Sigma 10-20mm F3.5 vs F4.0-5.6

Conclusion: Sigma 10-20 F/3.5

The Sigma 10-20mm F/3.5 EX DC HSM is a good compromise of quality and value. The lens is sharp throughout the entire zoom range and is sharp at the maximum aperture of F3.5. The lens is well-built and handles nicely. The Hyper-Sonic-Motor (HSM) is very quiet. The manual focus option is a nice feature that is similar to the Pentax 12-24. The constant minimum aperture of F3.5 makes this lens the fastest lens in the ultra-wide lenses reviewed. The lens hood can be installed inversely over the lens for a total diameter of 3.5 inches. The lens has distortion but once you get past 14mm it drops significantly. The problem with vignetting is relatively minor and like the distortion does improve once you move towards 20mm. The lens is very prone to flare but that issue can be mitigated or prevented.

Value

The Sigma 10-20 F/3.5 lens currently retails for $649.00 at B&H photo, which currently falls between the prices of the Sigma DG 12-24 F/4.5-5.6, and the Pentax DA 12-24mm F/4.

Pros

• Constant F3.5 aperture
• Sharp over entire range from 10mm to 20mm
• Very little distortion beyond 14mm
• Very little vignetting beyond 14mm
• Well-built and well balanced
• Good quality to value ratio
• Ablility to install front filters
• Slient HSM lens focusing

Cons

• Visible distortion at 10mm
• Slight vignetting at 10mm
• Visible chromatic aberration
• Very prone to lens flare

Rating