[mst]

[quote name='mst' timestamp='1298846479' post='6392']

Better, but still not good. Good enough for a lab test (where I can work around the issue somewhat), however I won't do any field tests with it.

[/quote]



Well, changed my mind ... I was too curious <img src='http://forum.photozone.de/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/cool.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='B)' />



The decentering is low enough to try some field shots. Just don't expect wide open shots of frame-filling flat subjects at 28 mm.



One small surprise: Tokina does not really have a good reputation regarding flare handling (at least with their DX wide angle zooms). Especially with a lens that features a similarly large and bulbed front element as the Nikkor 14-24 I expected similar performance in this regard.



Surprisingly the 16-28 handles flare a lot better than the Nikkor.



It's a pity, really. If the lens was well centered, I would probably keep it.



-- Markus

[IanCD]

[quote name='BG_Home' timestamp='1298845139' post='6390']

Well, umm... I've used two Nikon 12-24s so far. Neither exhibited really good centering quality.

[/quote]

Can't think of an adequate response to this, what an (expensive) hassle..! I had thought Nikon might give some assurance of QC.

Have manufacturers become far less careful about QC as volumes of sales have increased..? I have this (weird, is it?) old-fashioned expectation that if they're charging that much, then they should (and would want to..?!) turn their products out as near-perfect as they're designed to be... How naive..!

[quote name='Klaus' timestamp='1298750105' post='6382']

It all depends. Frankly I'm only mail-ordering lenses from well-known shops in order to have to return items without hassles (e.g. amazon).

In this scope I can "gamble" even with third-party manufacturers.

If this is no option for you I would stick with a genuine manufacturer simply because of better QC and better service quality.



I'd probably give the Sigma 8-16mm a try.

[/quote]

Thanks Klaus, might try that when the budget's there - it's some months away anyway..! ;-) Looks like a definite don't bother for the Tokina, though.

Ian

[Guest]

This is an interesting thread. Shows all manufacturers are equally guilty of poor QC. Worth bookmarking...



A pity really... sigh...



[quote name='IanCD' timestamp='1299017566' post='6420']Have manufacturers become far less careful about QC as volumes of sales have increased..?[/quote]



Maybe it's also because we now get to peer very closely at highly magnified photos (iow, pixel peeping) while manufacturers just look at downsized 1024 by 768 pixels photos. <img src='http://forum.photozone.de/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wink.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' />