Sigma 10-20

I'm just about on the verge of buying this lens. Quite a few other forum members have it and was wondering if there is ant major difference between the f3.5 and the f 4.5 apart from aperture size?

I have the 4.5 and it is a really nice lens. I bought it instead of the Pentax 12-24 because of the extra width. It takes nice contrasty images. I think the 3.5 has a built in focus motor and the 4.5 is via the screw drive from the camera body. As I mainly use it outside the extra speed is not a big deal for me.

I am thinking of selling it (very reluctantly) because I want a DA*16-50. I bought it in April from SRS (it was abargain at the time at £330). It is in perfect condition. PM me if you are interested

Hi Karl,

Judge for yourself, personally I prefer the early f/4-5.6 version which I have.

http://www.photozone.de/nikon--nikkor-aps-c-lens-tests/467-sigma_1020_35_nikon

http://www.photozone.de/nikon--nikkor-aps-c-lens-tests/308-sigma-af-10-20mm-f4-5...

John

The 8-16 is also worth considering as it's cheaper at the moment, £375 at SRS, the 10-20 being £429 (f/4-5.6) and £499 (f/3.5)

John

Hi thanks for that John. I don't want the 8 16, as I understand this is more of a fish eye effect? Also impossible to fit filters.

Misfuds have 7 available of the 10 20 @ £349 link

I am mainly using the 16 45 at the moment, often shooting at the 16 end.
Would I see much of a difference with the 10mm?

Cheers

Hi Karl, at that price it's a bargain. There's a big difference between 10mm and 16mm IMHO.

John

No it's rectilinear, with a bit of barrel disortion at 8mm but it's less distorted than the 10-20 is at 10mm. In fact it's pretty much distortion-free! The filter thing is a bit of a pain if you use them.

I have the 10-20mm and am quite happy with it and that's really a good price. The 8-16mm warrants a closer look though, as does the newer version of the 10-20mm IMHO - I've seen nice work with it and the odd no. of aperture blades gives a good sunstar: http://www.flickr.com/photos/class_a/5165269923/

For all things Sigma 10-20mm related: http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/lens-clubs/84539-sigma-10-20mm-club-101.html

I have had the Sigma 10-20Mm F4-5.6 DC EX Lens for some time. (That's F4 to f5.6 not from F4.5 by the way)

It's excellent for landscape work, see my portfolio.

Like all such lenses any change of plane for close buildings say causes all your parallels to converge. Some like this effect som don't

Mine's the old screw drive but frankly there is so little focus travel at this focal length it doesn't matter and landscapes that i mainly take are at infinity usually anyway. EX which is Sigma's top quality for only £349.00 at the moment, Bargain!

I doubt I could have shot this at 16mm:

https://www.pentaxuser.com/photo/user-5966/royal-scot-29426

John

I've owned the 10-20 and I currently own the 8-16. i had good copies and can say they are excellent to have. They open another dimension of angles you really appreciate, (if of course its dimension want to be in!).

The downside I would mention is consider the kit you want to carry. Bothe the Sigma's are heavy, (the 8-16 is just as long as any of my telephotos).

If you prefer a small kit, e.g walking around with a 16-45 (which is quite light) and a 55-300 or 50-200, then picking up one of these may give you a dilemma as you will may not want to leave it at home!

Another thumbs-up for the 10-20 F4.5

The newer model uses a larger filter of 82mm (as opposed to 77mm).

The F4.5 weighs 470g, whilst for example the 55-300 is just under an ounce less at 440g. Personally I don't find it to be heavy

Adrian

I love my 10-20 f4.5 and rate it very highly indeed. You get stunning results.

Would doubt that many would use this lens at f3.5 or f4

I have the f4 and it's my most used lens for landscape. Love it. Have nothing to compare it to though but I'm very happy with what it can produce

I know exactly what you mean! I hate heavy lenses, but can rarely resist taking the Sigma out with me. It's worth it. But if only there was a lighter, smaller, 10mm prime available.

I like the sigma, I have not use any other WA lens tho, check ebay out, sometimes people leave pentax and sell all their gears which normally includes a wide lens.

I got mine for £220 but it is the 10-20 f4-5.6