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Hi everyone I am on a search for a wide angle lens for my D90. This lens will be used for portraits and for weddings. I am looking for something under $2,000. This is going to be an investment in my photography business, so I want to make sure I get the best for my money. Thanks

I don't think there will be many brides out there thanking you for a portrait or group shot (especially for the more portly and more distant relatives on the edge of the frame) with any of the following wide angles:

Nikon 14-24
Nikon 12-24
Nikon 10-24
Nikon 16-35
Sigma 10-20
Tokina 11-16

Might I add the Tokina 12-24 as well. Just got it and I love it

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Jason

Just a new guy learning his way

Film: Olympus XA2
Digital: Nikon D3100 w/SB-600: , Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G, Tokina 12-24MM F4 Pro II

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Using a wide-angle is risky business in portraiture but certainly needed under demanding situations for group shots (not enough distance from the group).
On a D90 (or any other DX-body I wouldn't go shorter than 16mm for this purpose. The Nikon DX 16-85 VR or FX 16-35 VR come to my mind.
One reason is their quality and the other is that you can at least zoom in to 35mm for a more flattering perspective.

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Thomas (beware: Nikon-fanboy and moderator!) My Lens Reviews, My Pictures, My Photography Blog
D800+assorted lenses

I agree with Thomas, I don't see why you'd need to go so wide. Of course, the 10-24 DX and the 12-24 give you a decent range, and you can get super wide if needed in those rare situations.

If there's a wide angle lens that I wouldn't recommend for this situation, it would be the 10.5mm fisheye, but for the obvious reason of it being a fisheye.

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-Evan

Gear: 7 Nikon Nikkor AI-S and AF-S lenses, SB-700 flash, Nikon D7000, Nikon FM, variety of accessories

"There are no rules for good photographs, there are only good photographs."
- Ansel Adams

Id get the 11-16 Tokina.

I disagree with the above. I feel that a wide bright lens is essential for a wedding photographer. It'll let you do indoor group shots, or group shots with interesting backgrounds, or let you walk around the dancefloor getting shots etc etc.

Most of the biggest fans I know of the 14-24mm are wedding photographers.

Jeremy

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Nikon D5000 and D300 with 12-24mm, 35mm f1.8, 50mm f1.4, 60mm f2.8 Macro, 18-200mm, 17-55mm f2.8 (all Nikon)

I agree, Jeremy.

Lots of wedding and events photogs use the 14-24mm. It certainly helps as it's sharp from corner to corner at f2.8. The others may be lacking in this important respect.

F/2.8 is essential. No lens has the great build of the Tokina 11-16 or it's build/IQ ratio. Get the Tokina. The Nikon 14-24 is a lens for full-frame usage,14mm(21mm equiv.) is not going to be enough in certain situations.

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Gear: Nikon D80, 18-105mm, 35mm F/1.8, 85mm F/1.8, SB-600
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