Sigma 12-24 F4.5-5.6 EX Aspherical DG  reviews

sharpness: 3 

color: 4 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 4 

user: godsakes   review date: April-13-12  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

KM 17-35mm
Minolta 20mm
Sigma 24mm

positive:

Amazing distortion control
Good flare control
Insanely wide

negative:

Unable to use filters
unexceptional sharpness
soft corners

comment:

First impressions:

Overall this is not an overly sharp lens but then ultra wides never come close to macro sharpness (to put it in perspective I only gave the CZ16-35 a rating of 4), it has similar centre sharpness to the minolta/tamron 17-35mm but softer in the corners. While it's the least sharp of the lenses I've compared it to the difference is not huge, buy this lens for types of shots it lets you take, it's those which give this lens the WOW factor. Equally don't go selling off this lens and expecting a huge jump in image quality short of going for the CZ.

Flare control is much better than I had expected better than the 20/24mm primes. The distortion control of this lens is amazing (especially at the long end) better than any of the other lenses I've compared it to.

sharpness: 4 

color: 3 

build: 5 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 4 

user: hayasa8   review date: September-13-11  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

sigma 20 1.8, minolta 17-35mm G, sigma 17-35mm 2.8-4, Sony kit 18-200, Sony kit SAL 18-55mm

price paid:

400? USD

positive:

Great lens, just what you'd expect for this focal length. Its perfect FOR WHAT IT IS, but nowhere near a prime or a dedicated wide zoom. This is an ultra wide designed to be used as such. Its not a 17-35.

negative:

lots of highlight skewing and haze when things are bright. Wish it had some more contrasty color...

comment:

I don't know what I paid but I do know this lens paid for itself quickly. There are a ton shots it avails but you have to know how to use it.

sharpness: 4 

color: 3 

build: 3 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 4 

user: Ovas   review date: September-05-11  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

TAMRON 17-35mm f2.8-4.

price paid:

545USD (new)

positive:

The widest Full Frame available.
Distorsion is under very good control. Not visible even at 12 mm!

negative:

Low quality build,needs to be taken extra care of!
Need to correct colors.

comment:

Bought this at a SALE. The widest angle of view, when I need it it is good to have. Not pinpoint sharp, needs lots of photoshoping. Colors are yellowish.

The TAMRON are way better but does not have 12-17mm area.

Still it is possible to take nice picktures when really needing wide wide angle. Stepped down to f16 corners gets ok.

sharpness: 4 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 4 

user: Tricky01   review date: April-16-11  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Tarmon 10-24 (used on crop)
KM 17-35 (used on FF)

price paid:

500 GBP (SH)

positive:

- Incredible distortion control (I still don't quite understand how it does it)
- Light
- Amazingly wide on FF

negative:

- not the sharpest tool in the box (but not as bad as some say)
- Lens ID comes through saying it's a minolta 28-85!

comment:

If you're looking for a wide angle lens for full frame then this is the lens to go for. Unbelievably wide and handles distortion so very very well. Fun walk around lens for metropolitan areas. The extra 5mm may not sound a lot moving from the KM17-35 but it makes a massive difference. It's not the sharpest lens, but to be honest it's pretty bloody good. If you're using it on FF you've got to be pixel peeping to see.

It's also important to remember DoF is from the subject to the sensor; a lens like this needs to be put right up to the object you're taking so unless that object is concave, one part of that object will be very close to the sensor and the rest won't be. While it may still be soft in the corners, often this is due to the shallow DoF.

If you're on crop sensor (anything except A850 or A900) but *might* move FF in future I'd recommend getting this. Will be wide enough for most stuff and is then useable on FF (the tamron 10-24 is a good lens, but not compatible with FF).

Thoroughly recommend, but if you are going to get into wide angle stuff, do some research on how best to use them. This is the best article you can read, and you really should read it:
www.kenrockwell.com/tech/how-to-use-ultra-wide-lenses.htm

sharpness: 4.5 

color: 4 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: PeteMag   review date: April-07-11  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

sigma 10-20 on aps-c

positive:

W I D E

negative:

nothing

comment:

This lens is great to use, without it you always wish you could just go a fraction wider because if you went back any further you'd fall into the sea/lake/road/railway line/doorway or shrubby bush.

There's a bit of distortion as with any UWA, you have to admire the control on it though at such angles. Flare is an issue because it can be hard to get the sun or other light source out of the frame, thats not a fault of the lens though! It's a bit like saying the lens is faulty because you have your feet in the shot.

