Sigma 10-20mm 1: 3.5 DC HSM EX Review

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Sigma 10-20mm 1: 3.5 DC HSM EX

Sigma 10-20mm 1: 3.5 DC HSM EX

Browse Navigation

  1. In short
  2. History
  3. Main Specifications
  4. Assembly
  5. Focusing
  6. Image quality
  7. Sample photos with source
  8. My experience
  9. Alternatives (all over-widths for APS-C)
  10. Prices
  11. Results
  12. User Comments
  13. Add your review / comment or question on the lens

In this review, I will call the Sigma 10-20mm 1: 3.5 DC HSM EX lens abbreviated Sigma 10-20 / 3.5. Please also note that this lens is available for different cameras with different mounts. In the review, I have an option for the Nikon F mount for Nikon DX SLR cameras. At the same time, this lens is for Sigma SA, Canon EFS, Sony A / Minolta A and Pentax K.

Sigma 10-20mm 1: 3.5 DC HSM EX

Sigma 10-20mm 1: 3.5 DC HSM EX

In short

The Sigma 10-20 / 3.5 is a popular and highly successful ultra wide-angle lens for cropped DSLR cameras of various systems. It is a good balanced solution and belongs to the professional Sigma EX series lenses. At one time it became a replacement for the same popular, but older and 'dark' Sigma 10-20mm 1: 4-5.6 EX DC HSM.

First of all, Sigma 10-20 / 3.5 attracts 10 mm of focal length, constant maximum apertureUltrasonic focusing motor and good assembly. But optically, there are minor problems, and 82 mm filters are not to everyone’s liking (or can’t afford).

In general, it is a replacement for the professional original Nikon 12-24 / 4G and for amateur original Nikon 10-24 / 3.5-4.5G и Nikon 10-20 / 4.5-5.6G VR.

Sigma 10-20mm 1: 3.5 DC HSM EX

Sigma 10-20mm 1: 3.5 DC HSM EX

History

Sigma DC super-wide line-up (for cropped SLR cameras, in order of appearance):

  1. Sigma 10-20 mm 1: 4-5.6 EX DC [+ -HSM, + -D]was announced February 14 2005 for Canon EFS, Sigma SA and Nikon F. December 6 2005 Pentax K and Sony / Minolta A released. February 1 2008 a version for the 4/3 mirror system was released. The 'D' prefix is ​​only available on early production Nikon and Sony / Minolta A variants. The HSM motor is only available for Canon EFS, Sigma SA, Nikon F and 4/3. The Pentax K and Sony / Minolta A versions have no focusing distance window; a distance scale is printed on the focusing ring. Scheme 14/10, 3 ASP, 3 SLD
  2. Sigma 4.5 mm 1:2.8 EX DC HSM CIRCULAR FISHEYEwas announced November 14, 2007 for Canon EFS, Sigma SA and Nikon F. 23 September 2008 Pentax K and Sony / Minolta A released. Scheme 13/9, 1 SLD
  3. Sigma 10 mm 1:2.8 EX DC HSM Fisheyewas announced November 14, 2007 for Canon EFS, Sigma SA and Nikon F. 23 September 2008 Pentax K and Sony / Minolta A released. Scheme 12/7, without special optical elements
  4. Sigma 10-20 mm 1:3.5 EX DC HSMwas announced March 3 2009, for Canon EFS, Nikon F, Pentax K, Sigma SA, Sony / Minolta A. Scheme 13/10, 4 ASP, 2 ELD, 1 SLD. Velvet or glossy case
  5. Sigma 8-16 mm 1: 4.5-5.6 DC HSMwas announced February 21 2010, Canon EFS, Nikon F, Pentax K, Sigma SA, Sony / Minolta A. Scheme 15/11, 3 ASP, 4 FLD
  6. SIGMA 10-18 mm 1:2.8 DC DN C, was announced on October 5, 2023, Sony E, Leica L. Layout 13/10, 4 ASP, 3 FLD, 1 SLD

It should be noted that Sigma makes one of the most interesting super-widths for mirrored cropped systems.

