Wide angle lens

I waas never happy shooting the 12-24, even behind the most expensive (I didn't say best) $1k glass domes at anything less than f11.

That being said, the Nexus FEP-170 and Ikelte dome port still exhibit soft corners at this aperture. Nexus' newly recomended dome for the 12-24 (like their fourth suggestion) may solve the problem, but I haven't had a chance to get it in the water. I've heard lots of grumbling about a sharper, yet harder to pack, alternative from Ikelite too...

This absolutely isn't the sharpest lens Nikon has ever made, but is very usable, and covers a very useful range.

The compact wide port from Sea & Sea should produce terrible results- this lens absolutely requires a dome, and a bigger one (the NX Fisheye port, or Athena's port) will make your life easier and placement less important.

If I were to ever break my 10.5, the Sigma 15mm would be my next choice. But only after I broke my 10.5...

Photos on following URL: http://www.ikelite.com/web_pages/triv_haasdrebel.html were shot by Haas with 15mm Sigma according to my notes. He also forwarded some 15mm Sigma Fisheye shots with a Rebel from Australia which I will try to add to our site this weekend............

Haas Australia photos with 15mm Sigma Fisheye and Sigma 50mm macro lenses asembled in a mini collage (however that is spelled) by someone with no artistic talent and limited ability to manipulate and assemble images with PhotoShop: http://www.ikelite.com/web_pages/triv_aust_haas.html

Just when I thought it was safe.................

I only "thought" I was ready to make a decision to buy a 12-24 nikon based on the "complete lens bag" sticky thead........but after reading this thread, the question marks are starting to pop up.

Has the 12-24 lost it's initial luster based on experience?

Your suggestions and input are welcome. I don't won't to spend the hard earned cash and end up with the proverbial "pooch".

Thanks

My experience with the 12-24 behind Ike's dome with no diopter had mixed results. Behind nexus dome with no diopter same mixed results. I will be trying behind nexus dome with +4 diopter next...this may help. It's been more difficult for me to get consistent results with this lens than the 10.5, 18-70, 60 or 105mm..

M.

Thanks for everyones input, I decided to go with the sigma 15 mm fe, it seem like a safe purchase.

Thanks Larry