Offers unique picture opportunities, recommended.

sharpness: 4 

color: 4 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 3 

user: Photovisionz   review date: November-10-10  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Sigma 10-20mm
Minolta 24-50mm

price paid:

1135 NZD

positive:

fantastic wide angle range
quite sharp
neutral colours
No CA of any kind
Very little distortion

negative:

never critically sharp
heavy
Not a fast lens (F4.5 max aperture)

comment:

I like this lens. It has better sharpness, contrast and colours than the Sigma 10-20 lens for APS-C sensors. Its not as sharp at 24 mm as the Minolta 24-50 - significantly !
This is an optical compromise - overall sharpness has been evened out which means it never gets critically sharp in the centre but this brings up (the stopped down) corner sharpness to an acceptable level. Its great for architecture but for landscape big enlargements would start to suffer. It WILL be heavy.
Sigma have eliminated CA and minimised linear distortion in an incredibly wide and versatile lens. Its an architecture lens primarily. They have done an excellent job with optical tradeoffs.

sharpness: 4 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 3 

user: realgeek   review date: May-25-10  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Sony 18-250
Sony 28-75
Sony 50/1.4
(various telephoto)

price paid:

859 USD (new)

positive:

Ultrawide 12mm
Incredible distortion control
Solid build

negative:

Not very sharp
Bulging front element (necessary compromise)
No filters

comment:

I am very happy with this lens. I think it is very good overall, and amazing in terms of distortion control.

To be honest, though, it has serious drawbacks as well -- which I think are understandable physical compromises given how wide it is. But you should understand the shortcomings or else you may be sorely disappointed. For me, the most disappointing aspect is that the lens is not very sharp at all. It's not horribly soft; it's fine. But even stopped down pretty far, it's not what I would call sharp.

If I could justify the expense, I might have gone with the CZ 16-35. But this "compromise" lens has the advantage of being significantly wider!

sharpness: 4.5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 4 

user: Edinator   review date: May-25-10  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

CZ 24-70 F2.8
Tokina 19-35
Minolta 16mm Fisheye

price paid:

$650 CAD Used

positive:

Distortion control
Vignette control
Colour

negative:

Lense hood/cap
sharpness

comment:

The view is just amazing on full frame. The sharpness of this lense is ok. I am kind of spoiled by the CZ 24-70's sharpness. The corners on this lense get very good once stopped down past F8.

Build quality is good, the typical Sigma EX DG build. I don't really like the feel of it though. The lense is light which is a plus but I would have liked a bit better build.

Also, this might only apply to my used copy but the focal length zoom is stiffer in the 12 mm and 24 mm end and smoother in the middle.

My biggest gripe for this lense is the ability for filters. I don't see any practical way to attach a ND filter to this lense. I might be able to hold the filter infront but I don't think there is a way to attach it for use at 12 mm.

I am very with this lense, for an ultrawide (12 mm!!!), the optics of this lense is just phenomenal. Sigma did a goos job on this lense!

sharpness: 4 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 3 

user: Capetown   review date: May-12-10  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Minolta 20 f2,8
Minolta 28-135 f4,5
Minolta 35-105 F3,5-4,5
Carl Zeiss Distagon 35 f2,8
Minolta 50 f1,4
Minolta MC 58 f1,2 Rokkor PG
Sony 70-200 G SSM
and some Macro lenses

price paid:

400 Euro

positive:

12mm on FF
Very good distortion control
Sharpness is ok on FF

negative:

Flare - Flare - Flare!

comment:

I love this lens - I use it with APS-C and also with FF.

The 12-24 delivers good image quality at small apertures. The colour
reproduction is very natural and pictures with the 12-24 show a distinguished colour palette that invites you to step into the picture and marvel at the quality of reproduction and the depth of perspective.

The lens is sharp enough at f4,5-f5,6 in the center, but not the borders! You have to stop down to f8 for good and f11 for corner to corner sharpness on APS-C. My point of view is that you need f14 for optimal sharpness on the FF Chip. I see no limits of defraction so I use f11 to f16.

I often use this lens for architecture and landscape shots.
With f14 you have the hyperfocal DOF. You need experience to take shots when the sun is in the "field" - the lens catch flare very easely. Sometimes you can block the sun with your hands.

The distortion control is excellent for a zoom lens.

The mechanical quality is good: the mechanism of internal
focusing is indeed incredibly smooth in its movement.

The 12-24 is a very fine tool for the photographer
who wants to create pictures with a very strong visual
impact and a wide dimensional scope.

Recommend for Full Frame and APS-C users
if you can find a good sample.

sharpness: 4.5 

color: 4 

build: 4 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 4 

user: stresskiller   review date: May-10-10  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

price paid:

700 euro [new]

positive:

solid build
great lens for interior shots

negative:

comment:

i bought this lens cause i wanted to play with wide angle shots[ landscapes , buildings and interior ]
along the way i found out that there are many creative ways to enjoy this lens. makes models legs look longer , pets can get big heads etc etc still playing a lot with it.

sharpness: 4.5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 3 

user: dpp   review date: May-03-10  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Sigma 10-20
KM 17-35/2.8-4 D

price paid:

600 EUR

positive:

12mm on FF

negative:

Flare....
..maybe the front cap and the inability to put filters ..

comment:

Very good lens! In sharp from Sigma 10-20, but is closer to the Crop. FF has a classic! DxO works great with this lens!

sharpness: 3.5 

color: 4 

build: 5 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 3 

user: nitrosyl   review date: May-03-10  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

- Konica Minolta 17-35mm f/2.8-4 D
- Minolta 20mm f/2.8 RS
- Sony 18-70mm f/3.5-5.6

positive:

- 12mm
- mild distortion for an UWA lens
- well built

negative:

- easily flared
- heavy vignetting (12mm on APSC) w/ ring-like hood mounted

comment:

This is definitely a special lens. 12mm is already crazily wide on APSC (18mm equivalent), imagine what you can do with it on FF!

The Sigma 12-24 gets all the common cons of a UWA zoom lens and is not the sharpest in this category. But it goes to 12mm, like.no.other! Distortion control is very good, so is build quality.

sharpness: 4 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 3 

user: Richalf   review date: January-27-10  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

price paid:

$1,070 CDN

positive:

Good Range
Solid Build
Exceptional Rich Colours

negative:

Weight(but thats's the trade off for solid build)
Buldging front element
Some vignetting with lens hood at wide end
Have to be careful of flare in sunlight.

comment:

For the price of this lens I would like to have seen it go to F3.5 at the wide end, it ceratily seems big enough for it.

The focus is reliable and pretty quick and the lens is built very solidly.

If you can get a good deal on a used one it's definitely worth it as it is a very nice and usful lens for landscapes.

I just feel I paid too much for it

sharpness: 4 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 5 

user: lingoting   review date: December-22-09  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

price paid:

850(new)

positive:

Very useful range.
Super W i d e
Solid built

negative:

sharpness is OK

comment:

sharpness: 4 

color: 4 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 4 

user: barri   review date: October-01-09  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

CZ 24-70
Tamron 11-18
Tamron 17-50

price paid:

850 USD new

positive:

great distortion correction
good built quality
super wide !!!
acceptable sharpness

negative:

micro-contrast not equal to CZ lenses
bulging front element

comment:

Overall I am very happy with this lens. You need to stop it down a bit and expose to the higher end, in order to ensure a perfectly sharp image. But if handled with such care, you get perfect results. Pro Level. And this all the way to 12 mm !!!!
The CZ 16-35 might be a slightly better lens, but the focal length of the Sigma makes it for me the clear winner.

sharpness: 4 

color: 3 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 2 

user: jerome   review date: September-12-09  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

CZ 16-35, minolta 20mm f/2.8.

positive:

12mm orthoscopic, full frame. No other lens does this.

negative:

Slow.

comment:

This is a weird lens for these ultra-wide effects.

IQ is good and great around f/8-f/11. Wide opened, it vignettes like crazy.

I guess that the question is "how does it compare to the CZ?". This is the wrong question, they are lenses for very different uses. in a nutshell: the CZ has better micro-contrast and way better colors. The CZ can be used in dim light. This lens is much, much wider. Don't be fooled: 4mm is a lot of difference.

Colors are poor, noticeably yellow. Nothing which can't be corrected in post though.

Flare control is poor, you get pink blobs somewhere in the frame.

Distortion control is impressive.

You can't use any filter in front of this lens.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: JasperD   review date: June-17-09  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Sony 18-70 / f3.5-5.6
Sigma 20-40 / f2.8 EX DG

price paid:

1095 CHF

positive:

Sharp
Color saturation
Virtually no distortion

negative:

bulging front element

comment:

I´ve now used this lens for some time, it´s not the fastest I own, that´s an understatement, but that´s not really what you buy it for. The super wide angle is! The whole range virtually without distortion, that´s already very impressive. I don´t mind I cannot put a polarizer in front of it (using the ´lenscap´ for that is not really an option imo, especially not at 12mm): colors are so saturated, so warm, it´s like it has been built in... The Sony kit-lens above does not come anywhere near of this lens in any terms, except of course weight and price, I think that´s as fair a statement as any.