Sigma 10-20mm 1: 3.5 DC HSM EX

Sigma 10-20mm 1: 3.5 DC HSM EX

Main technical characteristics of Sigma 10-20mm 1: 3.5 DC HSM EX:

Review Instance Name The lens barrel bears the following inscriptions 'Sigma EX 10-20mm 1: 3.5 DC HSM Ø 82 LENS MADE IN JAPAN' + serial number
Basic properties
  • DC (Digital Camera) - the lens is designed for SLR cameras with an APS-C sensor, in this case it is an analogue 'Nikon DX'
  • EX (EXcellent) - the highest quality professional lens
  • HSM (Hyper Sabout nothing Motor) - ultrasonic focusing motor, in this case it is analogous to 'Nikon SWM'.
  • AF / M - simple focus mode switch
  • IF (Iinternal Focusing) - internal focus
  • Super Multi-Layer Coating - super multicoated optics
  • ASP (Aspenherical) - aspherical elements in the optical scheme
  • ELD (Extraordinary Low Dispersion) - special low-dispersion elements in the optical scheme
  • SLD (Special Low Dispersion) - special low dispersion elements in the optical scheme
  • Lack of aperture control ring, analog 'Nikon G'
  • Bayonet hood included
  • Important: a lens from a third-party manufacturer, which imposes some restrictions on its practical use
Front Filter Diameter 82 mm
Focal length 10-20 mm EGF for Nikon DX cameras is 15-30 mm
Zoom ratio 2 x
Designed by for Nikon DX digital cameras, there are modifications for other systems:

  • Sigma sa
  • Canon EF / EFS (the lens mount of the lens itself is EF)
  • Sony A / Minolta A
  • Pentax K (specifically - KAF3)
Number of aperture blades 7 rounded petals
Tags a window with a focusing distance in meters and feet, focal lengths for 10, 12, 14, 17, 20 mm, a mark of bayonet mount and mount / fix hood. Labels IN / OUT to set the hood.
Diaphragm F / 3.5 to F / 22 over the entire range of focal lengths

control is via the camera menu (analog Nikon G - lens type)

MDF 0.24 m, maximum magnification ratio 1: 6.6
The weight 520 grams declared

According to my measurements:

  • 521 grams of the lens itself
  • 575 gram lens with a hood and two caps
Optical design 13 elements in 10 groups:

  • 4 aspherical ASP elements (in the optical diagram, aspherical elements are shown in pink)
  • 1 low dispersion ELD element (shown in blue in the optical diagram)
  • 2 low-dispersion SLD elements (shown in green in the optical diagram)

Sigma 10-20mm 1: 3.5 DC HSM EXThe image of the optical scheme is clickable to enlarge

Lens hood LH873-01, Bayonet type, plastic, with the possibility of installation in transport mode
Manufacturer country LENS MADE IN JAPAN (Lens made in Japan)
Production period Since March 3, 2009, in February 2010 augmented by a lens Sigma 8-16mm 1: 4.5-5.6 DC HSM
Price

F / 3.5 is only a third step lighter than F / 4 in many other similar lenses, for example, Tokina 12-24 / 4. At the same time, F / 3.5 is 2/3 steps darker than that of F / 2.8 on models Tokina 11-16 / 2.8, Tokina 11-20 / 2.8, PENTAX 11-18 / 2.8, FUJINON 8-16 / 2.8. The lightest of these can be considered Tokina 14-20 / 2.0. At the same time, it is important to realize that very often super-wide angles are used on very closed diaphragms, which is why the maximum relative aperture is not always as important as for standard or telephoto lenses.

Sigma 10-20mm 1: 3.5 DC HSM EX

Sigma 10-20mm 1: 3.5 DC HSM EX

Assembly

Sigma 10-20 / 3.5 was made in Japan. To the touch the lens is pleasant and weighty. The lens has a considerable weight, which is a little more 500 grams. On small cameras such as Nikon D3200, the weight balance is slightly biased towards the lens but it does not cause any discomfort in operation. Sigma 10-20 / 3.5 uses large / huge filters xnumx diameter mm. But the installation of filters with a thick rim does not affect the vignetting.

There is a bayonet mount mark on the body and a mark for quick installation of the hood. The lens uses a plastic hood that is fixed in special grooves located near the front lens of the lens. On the hood there are arrows labeled 'IN' and 'OUT', in the direction of which the hood should be installed and removed. The hood can be installed in upside down for transportation. When you change the focal length, the lens hood moves with the front of the lens.

When changing the focal length, the rear lens moves in the middle of the lens barrel. The effect of the air pump is not expressed at all.

The retractable body frame ('trunk') consists of 1 section. The trunk is durable, without any backlash. When the focal length is changed, the trunk moves in a wave-like manner. The maximum extended trunk is observed at 10 mm focal length, minimum - at 15 mm. The movement of the trunk does not exceed 0.5 cm and is almost invisible, we can assume that the lens has almost an internal zoom. True, I still managed to place my index finger between the lens sections and press it a little when changing the focal length from 10 to 20 mm.

In Sigma 10-20 / 3.5, the direction of rotation of the focus ring do not match with direction from the original Nikon 12-24 / 4Gand the direction of rotation of the zoom ring is the same.

The lens has metal bayonet mount. Most of the internal power elements of the lens are also made of metal. The zoom and focus rings are rubberized. Changing the focal length runs smoothly. The zoom ring rotates 45 degrees. The assembly of the Sigma 10-20 / 3.5 is exactly the same as most EX lenses of that time.

The assembly of Sigma lenses is so unified that the plate on which the focus mode switch is located has a dummy for another switch, usually it is a stabilizer mode switch, for example, like Sigma 17-70 / 2.8-4 OS. The plate is fastened with two screws and its design is typical for almost all Sigma lenses of that time.

Number of petals aperture - 7 pieces. At the same time, they are slightly rounded and form a regular heptagon on strongly covered diaphragms. Aperture blades form a completely flat aperture only 20 mm focal length. During a change in focal length in the direction of 10 mm, it is visually noticeable how the aperture blades slightly close and form a hole with small notches already.

Important: At first, this lens was produced in a case with a velvet sigma coating, but later replaced with a classic glossy one, as in this review.

Sigma 10-20mm 1: 3.5 DC HSM EX

Sigma 10-20mm 1: 3.5 DC HSM EX

Focusing

To focus, the lens uses a special ultrasonic focusing motor 'HSM' (Hyper Sonic Motor) ring type... This is an analogue of Nikon SWM / Canon USM / Pentax SDM / Sony DDSSM motors. In this case, the Sigma 10-20 / 3.5 is similar to an 'AF-S' type lens in Nikon terms.

The lens will automatically focus on all Nikon DSLR cameraseven on amateur series models Nikon DXthat do not have a built-in focus motor: D40, D40x, D60, D3000, D3100, D3200, D3300, D3400, D3500, D5000, D5100, D5200, D5300, D5500, D5600as well as mirrorless cameras Nikon Z with adapter FTZ / FTZ II.

During automatic focusing, the motor performs its work quite quietly, but nevertheless, noise from the focusing motor is clearly audible on videos recorded using the microphone built into the camera. In Live View, with frequent and quick changes in focus direction to accurately fine-tune the focus, the lens creates a distinctive strong crack.

Auto Focus Speed high. It is believed that the focus speed is not important for the super-wide, and the presence of automatic focusing as such. But still fast and tenacious autofocus greatly simplifies the life of the photographer.

When used on a camera Nikon D3200 with unpretentious Multi-CAM 1000 focusing system the lens behaves very well. With precision and clinging focus, I had no particular problems at all. The same goes for use on Nikon D40. On camera Nikon D3200 I checked the presence of the back and focus front at different focusing distances (infinity and MDF as well). Pictures taken using the Live View mode (which does not suffer from back / front focus) were used as a measure. Focusing accuracy using phase sensors completely coincided with the Live View mode. In Live View, the lens also works well.

The focus ring is rubberized and in manual focus mode rotates approximately 135 degrees. When extreme positions are reached, the ring does not abut, but continues to rotate freely. The focus ring rotates quite tight. Manual focus is quite convenient. Direction of rotation of the focus ring does not match with original Nikon 12-24 / 4G. In automatic focus mode, the focus ring does not rotate and you can hold the lens behind it.

Lens has internal focus, the front and rear lenses remain stationary during focusing. When changing the focal length, the front lens also does not rotate. It is possible to use various filters without any problems.

The lens has a window with a focus distance scale in meters and feet. The number of values ​​on the scale is small, the scale itself is not very useful. There are values ​​only for 0.24, 0.27, 0.3, 0.4, 0.6, 1 meter and an infinity mark. Infrared scales and labels for working in the infrared spectrum are not.

The minimum focusing distance is 24 cm and the maximum magnification ratio is 1: 6.6.

There is a lens housing focus mode switch 'AF | M '(auto focus / manual focus). Lens supports continuous manual focus control (Full-Time Manual Focus). This function only resembles native functions. Nikon 'M / A' or Nikon 'A / M'. The mode is more similar to the analog from Canon - Canon FTM, or to the 'A' mode for some Nikon DX lenses, for which it is described in detail here. In short, it is convenient to perform manual focus in the auto focus mode 'AF' (switch position on the lens) is possible only if the camera uses the focus mode 'AF S'and only after successful automatic focusing. In focus mode 'AF-C'' camera can counteract manual focus control. Sigma 10-20 / 3.5 does not turn off auto focus when you start to rotate the focus ring manually, due to which different incidents can occur. Original Nikon lenses with function 'M / A' immediately turn off the auto focus completely and only listen to the manual control of the focus ring. But if you use the focus method with the button AF ON (or the button programmed for this function, or the remote control), you may not feel the lack of a full mode Nikon 'M / A' or Nikon 'A / M'. This is a pretty subtle little thing that can be quickly understood only in practice.

