Sigma 10-20mm for Nikon (D80)

[lcelvenes]

Hi all

I´ve been thinking about getting myself a wide angle, and on my budget, the Sigma 10-20mm (for Nikon) seems quite good. I was wondering what kind of experiences any of you might have with that one, both the good and the bad. I´d love to see some photos as well. I´ll do a search here on TE, but if you´ve got some images that help exemplify your experience, that would be great too.
Thanks :)

Lars-Christian

[ben4321]

I can't recommend this lens highly enough, it's served me well in the year or so that I've been shooting with it.
It's great for landscapes, but perhaps not the best lens for architectural photography where straight line rendition is important. With some shots though, the distortion can be a real plus and add impact to your images.
Here's a couple of examples of shots that I've taken with it:

<a href="http://www.trekearth.com/gallery/Europe/United_Kingdom/photo568886.htm" target="new window">example one</a>

<a href="http://www.trekearth.com/gallery/Europe/United_Kingdom/photo405134.htm" target="new window">example two</a>

I have more in my gallery if you want to take a look.
It's a great lens at a great price, and if you decide to get it I'm sure you won't be disappointed.

Cheers,
Ben

[lcelvenes]

Thanks a lot.

I´ll take a look at your gallery later today, if I have the time. The photos look great, and I like the colors as well :)

Lars-Christian

[prezntime]

Hello Lars-Christian.
That is a fantastic lens...a bit big, but whisper quite and very little distortion given its extremely wide angle. I actually have had success using this lens for architecture, shooting around 15-20mm. Great speed in focusing...etc. If I was better at creating links, I link you to some photos on my site...but, I'm not. If you check out my site, there are a few photos that are shot with the 10-20. I haven't posted anything with the lens in about 10 or 15 shots, so go back just a tad.

Thanks,
Chris.

[lcelvenes]

Thanks Chris, I´ll take a look. The lens is looking better and better ;)

Lars-Christian

[rushfan2112]

The Sigma is a great lens but it is quite large and heavier than some.

I looked at the Nikon (excellent but expensive - comparatively speaking), the Tokina (nice but felt flimsy) and eventually went for the Tamron 11-18mm. It's slightly smaller and lighter than the Sigma and, for what I want, it produces excellent sharpness.

Have a look at some of my recent images if you want to see examples. I've used it a fair bit of late.

As you might imagine, with all such lenses, there is perspective distortion to some extent - but nothing that can't be put right in PS or other software - if you don't like the effect. It's also a bit cheaper than some of the competition.

You certainly won't go wrong with the Sigma but have a look at the Tamron before you part with your cash.

[pvinagre]

Hello,
I can't tell you in hand what's best - BECAUSE I'm also looking for one.
Check this review <a href=http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/digital-wide-zooms/comparison.htm>site </a>.
I'm considering testing the Tokina and Tamron....
Hope it helps
Thanks
Tchau
Pedro

[lcelvenes]

Thanks for the feedback guys. Awesome :)

Lars-Christian

[battousai]

Hey Lars,

I'm looking for one as well. Maybe this site can help you a bit:

http://www.nikonians.org/nikon/nikkor-12-24mm/review.html

Personally I would go for Nikkor 12-24 or Tokina. I like sturdy, strong-built lenses...

Best regards

Pawel

[Emiel_Skyfreak]

The Sigma 10-20 is quite strong built..if you ask me. I have it for the Pentax mount, and it's built a lot better than the other lenses I have. It's a decent lens, but indeed the distortion is quite heavy. It has to fit the subject. Or you can try to correct indeed in PS. I've posted a few shots with it to, some recent photo's from here (Holland)

If I had the money back then, I probably would have went for the Pentax 12-24, but from what I've saved now..I can put away some..and get a bunch of money for if Pentax' DA* lenses arrive (mainly the 60-250 is of my interest)..they'll be expensive for sure ;)

[Furachan]

Lars-Christian, I think I have the link for you. Guy called Valpopando on Flickr, extraordinary images shot with the D80 and the Sigma 10-20 showing exactly what that lens is capable of. There's quite a lot of heavy PP but the images are spectacular in their own way. Enjoy!
Let me know what you think...
Francis
http://flickr.com/photos/valpopando/sets/72157594327558179/