Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6 EX DC HSM Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras by SIGMA
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Digital camera reviews of Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6 EX DC HSM Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras
Digital camera Review: A good investment in a Wide-Angle lens
Summary: 5 Stars
I waited to review this lens until I returned from our Hawaiian vacation, but I was very pleased with my purchase from the start.
I have a gallery of the test shots I did with this lens, and perhaps that would be sufficient to answer any questions anyone would have about the lens.
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The light was not too great for a number of the shots, but they are still usable for examining the performance of the lens.
I had some misgivings about buying the lens because of reports Sigma sufferes from inconsistent quality (some users having to exchange the lens a few times), however, I did not encounter any of the described problems. I am not a pro, but perhaps qualify as experienced amateur. Still, I can't readily quote all of the lens-related lingo. What concerns me is if I like the shot after I take it, and so far I've been very happy with the lens.
This is the first non-Nikon lens I have ever purchased in the 30+ years of Nikon shooting, but it's not likely to be the last. The cost was about half of a comparable Nikon product, and the performance according to many reviews is better. I cannot offer a direct comparison to other products as I don't have a similar Nikon lens, but I can say this lens is always with me, and I actually look for opportunities to use it.
Digital camera Review: A little soft
Summary: 4 Stars
Sometimes I am really pleased with the bright color repro and it generally produces sharp images. But I'm going to wait and see before I render an updated verdict. I ran a lot of sharpness test images:
at 10mm f/8 was best
at 13mm f/5.6-f/11
at 17mm f/11 and most all was very good
at 20mm f8-f/11
Digital camera Review: A lot of bang for the buck
Summary: 5 Stars
I needed a very wide angle lens for some work I had coming up and didn't really have the cash for a piece of Nikon glass to suit my needs.
After having done a lot of research on this lens, I decided to pick one up. I couldn't be happier. Seems to have a very good build quality for a lens in this price range. Distortion at the edges is very manageable, and the images produced by this lens are very sharp.
Digital camera Review: A must-have for DX/APS-C shooters
Summary: 5 Stars
I've had this one for nearly a year now, and with no hesitancy I can say this is a phenomenal lens for what you pay. For the Nikon there are a few select must-haves for the price, such as the 35 f/1.8 af-s, and this is one of the others. You get an EX line sigma lens that is sharp, built solid, and is optically ahead of what you pay. While the f/3.5 version is faster, and the 8-16 version is wider, this is a great balance for the price point. If you think the difference in either of the others is worthwhile then certainly they might work better for you, but at 10mm it is wide enough to capture any size room in its entirety. In comparison to the f/3.5 version, the 3.5 is somewhat soft at those larger apertures requiring an increased f stop to get to the same sharpness of this 10-20 variable aperture lens. Another consideration is that this lens takes standard 77mm filters. The 8-16 does not take any, and the f/3.5 version takes 82mm. If you already have standard 77mm ones or are planning to get some fx-sized gear, 77mm is what you will use.
In comparison to other DX ultra-wides it holds its own in sharpness, has the HSM motor to autofocus on lower end bodies such as the d40/d5000, and even on my D7000 is still sharp enough that with the higher megapixel count I do not have issues with softness anywhere in the frame, edge to edge. (unlike the 17-70 f/2.8 version)
If you value your money, this is the best bang for the buck ultrawide for DX/APS-C bodies. I've compared this to the Tokina 11-16 f/2.8 and the sigma is sharper all around, with better colors, contrast, 0 aberration, and better flare control. Only downside is that it is slower (which may be a little or a big downside depending on use). Highly recommended at this price point.
Digital camera Review: A very wise choice
Summary: 5 Stars
This lens is great. Auto focus works as well if not better than with a Nikon lens. There is also less barrel distortion on this lens than there is with my Nikon 18-200 lens on the 18 setting. Well worth the price. I use this lens on a Nikon D200.