I am about to bite the bullet for a third lens for my D70. I already have a 60 mm Nikon and a 18 -70 Nikon and am now ready to go for the wide angle zoom lens. The Nikon lens is about $1000 and the Tokina is about $480. Does anybody have enough experience with both lenses to tell me whether the difference is worth $500 to the average photographer?
Also - with the Aquatica housing will the same dome port that works for the 18 - 70 work for the 12 - 24 (minus the extension ring)?
Thanks.
Andy

DrFiscus@msn.com

I have used both and can't see a difference.

You'll probably want the 8" dome port with a 15mm extension ring for either of these lenses.

Sincerely,
James Wiseman

I think it can be quite tricky to get the zoom gear to work with the Tokina?

Alex

I have the D100 and Aquatica housing and could not get the zoom gear on correctly. The "flash pop up", with Nikon on it, just got in the way. I had to return it and get the Nikon.

See aquatica's lens chart for your answer... at least for the nikon lens:
http://www.aquatica.ca/database/lens_charts/a_d70.pdf
You will need the 8" dome port and the 18456 port extension (that is a different extension than the 18-70's 18453).

I just ordered a Nikon 12-24 from B&H on Monday for $899 with 2 day shipping for $18. So, the price difference is closer to $400 than $500. That's for an imported/ grey market lens, but that's still better than buying on eBay (domestic lens was $839 I think).

I couldn't find any definitive comparisons between the Nikon and the Tokina. The Tokina has pretty good optics but it has some barrel distortion and slightly soft corners. I believe the Nikon is sharper in the corners and has less distortion. Is the extra quality worth $400?.... I guess it all depends what you are trying to accomplish.