Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6 EX DC HSM Lens for Canon Digital SLR Cameras

I went into a local camera store to look at the Nikon 12-24mm wide zoom, ultimately increasing the Nikon 50mm 1.8 and 18-200mm VR I currently use on my D200. After seeing Sigma 10-20mm, the test images with it, and Nikon, and then print the pictures in the store, I went out with the Sigma lens.

I had planned to buy 12-24mm Nikon next Spring when my budget allows spending. I have had success with Nikon optics in the past - starting with my first Nikon FM back in the seventies. Sigma is good design, nice finish, smooth + fast + quiet focus and 10 mm focal length persuaded me to try my first non-Nikon lenses for 30 years. A major factor: the Sigma lens is less than half price on the Nikon lens here is Canada. It fits my budget, so I took the plunge.

Sigma fits into my "sharp enough" category. In the real world shooting, the sharpness on par with my 18-200mm Nikon. Both lenses are less sharp than my $ 100 50mm 1.8, when the "test" images 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 though. This area allows Sigma well. Saturation and contrast is equal to both of my other Nikon lenses - especially the F8 key and less aperatures. Wide open, I find some weakening in contrast. Sigma has a warmer color temperatures than my other lenses. A click on the blue in Photoshop will solve the minor variations in color. But I use my 10-20mm almost exclusively for landscapes. The warmer color is generally good.

I have noticed some vignetting @ 10mm F4. Zoom to 12mm or stop down to F5.6 elminates all artifacts in the images I've taken so far. I have found it more important to avoid "thick framed" filters - and stacking filters is a no no with this lens. They cause more darker than a wide open f-stop. BTW: I have a 72-77 mm step-up ring for my 18-200m Nikon VR for letting me share filters between my zoom lens.

I miss having a manual / auto focus switch on the Sigma lens. I accidentally bumped the manual focus ring a few times. With that said, does incredible depth of field this lens (or lenses at this focal length) less focus error can be tolerated:)

I recommend this lens - even for me who never had a non-Nikon lenses before.