Sigma 10mm F2.8 EX DC HSM Diagonal Fisheye

Canon EF

Review

The Sigma 10mm F2.8 EX DC HSM Diagonal Fisheye lens for Canon EF mount is an exciting addition for photographers looking to add some creativity and perspective to their work. This lens is known for its unique ability to create striking, distorted images that capture a wide field of view, making it a popular choice for landscapes, architecture, and creative portraiture.

Build Quality and Design

This lens features a robust construction that feels solid in hand, boasting a sleek and professional design. The 10mm focal length is complemented by a large maximum aperture of F2.8, allowing for great low-light performance and beautiful background blur when used creatively. Despite its sturdy build, the lens is surprisingly lightweight, which is a huge plus for photographers who need to carry their gear for extended periods.

Optical Performance

The optical performance of the Sigma 10mm F2.8 is impressive, with sharpness being a notable highlight. At the center of the frame, the lens delivers crisp, clean images with minimal distortion—an impressive feat considering its fisheye characteristics. However, as one moves towards the edges, some distortion and softness can occur, which is typical for fisheye lenses and often expected in this category. The lens also features a multi-layer coating that helps reduce flare and ghosting, enhancing contrast and color saturation.

Versatility

This fish-eye lens opens up a world of creative possibilities. The diagonal fisheye perspective can produce dramatic compositions, allowing photographers to create images that are both immersive and unique. Whether you’re shooting sweeping landscapes or cramped indoor spaces, this lens excels at capturing wide scenes that draw the viewer into the image. It's also fun to use for creative portraits, offering an exaggerated view that can elicit a playful response.

Autofocus and Handling

The lens employs a Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) for fast and quiet autofocus, which generally performs well but can be less reliable in certain low-light situations. Manually focusing is smooth and precise, which is essential for capturing the perfect moment, especially when experimenting with compositions that involve various elements in the foreground and background. The focus ring is well-damped, providing a satisfying tactile feel for adjustments.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Excellent build quality and lightweight design.
• Sharp images at the center, with vibrant color and contrast.
• Great for creative perspectives and dramatic compositions.
• Quick and quiet autofocus performance with HSM.

Cons

• Some edge distortion and softness common for fisheye lenses.
• Autofocus can struggle in very low-light contexts.
• More niche application may not suit all photographers.

Verdict

The Sigma 10mm F2.8 EX DC HSM Diagonal Fisheye lens is a fantastic tool for photographers looking to infuse a sense of creativity and dynamism into their imagery. With its solid build, great optical performance at wider apertures, and playful characteristics, it’s an exciting choice for those willing to explore the unique visual possibilities that a fisheye lens can offer. While it may certainly have its quirks, the rewarding results and extraordinary compositional opportunities make this lens a worthy addition to any Canon EF mount user's kit.