PMA 2005 | Sigma 10-20mm EX DC HSM introduction

new wideangle option from Sigma for cropped cameras:

Sigma 10-20mm EX DC HSM lens specifications:
- Focal Length: 10-20mm
- Minimum Aperture: F22
- Lens Construction: 14 Elements in 10 Groups
- Angle of View: 102.4°- 63.8°
- Number of Diaphragm Blades: 6 pcs
- Minimum Focusing Distance: 24cm (9.4")
- Maximum Magnification: 1:6.7
- Filter Size: 77mm
- Lens Hood: Petal Hood
- Diameter 83.5mm (3.3")X Length 81mm (3.2")

sounds quiet true, source link:
http://www.pma-show.com/sigma/004_10-20_ex...ex_dc_lens.html

This lens might enable a zoom gear and be worth a look if the 12-24 was to big (diameter).

Julian

Yes, it sounds like a good alternative to the 12-24. And with the minimum focusing distance of 9.4'' it probably won't need a diopter behind a dome (the minimum focusing distance of Nikon's 12-24 is 11.8'').

I had bad experiences with a Sigma (70-300) sometime ago, did their quality improved during the last few years?

Sigma, like most companies, make bad and good lenses. I think EX means good in Sigma-speak. I have a Sigma 28-70mm (f2.8-f2.8) that is very good. Nikon certainly don't offer anything with that quality for anywhere near the same price.

I like the look of this 10-20mm lens too - I have never actually bought a 12-24mm - although now my next camera will almost certainly be DX format I will be thinking about it.

Another good feature of the sigma is the zoom control is on the back of the lens making it much easier to attach and mesh gears with the housing.

Alex

Here is the official Sigma page:

http://www.sigma-photo.com/lenses/lenses_a...301&navigator=6

According to the specs, it will be 3.5mm narrower than the 12-24 and it looks like the zoom ring will be a bit narrower yet . . .

Mike

Hola Luiz, I have two Sigma zoom lens that I use for top side. one is the 70-200 2,8 EX HSM, very good optically I would say at par with my old Nikkor 80-200 F2,8 and I have the 17-35 28-4 EX which I will get rid of ASAP, since it's not very sharp as lens of this range are normally. but more to the point, in the long term, Nikon & Canon will, did & have changed the electronic protocol on their body, when this happen very often the Sigma will loose it's upward compatibility, Sigma being good sport, they usually have upgraded their lens free of charge when its inside the warranty period, so be aware of this when buying off brand lens, this is not a Urban legend, I have been in the retail business of camera for the last 34 years and seen it happen with some Canon and Nikon, be patient and wait for a few optical test, maybe it's a great lens, maybe it's not, my other point is I've had Canon for 25 years and Nikon for 9 years, had a few Sigma in this lot, those are the only lenses I had to send for repair, good optics, but weaker construction than the original manufacturer. but, kudos to them for coming out with these lenses way ahead of thoses sleeping giant. Now if they could only come out with a fix focal 10mm f:2,8 Rectilinear, I would be a happy camper!

Regards

The other thing that appeals about this lens is that it is a 77mm thread filter. So I won't have to buy any new dioptres & filters. This is the same a Nikon's 17-35mm, 18-35mm, 12-24mm to name but a few.
Alex

I'm disappointed. I was hoping they'd come out with a 10.5mm fisheye.

180° for APS-C, have the wish as well and have stated to Sigma Japan already. Maybe we should build up a big list with signatures to make the interest in such a lens clear to Sigma :-)

Julian