavy or long, I had a Sigma 15mm before this and really prefer this lens. Pat Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
teknik 0 #21 April 27, 2009 I believe you forgot the pic attachement Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
EXTremeWade 0 #22 April 27, 2009 Yes! Please post Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Supergeil 0 #23 April 28, 2009 Maybe a bit of topic... But how do you prevent the lens from zoom in/out doing freefall? I use a rubberband but is there an easier way... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Icon134 0 #24 April 28, 2009 QuoteI use a rubberband but is there an easier way...I use a rubberband as well and it works great... I've seen velcro setups that look nice as well..Livin' on the Edge... sleeping with my rigger's wife... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pcalandra 0 #25 April 28, 2009 Sorry, I thought I had uploaded the attachment? I didn't realize we were limted to 300K, here' a low res version. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites