I finally had an opportunity to get out and shoot with the Nikon 14-24mm lens in a real world environment. This wasn’t so much a “scientific” test and evaluation of the Nikon as it was a hit and run visit to introduce my mother, visiting from San Antonio, to Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve.
The subject for the afternoon was spring runoff in Medano Creek. The wind was blowing (when is it not blowing?) fiercely and I really wanted to avoid lens changes to keep from getting sand in the camera. I needed to select one lens for the day and decided it was time to go to the Nikon. The flow of the creek and the patterns in the sand screams for an ultra-wide field-of-view.
While I intend to review this lens in detail sometime in the near future, I have to say that I’m very impressed by what I’m seeing in my images so far. The corners, always a weak spot for Canon ultra-wide lenses, are very sharp on the Nikon. My only concern when using the Nikon has been the large, bulbous front element. I’m very happy to report that after being pelted by sand for over an hour, the lens shows no signs of abuse, despite the fact that it’s not (currently) possible to mount a protective filter.
The picture is great as are many of the others that you shot that day.I enjoy the play of light with the shadows and lights of the mountains,sand and water.
Tell you what — that’s one mighty fine photograph. Beautifully done.
Lee Filters now produce a (rather elaborate) filter mount for the Nikon 14-24mm lens: see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fMX5p9Iwx3Y
Stunning photos! I adore the post so much!