Compared to my beloved 20-40 (which I carried by default on the α100) where they overlap, this lens beats it all the way, although I seem to be the lucky owner of a very good and very sharp copy of that faster zoom. Moreover, I fail to understand the comments about flare with this lens (even if normal), maybe I just do not understand or have become too used to it with the 20-40mm, where it can be quite heavily obvious at times. Not seen it yet on this 12-24mm, maybe it´s just the swiss importer doing a very good selection job up front. I´ll post a few samples as soon as I can, that is when finished setting up the galery on smugmug. Not for tomorrow, there´s a 400+ to sort out for last sunday alone...

On the negative side: that bulging front element gives me some nightmares in handling it! The other day, I almost posed it on a more or less flat wall to change lenses, as usual upside down, the hood becoming its feet; as always when changing lenses. Then I realized which lens I was holding, that the wall wasn´t exactly a wall, nor more or less flat (more a ridge on a rocky stretch), and I could stop my hand just in time. Just... Sweating a lot... It comes with the design though, and as such it has no influence on build rating.

sharpness: 4.5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 3 

user: Kwozzie   review date: January-31-09  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Sony SAL1118 11-18mm

price paid:

$1350.00 NZD (new)

positive:

- Nice size and weight
- Solid construction
- Virtually no distortion making it great for architecture
- Full Frame compatible.
Sharp from F8 onwards

negative:

Rear filters, front filtering possible but can cause vignetting, especially on full frame

comment:

I upgraded to this lens from the Sony 11-18mm mainly as I wanted to do more architecural photography and all reports indicated that this lens produced virtually zero linear distortion. I also wanted a super-wide that I could use with my Dynax7 and a future full frame D-SLR; the Sigma 12-24 is the only full-fraem zoom at this focal length.

So far it's everything I expected and has solved all the problems I had with the 11-18, namely distortion, corner sharpness and CA.

It can be a little soft upto F8 as widley reported in reviews, but is extremely sharp by F11 which suits me fine for landscape and architectural photography. You need to take care with point light sources and direct sunlight as it's very easy to get flare but that's to be expected at this focal length.

The lens takes rear-mount gelatin filters which I have not used as yet. an 82mm forward filter can be used thanks to the 2-piece lens cap but you will get some corner vignetting at 12mm on APS-C sensors, and much more serious on full frame.

Overall, the lens is a delight and I do not regret selling the 11-18mm.

[update 16.3.09]

Having owned this lens for a little while now, I've had plenty of oppertunity to put it through it's paces. The potential for lens flare takes a bit of getting used to and makes you think a little more when composing your shot; a good thing in my opinion.

It's definately soft wide open, improves around F8 and is much better by F11. It does soften up again beyond F16. For what I bought the lens for (architecture) it's fine. On the subject of architecture, the lack of lens distortion is a godsend saving heaps of time correcting in post.

Bottom line, I love this lens and am sure you will too.

sharpness: 4.5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 3 

user: lcarus   review date: January-24-09  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Tamron 24-70SP
Min 24RS

price paid:

439 GBP (New)

positive:

Built like a tank
Wondefully wide on FF
Distortion acceptable
Sharp!

negative:

Zoom is tight
Flaring (Understandable)

comment:

I was worried about buying this lens but decided to take the plunge.
Very happy with it I have to say, it's not an all rounder but is an essential part of my kit bag.

Delighted with this!

I'll post some examples now.

sharpness: 4.5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 3 

user: flitetym   review date: January-18-09  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Minolta 20mm 2.8

price paid:

650 USD (new)

positive:

So veeery wide!!!

negative:

Somewhat stiff zooming. But I'm used to it ... it's a Sigma trademark, of sorts. Also vignetting at the wide end ONLY when the lens cap/ filter holder is attached.

comment:

This is an excellent lens for what I do ... which is mainly indoor photography. At 12mm (18mm, APS-C), this lens literally ingests an entire room in one gulp. At 24mm (36mm, APS-C), it's just about right for close-up, head-on shots. In short, this is a great indoor walk-around lens.

This lens comes equipped (new) with a slide-on attachment that not only retains the lens cap, but also accomodates an 82mm filter; so I am not understanding the complaints of others in this area.

