Another bad Sigma 10-20

Spent the morning wandering around Chester taking shots to test out the new Sigma 10-20 I've just received from SRS. This is the 2nd copy I've had after initially buying from somewhere else...

unfortunately no luck with this one either, slightly soft on the R/H side (not as bad as my 1st copy) but the worse part is that hardly any of the shots I've taken appear in focus/sharp.

I've taken several shots at varying apertures & focal lengths, mostly F11/F13 wher the lens should be at its best.

This ones on its way back too, I'm now beginning to think I should have spent the extra cash on the Pentax 12-24 !!

simon

The centre is best at F5.6, and the borders at F8, and you should test with manual focus to exclude camera AF issues.

www.photozone.de/pentax/146-sigma-af-10-20mm-f4-56-ex-dc-pentax-k-review--test-r...

A week back I came across a used Sigma 12-24mm in the Chester branch of the London Camera Exchange. I seriously considered buying this before getting the 10-20 instead. It's up for a sale at £300, might be worth checking out.

Benefits over 10-20:
1. Very low barrel distortion.
2. Can be used on a full frame/film camera.
3. Slightly better sharpness (noted in some reviews but not massively sharper).

Drawbacks:
1. More CA.
2. Not as wide.
3. More expensive.
4. Uses larger filters i believe.

(All of this is from memory, don't hold me to it)

I haven't extensively trialed my 10-20 yet, it seems very sharp, but you've made me want to really test it thouroughly.

Toby

The Sigma 12-24 is larger and heavier altogether as well.

Testing lenses thoroughly is not good for one's mental well being. If you like some of the pictures you get with a lens very much, you've made a good purchase.

The Sigma 10-20 is not known for being one of the sharpest lenses in the world, and AF with it is not always reliable, but that 10mm rectilinear view makes the world look fantastic.

Can you post some of the results with the lens please.

To be honest the images are that bad I've deleted them...lens is boxed-up & on its way back to SRS very soon...

this is the 2nd copy & although the 1st had a very soft R/H side the rest of the frame was sharp & in focus - this copy isn't in focus/sharp anywhere...I have the Sigma 17-70 which I find excellent but it seems more difficult to find a 10-20 with the same qualities

simon

I'm just about to order one of these from SRS.

How do I ensure I don't get the one you're sending back?!

More seriously, I'm a bit concerned by how many people are having problems with this particular lens. I'm hoping it's some kind of self selecting sample and that they've sold so many you must just be unlucky if you get a bad one?

Yes, not so many people bother to post a message saying "I bought a lens and it is OK". So you here about more bad examples than good ones.

By the way, the first Sigma 10-20 I bought was OK - apart from the AF being funny sometimes, but I reckon that's more to do with the camera than the lens.

I haven't really done exhaustive tests on mine but I am happy with the results. I'm just not sure if I really like the ultra wide views in landscapes tbh. It somehow feels like your squashing too much into the picture. But that's just me.
I'm not sure if mine is a keeper or if I will sell it because I don't use it enough.

Here's one I took in the US with it. Not a great photo but to give an idea.

[IMG]http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c205/Bargwynbu/Goosenecksweb1.jpg[/IMG]

EXIF: *ist Ds, Sigma 10-20, 10mm, F 16, 1/180

Somehow I just liked the landscape photos that were taken with the kit lens better.

Right, can we put that forward to "understatement of the year", please. This is bl@@dy marvellous! Yes, there are some problems with the sky but I think that could be salvaged.

And looking at it a bit longer I think you even could leave it like it is. Gives a bit of a "painting" feel to it.
And everything below the horizon is awesome!

If you don't like the 10-20, maybe you could throw it my way...

Prieni

Vielen Dank (That's about the limit of my German in spite of having a German Daughter-in-law).

I am thinking of cropping it to a panorama as there was no way to avoid the horizon halfway through the scene. If I do decide to dispose of the lens it will appear here, on the forum, first.

Sorry to have hijacked your topic a bit Simon. I hope you get a good model soon.

[IMG]http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b399/philstaff/Marina1.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b399/philstaff/IMGP3356.jpg[/IMG]
These were took last week it took a bit of getting used to this lens hope you are sorted soon.

Well, just recieved the 3rd copy & it looks like I might be able to produce some shots to the standard of those posted...this one looks to be a keeper on 1st impressions...

Certainly doesn't suffer significant de-centering or lack of sharpness, distortion levels also seem less than on the previous 2 copies. Intend to post my 1st landscape shots once this weather gives me a chance !!

simon

That's good news Simon. I look forward to seeing your photos!