Sigma 12-24mm F4.5-5.6 EX DG Aspherical HSM

Canon EF

Review

The Sigma 12-24mm F4.5-5.6 EX DG Aspherical HSM is a versatile ultra-wide-angle zoom lens designed for Canon EF mount cameras. Its ability to capture expansive landscapes, architectural marvels, and creative perspectives makes it a valuable tool for both amateur and professional photographers seeking that extra wide view.

Build Quality and Design

The lens boasts a solid build quality that feels robust and durable, which is essential for outdoor photography. The EX series from Sigma is known for utilizing high-quality materials, and this lens is no different. It has a relatively compact form factor for an ultra-wide zoom, which is a plus for travel photographers. The lens features a matte finish that minimizes reflections, thereby reducing the risk of flare in bright conditions.

Optical Performance

When it comes to optical performance, the Sigma 12-24mm delivers impressive sharpness across the frame, especially at the narrower apertures. Chromatic aberration is controlled reasonably well, though some noticeable fringing can occur in high-contrast scenes, especially at the edges. Distortion is minimal, which is a significant advantage for architectural photography where straight lines are crucial.

The lens's variable aperture of F4.5-5.6 can be a bit limiting in low-light situations, especially at the wider focal lengths. While it performs adequately when plenty of light is available, expect some challenges when shooting indoors or during the golden hour.

Autofocus and Usability

The Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) provides fast and quiet autofocus, which is a great feature for capturing spontaneous moments without attracting much attention. Manual focus override is smooth and well-damped, allowing for fine-tuning adjustments as needed.

However, the filter size is quite large at 82mm, which means that getting polarizers or ND filters can be a bit pricey. Additionally, the bulbous front element lacks a traditional filter thread, making it impossible to use screw-in filters for those who want to control glare or reflections.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Excellent build quality with a rugged, weather-sealed exterior.
• Impressive optical performance with good sharpness, especially at mid-range apertures.
• Fast and quiet autofocus thanks to the HSM.
• Minimal distortion, making it suitable for architecture and landscapes.

Cons

• Variable aperture can be limiting in low-light situations.
• Some chromatic aberration and fringing in high-contrast areas.
• No traditional filter thread due to the bulging front element.
• 82mm filters can be expensive and bulky.

Verdict

The Sigma 12-24mm F4.5-5.6 EX DG Aspherical HSM is an exceptional ultra-wide-angle lens for Canon EF mount users. It combines sturdy construction with impressive optical quality, making it perfect for capturing sweeping landscapes or dramatic architectural shots. While it has some limitations, such as its variable aperture and the inability to use standard screw-in filters, its strengths far outweigh these drawbacks. If you’re an enthusiast or professional looking to expand your creative horizons, this lens will undoubtedly help you capture breathtaking images.