Sigma 10-20mm F3.5 EX DC HSM

Nikon F (DX/FX)

Review

The Sigma 10-20mm F3.5 EX DC HSM for Nikon F (DX) mount is a versatile wide-angle zoom lens that offers a considerable field of view, making it a great choice for landscape photography, architectural shots, and creative compositions. With a constant maximum aperture of f/3.5 throughout the zoom range, this lens provides excellent performance in a variety of lighting situations, which is particularly useful for those shooting indoors or in low-light conditions.

Designed specifically for aps-c cameras, this lens crops to an effective focal length of 15-30mm, offering a great opportunity for photographers who want to capture expansive scenes without the need to change lenses frequently. The build quality is sturdy while still being relatively lightweight, which makes it a great option for shooting on the go. The Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) ensures fast and quiet autofocus, which can be a significant advantage when capturing spontaneous moments.

One of the significant highlights of this lens is the minimal distortion it exhibits, particularly in comparison to other wide-angle lenses. This feature is essential for architectural photography, where straight lines need to be retained, making post-processing much easier. The lens also showcases impressive color rendition and contrast, which are critical factors in any serious photographer's toolkit.

However, there are some aspects to consider. While the sharpness is generally good throughout most of the aperture range, users may notice that corner sharpness can be a little softer when shooting wide open at f/3.5. It is usually advisable to stop it down to f/5.6 or f/8 to achieve consistently better corner performance. Additionally, the lens does not come with image stabilization, which may be a drawback for those who frequently shoot at slower shutter speeds, especially in low-light scenarios.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Excellent wide-angle coverage (15-30mm equivalent on DX format).
• Constant maximum aperture of f/3.5 for consistent performance.
• Good build quality at a reasonable weight.
• Minimal distortion, making it ideal for architectural photography.
• Fast and quiet autofocus with HSM.

Cons

• Slightly softer corner sharpness at f/3.5.
• Lacks image stabilization, which can be limiting in low-light conditions.

Verdict

Overall, the Sigma 10-20mm F3.5 EX DC HSM is an excellent choice for Nikon DX users looking to expand their creative horizons with wide-angle photography. Its strengths lie in its versatility, solid build quality, and impressive optical performance, making it well-suited for both amateur and professional photographers alike. While its lack of image stabilization and minor concerns with corner sharpness at wider apertures should be kept in mind, the lens generally delivers impressive results that make it a worthy addition to any wide-angle photography kit.