10-20mm Lens

[Jetsprinter]

Does anyone out there have first hand experience with the new Sigma 10-20mm lens.
Or as an alternative, can someone point me to an informative review please.

[Mr. Pickles]

I haven't seen a review of it yet, maybe because it isn't available yet(?).

To me, it is really wide, about the widest out there. I know that Canon's own 10-22 f/3.5-4.5 is an average lens. Sigma has the 15-30 f/3.5-4.5 already, and it is worse than the Canon 10-22.

To me it might be hard to beleive the new Sigma 10-20 is gonna be a barn burner. Probably an average lens. Their 15-30 is an EX, which is supposedly their best thing, but the 10-20 isn't.

[Jetsprinter]

B&H had some in stock and Sigma say the Canon mount 10-20mm F4-5.6 EX DC HSM is availabe now.
http://www.sigma-photo.co.jp/english...10_20_4_56.htm

[Mr. Pickles]

I always go to the Sigma Photo website that says it is "Sigma Corporation of America"

Their homepage is http://www.sigmaphoto.com

And if you click on LENSES along the top (http://www.sigmaphoto.com/lenses/lenses_all.asp), it says Availalble Soon

Perhaps the one you are going to is the Japan site, converted to English. If so, and it isn't available in the US yet, then B&H had gray market ones...

[Jetsprinter]

Right you are. I had been going to the Japan site and will now concentrate on looking at the US site only.
I think I will keep an eye out for its release and come back at that time to see if anyone has any reports to share on the lens.
Your input is much appreciated Mr Pickles, thanks.

[cameraguy21773]

I took a few test images a few days ago with the Sigma EX 10-20 and then took the same shots with my EX 12-24. Samples were taken at 10mm f4, f8, f16 and the same at 20 mm. Then I repeated the same shot with the 12-24 at 12mm and 20mm. I have not yet processed the raw files but will do so soon. My initial impressions are that the 10-20 is not better than the 12-24 but it is an outstanding lens well worth the $449-500 it will cost most places. The rectilinearity is quite good, like the 12-24, an important feature to me. It is smaller and lighter (not too important to me) and has good ergonomics. I'd rate it highly on first impression.

A few of the companion jpgs that I get with the NEFs I take are posted here with no processing of any kind. I think they will give you a taste of the capability of this very fine lens. http://www.pbase.com/cameraguy21773/sigma_1020_samples

More to follow.


regards
Mike Parker
Frederick, MD

[Jetsprinter]

This is just what I am looking for thanks Mike. I certainly gives me a starting point as I will have to import a lens if I want one,* therefore, the chance to trial isn't there.
If anybody else out there has an opportunity I would like to see some internal shots also please.

[cameraguy21773]

I have posted some additions to the posted images taken with the new Sigma EX 10-20 f4-5.6 zoom now on PBase.com. There are now some comparison images from the new Tamron 11-18 f4-5.6 zoom, and the established Sigma EX 12-24 f4.5-5.6 zoom. These are the companion jpg files that are saved with the NEF files. They have not been processed, color corrected, sharpened or, in any other way, modified. Keep checking here for selected processed raw files and comparison images from these three lenses.

http://www.pbase.com/cameraguy21773/sigma_1020_samples

[sigmasd10]

Originally Posted by cameraguy21773

I have posted some additions to the posted images taken with the new Sigma EX 10-20 f4-5.6 zoom now on PBase.com. There are now some comparison images from the new Tamron 11-18 f4-5.6 zoom, and the established Sigma EX 12-24 f4.5-5.6 zoom. These are the companion jpg files that are saved with the NEF files. They have not been processed, color corrected, sharpened or, in any other way, modified. Keep checking here for selected processed raw files and comparison images from these three lenses.

http://www.pbase.com/cameraguy21773/sigma_1020_samples

Thanks for the comparsion.
To me its seems the new 10-20mm EX is easily the best of the three, then the 12-24mm EX and the Tamron 11-18mm seems to be the worst performer. To make matters worse for the Tamron it has a horrible colour cast too.

Regards

Alf

[cameraguy21773]

Alf -
My initial impression was that the Sigma 10-20 was not better than the Sigma 12-24. Even after looking at a couple of NEFs briefly I'm not convinced it is better or enough better to cause me to give up my 12-24. If I could do a days' shoot with both lenses I might change my mind. If I owned neither lens I might lean toward the 10-20

In all fairness to Tamron, those images were shot on a different day, though not very different weather than when the others were taken. Post processing can fix them too, as you well know. Still, I agree with you that on first look the Sigma is sharper. An employee at the store where I tested these two liked the Tamron and bought one but tell exactly why and did not make any prints. ()

[yalazy]

I found this today: http://www.arthuryam.com/sigma_10-20/

Looks good!

[Jetsprinter]

Thanks for all your input folks, I have pretty much mad my mind up to buy one. Just need it to be available in Nikon mount now (when ever that will be?).

[hartcons]

*Vignetting will occur if the lens is used with digital cameras with image sensors larger than APS-C size or 35mm SLR cameras.

So I guess this is only for digital cameras? What does aps-c size mean?

Wouldn't you still get wider if you put a Sigma 12-24 on a film camera?

[Jetsprinter]

I took delivery of my Nikon mount Sigma 10-20 lens today and so far am more than happy with it. I would recommend this lens to anyone out there doing real estate photography and probably also to anyone doing landscapes that want a real dramatic effect. Thanks to all those that sent me info on this lens.

[badpickev]

Originally Posted by hartcons

*Vignetting will occur if the lens is used with digital cameras with image sensors larger than APS-C size or 35mm SLR cameras.

So I guess this is only for digital cameras? What does aps-c size mean?

Wouldn't you still get wider if you put a Sigma 12-24 on a film camera?

Yes the 10-20 is a Dc lens. on a Nikon its like a 15-30. The 12-24 is a full frame lens, thus it works on film as a 12-24 and a 18-36 on digital.