Focus Features:

  1. Important: the quality of the Sigma 10-20 / 3.5 focus in Live View greatly depends on the camera used, as well as on the system used for the lens
  2. Sigma 10-20 / 3.5 has mild 'Focus Breathing' effect (changing the viewing angle during focusing).
  3. Focus Shift (focus shift, changing focus distance due to iris)
  4. Sigma 10-20 / 3.5 does not have a hard stop (hard infinity mechanical stop) which allows you to accurately and quickly focus the lens at infinity under any external temperature conditions. For accurate aiming at infinity, you cannot just bring the focus ring to its extreme position. The focus ring can have a large overrun for infinity.
  5. The lens transmits the distance to the subject in the camera and is Nikon D-lens equivalent.
  6. Important: Sigma 10-20 / 3.5 is a third-party lens. It may happen that it will not work correctly with some cameras. Details on this issue are considered by me. here
  7. Teleconverter compatibility unknown
  8. Unknown compatibility with Nikon FTZ adapter for Nikon Z mirrorless cameras and with Nikon FT1 adapter for mirrorless cameras Nikon 1
Sigma 10-20mm 1: 3.5 DC HSM EX

Sigma 10-20mm 1: 3.5 DC HSM EX

Image quality

The lens was designed at a time when the camera with the highest pixel density was Canon EOS 50D 15 MP (summer 2008), but even nowadays Sigma 10-20 / 3.5 easily digests cameras with APS-C 24 MP sensors.

Sigma 10-20 / 3.5 is optically balanced. With an over-wide angle, one must take into account that almost all lenses in the corners and edges of the image do not give the best image quality, and therefore at this point you should always make a discount. After the very first frames on Sigma 10-20 / 3.5 you can’t get enough of how good this lens is in the center of the frame.

Sharpness

  • the lens was surprising, good resolution in the center of the frame over the entire focal length range. When closing the aperture in the center of the frame, the sharpness is just excellent
  • A serious problem is the angles at 10 mm of the focal length, which do not return to normal even with strong aperture. Only with an increase in focal length can an acceptable sharpness be achieved in the corners of the covered diaphragms. But getting really good sharpness in the corners is impossible.
  • Update: it is believed that the old version Sigma 10-20mm 1: 4-5.6 EX DC HSM in the corners of the frame 10 mm was better than the version from the review
  • as the focal length increases, the edges of the image improve in terms of sharpness

Distortion

  • overall distortion is slightly better than many other similar lenses
  • rather strong distortion is visible only by 10 mm
  • distortion is practically absent in the region of 15 mm focal length
  • in the range of 10-15 mm the nature of the distortion is barrel-shaped, in the range of 15-20 pincushion
  • the nature of distortion is unified, easily corrected in the editor

Vignetting

  • the overall level of vignetting is at a level typical for such lenses
  • vignetting is most pronounced at 10 mm at F / 3.5
  • with increasing focal length, vignetting at an open aperture decreases
  • vignetting almost disappears at f / 5.6
  • vignetting is practically independent of the focusing distance
  • vignetting is easily fixable in the editor

Aberration

  • the strongest chromatic aberration visible at 10 mm and F / 3.5 at the edges and corners of the image
  • chromatic aberration decrease with increasing focal length
  • at average focal lengths, aperture closing does not help reduce chromatic aberrationbut rather even enhances them
  • general level HA is at the level typical for such lenses

Other

  • lens tolerates side and backlight very wellcatching the lens by surprise with a bright light source is quite difficult
  • diaphragm blades form a spinning heptagon on almost any hidden value
  • with closed apertures, you can get a pronounced effect of a 14-ray star

The data on this lens is in most popular RAW converters (it is definitely in ACR, Lightroom), which makes it very easy to correct distortion and vignetting with one click.

But in modern cameras, this lens is not 'sewn up' and it will be impossible to obtain automatic correction of some optical defects of the lens. For example, on camera Nikon D3200 with installed Sigma 10-20 / 3.5 function 'Aut. distortion control 'inactive.

Sigma 10-20mm 1: 3.5 DC HSM EX

Sigma 10-20mm 1: 3.5 DC HSM EX

Nikon D3200 Sample Photos (APS-C 24 MP)

Examples are shown without treatment... Easily convert original RAW files with the original Nikon Capture NX-D v 1.4.6 utility.

