Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6 EX DC for Sony

NOTE: this is for crop sensor (DX) Alpha cameras only.

The Sigma 10-20mm lens provides an excellent ultra-wide solution for shooters of crop frame cameras. With 3 low dispersion and 2 aspherical elements, it provides excellent control of chromatic aberration and low distortion. It has a hypersonic motor for rapid autofocus and is completely internally focusing with a non-rotating barrel, so a circular polarizer is easy to use.

Roger’s Take: Comparing the ultra-wide, crop-sensor camera lenses is an extremely difficult task, so I’ll put the summary first: they all deliver excellent image quality, and you can’t go wrong with any of them. To my ‘just taking pictures’ assessment, they are all excellent. There are some differences though, which I’ll try to point out so that you have a better chance at choosing the one that’s best for you.
Sigma 8-16 f/4.5-5.6 is the widest (and remember, 8mm is 20% wider than 10mm, so it’s a very real difference). Not quite as sharp in the corners as the others, and lower maximum aperture, but it’s really pretty good, especially considering it’s the widest of the wide.
The Sony 11-18mm is a decent lens, although it really isn’t sharp wide open. It needs to be stopped down a stop to give you the images most of us want. It’s nice and small, which is important when you’re only carrying an ultra-wide in the bag “just in case” you need it. Overall, a decent, but not a great performer.
The Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6 has a bit larger range and provides excellent image quality, although it has a bit of barrel distortion at the wide end, fits no worse than the Sony. It’s quite sharp in the center even wide open, a bit less so in the edges until f/5.6 or f/8. It’s internally focusing, so if you plan on using a circular polarizer (not always the best idea on an ultra-wide), you might prefer this one. Plus, it’s a good price.

But, like I said above: they’re all excellent. We hardly ever get anything but happy comments about any of them.

Try and Buy Program: Lensrentals is pleased that our friends at SuperdigitalCity have made a special offer for our customers renting this item and considering purchase. Simply email your Lensrentals Invoice number to SuperdigitalCity and they will email you back a coupon code good for $21 off of the Sigma 10-20 f/4-5.6 lens.

Only Works With:

• Crop frame cameras (A350, A550, etc…)

If you’re having difficulties choosing a lens, this article might help you. Whereas, if general information about ultra wides is what interests you, then look here

Specs:

Filter Size

77mm

Aperture

f4.5-22

Length

3.3”

Diameter

3.2”

Weight

1.0 lb.

Hood

Included, no part number

Minimum Focusing Distance

0.75 feet

Maximum Magnification

.15x

Angle of view: (4/3 frame)

102 to 63 degrees

Zoom method

Barrel extending, nonrotating

Image Stabilization

NONE

Focusing System

Internal, full-time manual, Hypersonic motor

Aperture Blades

6 curved

Aperture Change

f/4 < 10mm; f/4.5 @ 12mm; f/5.6 >14mm

Groups/Elements

10/14

Low Dispersion Elements

3

Aspherical Elements

2

Weather Resistant

No

Flare Resistance

very mild ghosting, very mild contrast loss

Links:

• Review DPReview
• LensTip

MTF Chart:

Red lines indicate 10 lines/mm; green lines 30 lines/mm. Solid lines are Sagittal, dotted lines meridional.

If you are bored and don’t understand MTF charts, you can read about them HERE

Lens Construction: