D800 & Tokina 11-16

[Samuel H]

I need ND filters most of the time
if the lens doesn't take screw-in filters, you have to go with a matte box (and it's not easy to find one that will work with a 12mm on full frame!!)

admittedly, for such wide angle lenses, you're probably using deep DoF anyway, but in daylight you're going to need f/16 or f/22 to get proper exposure

[spookybathtub]

To the OP:
I noticed the same thing, and found that with live-view turned off, the Image Area menu is enabled so you can switch to DX.
But I also noticed another problem: It's SOFT! All my DSLR experience has been with Canons, but yesterday I had to rent a D800 and Tokina 11-16 for a specialty shot. All the footage looks a little soft. I shot these two test charts back at home for reference. Can anyone tell me if this is normal, or might there be a problem with back focus? I've used this lens before for video with Canon 7D, and never noticed a problem like this. I'd appreciate any advice from Nikon users out there.
Both were shot at 16mm, ISO 800, 1/60, f/4, 1080p30 "high" quality. One is FX, the other is DX. I think the DX one is even softer.

https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B52...zlBVmV2QzZGUjA
https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B52...EtLamREODQ4STQ

[BobbyMurcerFan]

The DX is certainly softer. The D800 should be shaper than any of the Canon cams. Can you post shooting the chart with a Canon body?

[spookybathtub]

As soon as I get my hands on a camera I will. But probably not anytime soon.

[Cosimo Bullo]

Agreed that from 15-16mm it's great on our 5dii.

[Throwback]

Bob - ND filters are still essential, of course, to keep shutter speed down to, say, 1/50 sec. Incidentally, I agree with you about the Sigma 12-24 lens as a comparatively affordable FX UWA lens - I had two (of disconcertingly different sharpness) for years, though prefer the - much pricier - Nikkor 14-24mm lens I now have (mainly for its sharpness for stills): the main difference for video between the two lenses would be the susceptibility of the Sigma to flare (much greater) and the faster speed of the Nikkor for lower light. It's not much fun holding either up on a Glidecam w/o a vest tho'!

Cheers,

Roland