  • Picture Control Mode: SD (Standard with default settings, 3, 0, 0, 0, 0)
  • White balance: Auto (with default offset)
  • Active D-lighting: ON (the camera does not allow you to select a level ADL)
  • Noise Reduction: OFF
  • use of the function 'Aut. distortion control 'with this lens on the camera Nikon D3200 not available, but Capture NX-D automatically removes some chromatic aberration
  • The lens was used without filters, with the original lens hood in the active position.

Original RAW photos (12-bit '.NEF') can be download from this link (26 files, 500 MB).

Examples on Canon EOS 40D, 200D, Andrey Olontsev

Examples of photographs on a Sigma 10-20 / 3.5 lens in a version for Canon EOS cameras with an EF / EFS mount and a camera Canon EOS 40D (10 MP, APS-C) and Canon EOS 200D (24 MP, APS-C) photographer shared Andrey Olontsev (vk). You can find many more works by Andrey in his profile at 35photo.


Examples on Canon EOS 60D, Nikolay Andreev

Examples of photographs on a Sigma 10-20 / 3.5 lens in a version for Canon EOS cameras with an EF / EFS mount and a camera Canon EOS 60D (18 MP, APS-C) shared by a photographer Andreyev Nikolay (instagram). You can find many more works of Nicholas in his profile at 35photo.


Examples on Canon EOS 600D, Svetoslav Georgiev

Examples of photographs on a Sigma 10-20 / 3.5 lens in a version for Canon EOS cameras with an EF / EFS mount and a camera Canon EOS 600D (18 MP, APS-C) shared by a photographer Svetoslav Georgiev (facebook). You can find many more of his works in profile on 35photo.


Examples on Sony A77, A77 II, Alexey Bogoryanov

Examples of photos on a Sigma 10-20 / 3.5 lens in the version for Sony cameras with a Minolta A / Sony A mount and cameras Sony A77 (24 MP, APS-C) and Sony A77II (24 MP, APS-C) shared by a photographer Bogoryanov Alexey (instagram). You can find many more of his works in profile on 35photo.


My experience

Sigma 10-20 / 3.5 is a good lens, with it you can be sure of quality and reliability. Personally, I really liked it, even more than the pretty options Tokina 11-16 / 2.8, Tokina 11-20 / 2.8.

There is nothing more complicated than selecting a width / oversize. Typically, the selection of such lenses is approached more carefully than with any other lenses.

From Tokina there are faster options, from Tamron there are options with a higher zoom ratio and with a stabilizer. The original options are sometimes too expensive. And every photographer has their own preferences. In one case, the task is in the maximum possible viewing angle, in the other case, in the maximum possible aperture ratio. Sometimes super-wide is generally taken as a wide-wagon (for example, for this it is well suited Tokina 12-28 / 4).

If you don’t walk in circles, then Sigma 10-20 / 3.5 is really one of the most optimal over-widths for crop. Truth,

  • under Canon EFS there is an original bestseller with stepper motor and image stabilizer Canon 10-18 / 4.5-5.6 EF-S IS STM, with a very good price / quality / opportunity ratio. When choosing a lens for Canon EFS, I would look at him
  • Nikon DX also has an original bestseller with a stepper motor and image stabilizer Nikon 10-20 / 4.5-5.6G VR AF-P, with a very good price / quality / opportunity ratio. When choosing a similar lens for Nikon DX, I would look at him
  • for other systems for which Sigma 10-20 / 3.5 is produced (Sigma SA, Sony A / Minolta A and Pentax K) there is no simple and balanced choice, you need to choose in torment between many original and non-original options from Sigma, Tamron, Tokina, Samyang
Sigma 10-20mm 1: 3.5 DC HSM EX

Sigma 10-20mm 1: 3.5 DC HSM EX

Alternatives

Below is a list of all ultra-wide angle lenses with auto focus support for cameras with an APS-C sensor (crop Kf = 1.5-1.6X) whose focal length is less than or equal to 14 mm.

