Sigma AF 10-20mm f/3.5 EX DC HSM - Review / Test Report - Sample Images & Verdict
Lens Reviews - Nikon / Nikkor (APS-C)

Sample Shots

The following sample shots were taken with a D300 and RAW-converted via CaptureOne 4.8.

Click on a thumbnail to view the original file (opens in a separate window).

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Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D300
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 12.0mm
Aperture: f/5.6
Exposure 1/1250s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D300
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 10.0mm
Aperture: f/8.0
Exposure 1/5s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D300
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 20.0mm
Aperture: f/5.6
Exposure 1/640s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D300
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 16.0mm
Aperture: f/8.0
Exposure 1/400s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D300
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 20.0mm
Aperture: f/8.0
Exposure 1/800s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D300
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 13.0mm
Aperture: f/8.0
Exposure 1/800s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D300
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 10.0mm
Aperture: f/8.0
Exposure 1/800s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D300
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 20.0mm
Aperture: f/3.5
Exposure 1/5000s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D300
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 10.0mm
Aperture: f/5.6
Exposure 1/1250s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D300
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 16.0mm
Aperture: f/3.5
Exposure 1/2500s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D300
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 20.0mm
Aperture: f/3.5
Exposure 1/800s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D300
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 10.0mm
Aperture: f/8.0
Exposure 1/250s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D300
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 20.0mm
Aperture: f/8.0
Exposure 1/640s
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D300
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 10.0mm
Aperture: f/6.3
Exposure 1/800s

Verdict

The new Sigma 10-20 mm f/3.5 EX DC HSM leaves us with mixed feelings. The build quality of the lens is certainly excellent, distortion is a little high at the wide end (but excellent for the rest of the zoom range), there's also a fair amount of vignetting and CA, but that's typical for this lens class. Resolution in the center is excellent, borders also are nothing to complain about and corner performance is ok at 15 and 20 mm, but very disappointing at 10 mm.

In summary, it makes one wonder who's supposed to buy this lens. Those who already own the older and slower Sigma 10-20 most likely don't feel the need to upgrade, especially if they already own filters to go with the lens. Even those who purchase new will probably find the older design with its lower price point more attractive. Unless you really need the speed of this lens, but for those use cases the Tokina 11-16/2.8 is probably the more attractive option.

Still, those who do buy this lens in the end have aquired a solid performer, which delivers great results if you're aware of its weaknesses and work around them.

Optical Quality:    
Mechanical Quality:
Price/Performance:
      
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