Random Orbits said:
Canon now has better UWA zooms than Nikon. Nikon has a 17-35 f/2.8 and a 16-35 f/4, but not something that fits the same slot as the 16-35 f/2.8 III. With the 16-35 f/2.8 III, how viable is the 14-24? It has a narrower focal length range, is heavier, doesn't take filters and gets you two additional mm. At that point, it might be preferable to couple the 16-35 with a 14mm prime.
If the 14-24mm would have low coma, it would be preferred for astrophotography.
If one would like an ultra-wide lens to go along a 24-70mm f/2.8, buying the one 14-24mm f/2.8 would make more sense than buying the two 14mm + 16-35mm.
So, though I agree with your logic, I think some photographers might have a different view.
Random Orbits said:
the Sigma 14 prime is better for astro even if you have to stop down the aperture slightly. And there is the 15-30 VC too.
Wouldn't that depend on the 14-24mm's image quality?
According to photozone, the 14mm f/1.8 has strong barrel distortion (the 14-24mm is supposed to have <1% vs 3.43% here), isn't sharp wide open @ ~f/2 on high resolution sensors (again, the 14-24mm is supposed to be better here), and apparently doesn't excel in the coma department on FF sensors.
In other words, it seems Sigma thinks those two lenses have distinct & separate target audiences.
Random Orbits said:
So how big is the market for Canon users for a 14-24? A design like this would have been more viable 5 years ago before all the UWA zooms came to market.
That is an excellent question / point. When the Nikkor 14-24mm f/2.8 came out, I was somewhat envious. Then a photography shop employee I appreciate* for his advice told me a lot of copies of this lens got quickly into the used market (the shop traded in used photography equipment), as people were disappointed with it. Apparently the lens didn't serve their needs as well as the hoped.
* I take his opinion seriously as he cared more about the customers' interests than his employer's. I would often come in looking for an expensive item, and receive his good advise to buy a cheaper item, or none at all. That cost him dearly when the shop closed one year ago. I've met most other employees behind the counters of other photography shops, AFAIK he's still looking for a job.