Tokina (for different mounts):

With moderate aperture:

  1. Tokina 124 AT-X PRO SD 12-24 mm F4 (IF) DX Aspherical, for Nikon F, Canon EFS
  2. promaster Digital af 12-24 XR EDO F4 Aspherical, previous lens under the 'ProMaster' brand
  3. Tokina 124 AT-X PRO SD 12-24 mm F4(IF)DX II aspherical, for Nikon F, Canon EFS
  4. Tokina 128 AT-X Pro SD 12-28 mm F4 (IF) DX Aspherical, for Nikon F, Canon EFS
  5. Tokina AT-X PRO SD 12-28 F4 (IF) DX V, Canon EFS only

Aperture:

  1. Tokina AT-X PRO SD 11-16 F2.8 (IF) DX ASPHERICAL, since 2007, for Nikon F, Canon EFS, Sony A
  2. Tokina AT-X PRO SD 11-16 F2.8(IF)DX II ASPHERICAL, since 2008, for Nikon F, Canon EFS, Sony A
  3. Tokina AT-X PRO SD 11-16 F2.8 (IF) DX V, for Nikon F, Canon EFS
  4. Tokina atx-i 11-16mm F2.8CF, since 2019, for Nikon F, Canon EFS, black/white
  5. Tokina atx-m 11-18mm F2.8E, since 2022, for Sony E, black/white
  6. Tokina AT-X PRO SD 11-20 F2.8 (IF) DX ASPHERICAL, from 2014, for Nikon F, Canon EFS
  7. Tokina atx-i 11-20mm F2.8CF, since 2020, for Nikon F, Canon EFS, black/white
  8. Tokina AT-X PRO SD 14-20mm F2 (IF) DX, from 2015, for Nikon F, Canon EFS

fisheye:

  1. Tokina 107 Fisheye 10-17 mm F3.5-4.5DX AT-X, for Nikon F, Canon EFS
  2. Tokina 107 Fisheye 10-17 mm F3.5-4.5 DX NH AT-X, for Nikon F, Canon EFS
  3. Tokina 107 Fisheye 10-17 F3.5-4.5 DX AT-X V NH, Canon EFS only

Tamron (for different mounts):

  1. Tamron SP 10-24 mm 1: 3.5-4.5 Di II B001, from October 2008, for Nikon F, Canon EFS, Pentax K, Sony A. Japan / China / Vietnam
  2. Tamron 10-24 mm F/3.5-4.5 Diii VC HLD-B023, from February 2017, for Nikon F and Canon EFS
  3. Tamron Aspherical LD ​​DI II SP AF 11-18 mm 1: 4.5-5.6 [IF] A13, since 2005, for Nikon F, Canon EFS, Sony A. Konica Minolta AF DT Zoom 11-18mm 1: 4.5 (22) -5.6 D and Sony 4.5-5.6 / 11-18 DT (SAL1118) lenses are built on the same optical scheme )
  4. Promaster Digital EDO AF Aspherical LD ​​(IF) 11-18 mm 1: 4.5-5.6, previous lens under the 'ProMaster' brand
  5. Tamron 11-20 mm F / 2.8 Di III-A RXD B060, from April 2021, only for Sony E

Sigma (for different mounts):

  1. Sigma 4.5 mm 1: 2.8 EX DC HSM CIRCULAR FISHEYE, since 2007 for Canon EFS, Sigma SA and Nikon F. Since 2008 for Pentax K and Sony / Minolta A
  2. Sigma 10 mm 1: 2.8 DC FISHEYE HSM, from 2007 for Canon EFS, Sigma SA and Nikon F. In 2008 a version for Pentax K and Sony / Minolta A was released
  3. Sigma 8-16 mm 1:4.5-5.6 DC HSM, since 2010, Canon EFS, Nikon F, Pentax K, Sigma SA, Sony/Minolta A
  4. Sigma 10-20 mm 1: 4-5.6 DC EX [+ -HSM, + -D], since 2005 for Canon EFS, Sigma SA, Nikon F, Pentax K and Sony / Minolta A. Since 2008 for 4/3 SLR system. 'D' prefix for select Nikon and Sony / Minolta A only. HSM motor only available for Canon EFS, Sigma SA, Nikon F and 4/3. The Pentax K and Sony / Minolta A versions have a different appearance (there is no focusing distance window). There are two sub-versions: with a matte finish and with a velvet finish on the body.
  5. Sigma 10-20 mm 1: 3.5 DC HSM EX, since 2009, for Canon EFS, Nikon F, Pentax K, Sigma SA, Sony / Minolta A
  6. SIGMA 10-18 mm 1:2.8 DC DN C, from 2023, for Sony E, FujiFilm X and Leica L

Nikon DX (for Nikon F mount):

  1. Nikon DX AF Fisheye Nikkor 10.5 mm 1: 2.8G ED
  2. Nikon DX VR AF-P Nikkor 10-20 mm 1: 4.5-5.6G
  3. Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 10-24 mm 1: 3.5-4.5G ED SWM IF Aspherical
  4. Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 12-24 mm 1: 4G ED SWM IF Aspherical
  5. Nikon Nikkor ZDX 12-28mm 1:3.5-5.6PZ VR

