Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6 EX DC Lens for Minolta and Sony Digital SLR Cameras

3 Replies to “Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6 EX DC Lens for Minolta and Sony Digital SLR Cameras”

1. John Nolley II says:

   March 30, 2011 at 6:01 pm

   315 of 317 people found the following review helpful:

   
   Could be better, but works well within its price range, December 19, 2005

   By 

   John Nolley II (Fairfax, VA United States) –
   
     

   This review is from: Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III USM Telephoto Zoom Lens for Canon SLR Cameras (Electronics)

   After reading several online reviews of the Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III USM lens, I had nearly talked myself out of even looking at one. However, thanks to a local Canon demonstration, I was able to play with several lenses, the 75-300mm f/4-5.6 among them. I got to try it out alongside the IS version (which costs just under 3x as much), the non-USM version, and some of their L-series professional lenses.

   That said, I found there to be less difference among the directly-comparable lenses (the non-USM, USM, and IS versions) than I’d have thought. On the test shots I took using a Canon Digital Rebel XT, I didn’t find full-zoom telephoto shots to be appreciably softer in the non-IS version reviewed herein, nor were the images overly soft for my liking period.

   The USM focusing didn’t seem to make as much of a difference as I’d expected over the non-USM model, either. Focusing was still relatively slow (as other reviewers have pointed out), although once an initial focus has been made, adjustments aren’t too slow unless changing to a subject substantially nearer or farther away. HOWEVER, the AF engine did make a number of “mistakes” when using this lens that it did not using the IS lens (or, of course, the L-series glass); more than once I had to either switch to manual focus or try multiple times to get the right focus “lock.” Furthermore, the USM model doesn’t get you internal focus, either, like with higher-end lenses, so the end still rotates during focusing, which can be problematic with a circular polarizer or other filters.

   Overall, I’d say that you “get what you pay for”; this is a very inexpensive lens, and it shows in some areas. But it’s not nearly as bad as some would make it out to be. I tried it out both on several indoors shots under less-than-ideal lighting conditions and was pleased in most respects, and outdoors, I got very good results on even moving subjects.

   Pros:
   — Cost; at under $200, you would be hard-pressed to find a lens with the same reach with even half-decent optics.

   Cons:
   — Slow focus
   — Autofocus seems to confuse somewhat easily over the IS model
   — The USM version is still not an internally-focusing model, and thus the end of the lens will still rotate (and can affect filters, etc.)

   I’d recommend the IS version if you have the extra funds, but if you are on a budget and just can’t wait, I saw less of a difference than others have between the two. Of course, the real step up would be to a comparable piece of glass in the L series, but with it comes a real step up in price, too.

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2. K. Dardashti "Electronics fan" says:

   March 30, 2011 at 5:13 pm

   201 of 208 people found the following review helpful:

   
   best value wide angle., February 9, 2006

   By 

   K. Dardashti “Electronics fan” (los angeles usa) –
   
     

   This review is from: Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6 EX DC HSM Lens for Canon Digital SLR Cameras (Electronics)

   there are currently 4 wide angle zoom choices available on the EF-S canon mount (d-rebel/xt/20d) canon 10-22, Sigma 12-24, sigma 10-20, tokina 12-24. Of these, sigma 12-24 is the only one which is usuable on a full frame sensor (canon 1d, 5d, possible future cameras). There is sizable difference in field of view between the 10 mm, and 12 mm. and the tokina is closer to 13 mm on its wide end. The sigma retails for about 2/3 the price of the canon. Optically they are very similar, with the canon having a larger maximum aperature, which is generally not important in a wide angle lens. The built construction is EX, they higher line of sigma, and it excellent. The focus motor is HSM, making it fast, and very accurate. Resolution chart show the sharpness to be very close to that of canon. The color and contrast is excellent, the flare and chromatic abberation genenrally well controlled. A fun lens to use, and excellent value.

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3. Craig 1959 "RAV Fan" says:

   March 30, 2011 at 4:20 pm

   219 of 224 people found the following review helpful:

   
   I didn’t plan on buying this lens but I am glad I did, October 21, 2006

   By 

   Craig 1959 “RAV Fan” (Ottawa, Canada) –

   This review is from: Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6 EX DC HSM Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras (Electronics)

   I went into a local camera store to look at the Nikon 12-24mm wide angle zoom to eventually augment the Nikon 50mm 1.8 and 18-200mm VR I currently use on my D200. After seeing the Sigma 10-20mm, taking test shots with it and the Nikon, and then printing the shots in the store, I walked out with the Sigma lens.

   I had planned to buy the 12-24mm Nikon next Spring when my budget would allow the expenditure. I have had success with Nikon optics in the past – starting with my first Nikon FM back in the seventies. The Sigma’s good construction, nice finish, smooth+fast+quiet focusing and 10mm focal length convinced me to try my first non-Nikon lens in 30 years. A big factor: The Sigma lens is less than half the price of the Nikon lens here is Canada. It fit my budget, so I took the plunge.

   The Sigma fits into my “sharp enough” category. In real world shooting, its sharpness is on par with my 18-200mm Nikon. Both lens are less sharp than my $100 50mm 1.8 when “test” images are blown up to 16″x20″ size. I never notice any lack of sharpness in “real” pictures. I care more about color saturation, contrast and color balance anyway. In this area, the Sigma does well. Saturation and contrast are equal to both my other Nikon lens – particularly at f8 and smaller aperatures. Wide open, I find some weakening in contrast. The Sigma has a warmer color termperature than my other lens. One click toward blue in Photoshop would fix this minor variance in color. But I use my 10-20mm almost exclusively for landscapes. The warmer color is generally a good thing.

   I have noticed some vignetting @ 10mm f4. Zooming to 12mm or stopping down to f5.6 elminates any artifacts in pictures I have taken thus far. I have found it’s more important to avoid “thick framed” filters – and stacking filters is a no no with this lens. They cause more darkening than a wide open f-stop. BTW: I added a 72 to 77mm step-up ring to my 18-200m VR Nikon to allow me to share filters between my zoom lens.

   I do miss having a manual/autofocus switch on the Sigma lens. I have accidently nudged the manual focus ring a couple of times. With that said, the incredible depth of field of this lens (or any lens at this focal length) means small focusing errors can be tolerated :)

   I recommend this lens – even to people like me, who never had a non-nikon lens before.

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