Sigma 10-20mm F4-5.6 EX DC HSM

Nikon F (DX/FX)

Review

The Sigma 10-20mm F4-5.6 EX DC HSM is a versatile ultra-wide-angle zoom lens designed specifically for Nikon F mount cameras with DX sensors. This lens opens up a world of creative possibilities, making it a popular choice among landscape, architecture, and astrophotography enthusiasts. With its focal length range starting from 10mm, it allows for impressive perspectives and expansive scenes that might be difficult to capture with standard lenses.

One of the standout features of the Sigma 10-20mm lens is its exceptional sharpness throughout its zoom range. At f/4, images are crisp and detailed, especially in the center of the frame, while retaining good performance even at the edges. When stopped down, the sharpness is further enhanced, making it a great option for landscape photography where fine details can really make a difference. The lens also benefits from a fast and quiet Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM), ensuring smooth and quick autofocus performance—perfect for capturing fleeting moments without missing a beat.

Another advantage of this lens is its build quality. It feels robust in hand, which instills confidence during field use, and the rubberized lens barrel provides a comfortable grip. Additionally, the lens includes a petal-shaped lens hood, which helps to minimize flare and gives extra protection from stray light, ensuring that your shots remain consistent even in challenging lighting conditions.

However, some users may find the lens’s maximum aperture of f/4-5.6 a bit limiting in low-light conditions, especially when compared to other wide-angle prime lenses or faster zooms. This can make night photography or indoor shooting challenging unless you boost your ISO or use longer exposure times. Furthermore, while the lens does a commendable job at controlling distortion typical of ultra-wide angles, there may still be some barrel distortion noticeable at the extreme 10mm setting, which may require correction in post-processing.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Excellent sharpness and detail across the zoom range
• Fast and quiet autofocus with HSM
• Robust build quality for durability
• Comes with a petal-shaped lens hood to minimize flare

Cons

• Maximum aperture of f/4-5.6 limits low-light performance
• Some barrel distortion at 10mm may require correction

Verdict

The Sigma 10-20mm F4-5.6 EX DC HSM is an excellent choice for photographers looking to expand their ultra-wide-angle capabilities on a Nikon DX camera. Its sharpness, build quality, and autofocus performance make it a reliable option for a variety of shooting scenarios. While it may have some limitations in low-light conditions and minor distortion at its widest setting, the creative potential this lens offers is hard to overlook. If you're aiming to capture stunning landscapes or dynamic architectural shots, this lens certainly deserves your consideration.