Canon EF-S / EF-M

EF-S (Mirror APS-C)

  1. Canon Zoome Lens EF-S 10-18 mm 1: 4.5-5.6 IS STM
  2. Canon Zoom Lens EF-S 10-22 mm 1: 3.5-4.5 USM

EF-M (Mirrorless APS-C)

  1. Canon Zoom Lens EF-M 11-22 mm 1: 4-5.6 IS STM [2013]

RF-S (mirrorless APS-C)

  1. CANON LENS RF-S 10-18mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM [2023]

Pentax DA (+ Samsung / Schneider-Kreuznach, for Pentax K mount):

  1. SMC Pentax-DA 1: 2.8 (22) 14 mm ED [IF] (Pentax 14)
  2. SMC Pentax-DA FISH-EYE 1: 3.5-4.5 10-17 mm ED [IF] (Pentax 10-17) (FISHEYE, most likely optically identical Tokina Model 107)
  3. HD Pentax-DA FISH-EYE 1: 3.5-4.5 10-17 mm (FISHEYE, most likely optically similar to Tokina 107 NH)
  4. HD PENTAX-DA * 1: 2.8 11-18 mm ED DC AW
  5. SMC Pentax-DA 1: 4 12-24 mm ED AL [IF] (Pentax 12-24) (most likely optically identical Tokina Model 124)
  6. Samsung Zoom Lens Fisheye D-Xenon 10-17 mm 1: 3.5-4.5 AL, copy Pentax 10-17optical scheme from Tokina Model 107
  7. Samsung Zoom Lens D-Xenon 1: 4 12-24 mm ED ALcopy Pentax 12-24optical scheme from Tokina Model 124
  8. Schneider-Kreuznach D-Xenogon 1: 3.5-4.5 10-17 mm ED AL, copy Pentax 10-17optical scheme from Tokina Model 107
  9. Schneider-Kreuznach D-Xenon 1: 4 12-24 mm ED AL, copy Pentax 12-24optical scheme from Tokina Model 124

Sony / Minolta (A or E):

E-mount (E):

  1. Sony E 4 /10-18 OSS (2012)
  2. Sony E 4 /10-20G PZ (2022)
  3. Sony E 1.8 /11 (2022)

A-mount (A):

  1. Sony 4.5-5.6 /11-18 DT (SAL1118) (most likely optically identical Tamron model a13)
  2. Konica Minolta AF DT Zoom 11-18 mm 1: 4.5 (22) -5.6 D (most likely optically identical Tamron model a13)

Samsung NX

  1. Samsung Lens 1: 3.5 10 mm Fisheye
  2. Samsung Lens 1: 4-5.6 12-24 mm ED I-FUNCTION

Fujifilm x

  1. FUJINON ASPHERICAL LENS SUPER EBC XF 8 mm 1:3.5RWR
  2. FUJINON ASPHERICAL LENS SUPER EBC XF 14 mm 1: 2.8 R
  3. FUJINON ASPHERICAL LENS NANO-GI XF 8-16 mm 1: 2.8 R LM WR
  4. FUJINON ASPHERICAL LENS SUPER EBC XF 10-24 mm 1: 4 R OIS
  5. FUJINON ASPHERICAL LENS SUPER EBC XF 10-24 mm 1: 4 R OIS WR

Zeiss (E / X)

  1. ZEISS Distagon Touit 2.8 /12 T* (Sony E-mount, Fujifilm X-mount)

VILTROX (E/X/Z)

  1. Viltrox AF 13mm 1: 1.4 STM ASPH ED IF C (2021, Sony E-mount, Fujifilm X-mount, Nikon Z-mount)

Leica CL/TL/T/L

  1. Leica SUPER-VARIO-ELMAR-T 1: 3.5-4.5 /11-23 ASPH. (2014)
  2. Leica SUPER-VARIO-ELMAR-TL 1: 3.5-4.5 /11-23 ASPH. (2014)

Samyang (E / X)

  1. Samyang AF 12/2E + Samyang AF 12/2X (2021, Sony E-mount, Fujifilm X-mount)

Yongnuo (E/X/Z)

Yongnuo 11mm 1:1.8 DA DSM WL S/X/Z (2023, Sony E-mount, Fujifilm X-mount, Nikon Z-mount)

Do you know more similar lenses? Or do you have experience with any of them? Then be sure to share your thoughts in the comments.

Sigma 10-20mm 1: 3.5 DC HSM EX

Sigma 10-20mm 1: 3.5 DC HSM EX

Prices

Lens prices can be viewed at E-Katalog on this link, or in the price block.

Results

The Sigma 10-20 / 3.5 is a very successful lens. Perhaps it has minor flaws, but in general it is a good, balanced solution for anyone looking for an ultra-wide lens for cropped SLR cameras.

10 main advantages

  1. constant maximum relative aperture over the entire range of focal lengths
  2. built-in HSM focusing motor (critical for owners of low-end Nikon DX cameras)
  3. fast focusing, internal type focusing
  4. almost internal zoom (the lens practically does not change its size when changing the focal length)
  5. Sigma EX Series Professional Lens
  6. good build quality: metal bayonet mount, rubberized focus and zoom rings, bayonet type hood with the ability to install the reverse side
  7. many special optical elements in the optical scheme (3 ASP, 2 SLD, 1 ELD)
  8. the ability to use 10 mm of focal length (for example, Tokina, Pentax, Sony A do not have similar lenses with 10 mm)
  9. the presence of a lens profile in most popular RAW converters (certainly there is in ACR, Lightroom)
  10. good and sometimes excellent optical performance (moderate distortion и vignetting, very good sharpness on both open and covered apertures in the center of the frame, good glare)

10 main disadvantages

  1. tight focus ring, the direction of rotation of the focus ring does not coincide with the original similar lenses, for example, Nikon 10-24 / 3.5-4.5G
  2. low zoom ratio (e.g. Tamron 10-24 / 3.5-4.5 zoom ratio is higher)
  3. a crackling sound with frequent and fast changes in the direction of auto focus (observed, for example, in tracking mode in Live View)
  4. lack of an integrated image stabilizer (for example, it has Nikon 10-20 / 4.5-5.6G VR)
  5. continuous manual focus control does not work as convenient as the original mode Nikon 'M / A' у Nikon 12-24 / 4G
  6. not the highest aperture (e.g. Tokina 11-20 / 2.8 aperture higher)
  7. 82 mm large filter diameter (e.g. Canon 11-22 / 4-5.6 diameter only 55 mm)
  8. all weather protection is absent, not even rubber lens mount seal (e.g. lens PENTAX 11-18 / 2.8 AW has a very high level of protection)
  9. there may be incompatibility with some cameras and / or teleconverters (no exact data), lack of data about the lens in modern cameras, which makes it difficult to automatically correct some types of distortion (distortion, vignetting etc.)
  10. palpable barrel distortion of 10 mm focal length, very poor resolution of 10 mm in the corners of the frame on open and covered apertures

Comments on this post do not require registration. Anyone can leave a comment. Many different photographic equipment can be found on AliExpress.

Specifically for the lens from the review many thanks the store ProFotoSalewhere you can find many new and used lenses for different systems, including similar lenses for slr cameras.

Material prepared Arkady Shapoval. Training/Consultations | Youtube | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Telegram

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Comments: 80, on the topic: Review Sigma 10-20mm 1: 3.5 DC HSM EX

  • Francois

    Bonjour pouvez vous m'aider… Je cherche à savoir pourquoi mon objectif Sigma 10-20mm F4-5.6 EX DC sans bouton AF/M ne fonctionne pas avec ma bague Nikon FT 1 sur mon appareil J5 ? Il fonctionne très bien sur mon Nikon D3500. Ni Nikon ni Sigma me repondait clairement à ce sujet. Par ailleurs votre site Internet est formidable. Francois

  • Carlos Rios

    Hola, yo tengo este mismo lente y lo uso con una cámara Nikon D5300 y no anda el AF. Que me podria estar pasando? Cabe aclarar que lo mandé al técnico y lo probó también con otra D5300 y andaba normalmente. Espero sus respuestas. Gracias

    • B. R. P.

      Averia de la camara. Envie la cámara a reparar.

  • Matthew

    Yesterday I purchased this lens on the secondary market. I came here to ask the owners of it whether it is difficult for them to manually focus, since rotation is very difficult for me. But Arkady noted this point in his description, so the question was removed. I took about 10 test shots, the quality of the resulting photos was satisfactory, it was -30* and dark outside, so I didn’t have to take a lot of photos. ))

    • Arkady Shapoval

      It can be very tight in the cold. Age can also make it difficult

  • Dmitriy

    I bought it used in Germany. for 200 euros on Canon 200D. Color rendition is definitely better than that of Keith 18-55 1.4 - 5,6.

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