This lens is my newest sweetheart! I banished my Sigma 24-70DG 2.8 into my kitbox. My only regret is that I waited so long to get it.

sharpness: 2.5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: RD   review date: November-03-08  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Zenitar 16mm

positive:

-Wide angle with little vertical line distortion
-Nice build, light weight

negative:

-Too soft on both sides of the full frame Alpha 900, looks ok on Alpha 700 APC images.

comment:

On the Alpha 900, the image is very soft on the edges. This lens did no better when choking down the aperture unlike the Zenitar 16mm. Zooming in to 12mm or out to 24mm still yielded very soft edges. I am no expert, but I would estimate 5-6 blur units at least for the far right/left 10% of the image. Not acceptable.

It looks much better on the Alpha 700 where the soft edges are just outside the APC-C frame. I suspect many of those who get this lens for future-proofing might be in for a disappointment when they look at this lens on a full frame camera.

I sent the first back to BHP photo RMA for exchange, I will update this post when I get the replacement.

sharpness: 4 

color: 3 

build: 5 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 2 

user: sitompul   review date: October-13-08  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

nothing comparable in my lineup except for the 18-70

price paid:

+-700usd new, Japan

positive:

-Nice distortion control
-Build like a tank
-fast AF on 7D, AF ring is impressive, no looseness whatsoever.
-sharp enough
-FF ability
-see details

negative:

-give a red/yellowish typical Sigma colour cast
-The inability to use filters
-see details

comment:

The front element of this beast is so big that it is impossible to use filter, i dont need a protective filter because i always take care of my glasses (and i believe you will too!), especially if they cost around 700 usd. But i gave a 5 because it is designed as what it is, and that means having a big bulging piece of glass in front, and to put a filter screw would make the filter sooo big to avoid vignetting, so it is understandable in my opinion, hence the 5. (AND it IS built like a tank - but treat it like a baby)
The other problem is that this glass display the typical sigma yellow/reddish colour cast, makes your pics somewhat warmer, BUT it is not without solution, just control with the WB, and presto!. Still, the colour contrast could be better.

The great thing about this glass is that the distortion is virtually negligible. On the edge wide open on APS-C it is somewhat sharper than the kit lens edge sharpness @18mm stopped down to 5.6, and that is quite impressive.
The AF on the 7D indoor at around EV 6-8 is fast, and accurate, so that is also impressive.
Flare control, simply put, from a lens with 12mm FF coverage, and had a big piece of glass the size of a tennis ball bulging in front of it, it has some problems. MOST NOTABLY, in strong flare situations, it produces a dominantly-blue-toned flare, which could pose problems in some situations.

Only 2 things differentiate this lens with the 10-20EX DC

-the 12-24 give only 92 deg. fov on APS-C the 10-20 give 102deg. BUT this thing has the ability to go FF, and THAT means better futureproofing, and 122deg. fov.
-This thing won't let you use cpol filter, and protective filter, the 10-20 has that ability
-this thing is heavier, bigger, and cost more than its little brother (OK, so that's three...)

sharpness: 4 

color: 2 

build: 3 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 4 

user: Dipsausje   review date: August-12-08  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

price paid:

EUR 685 (new)

positive:

- Very little Distortion
- Good build materials

negative:

- Cheap lens cap
- Focus ring doesn't decouple when in AF
- Colours aint nice

comment:

I bought this lens because I wanted something wider and with less distortion than the kit lens. The Sigma provides this in a nice package, rugged build and a fine image quality. Regarding the WA I think flare control is quite good and distortion control is impressive.

However for €685 I expect to get something better than the cheap sigma lens cap that you can't grab in the centre. And the fact that the focus ring doesn't decouple also is a nuisance, it's close enough to the zoom ring to accidentally grip it when in AF.

Update: I sold this lens some time ago, I just didn't like the colour it produced. Also build quality wasn't up to the price. I've decided not to buy Sigma anymore.

sharpness: 4.5 

color: 4 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 3 

user: uaybalam   review date: July-28-08  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

2,8/20 Min AF "Old"
3,5-4,5/24-85 Min AF
3,5-4,5/16-80 zeiss

price paid:

420 euros (new)

positive:

good quality built
non-signifiacative distortion for this type of lens

negative:

flare
little bit "soft"
be careful with front lens !!!

comment:

Very good zoom !
A little bit soft with digital camera A700 , and very sensible compared to the 16-80 Zeiss in same conditions ...
No big diference of softness with film camera (Dynax 9xi).
The diference beetween sigma 12-24 and 20 Min AF "old" is not very significative ; better sharpness with 2,8/20 and better contrast ,but not so important !!!
be careful with flare of 12-24 !!! very sensible and contrast fell down with it !!!
That was a very good surprise testing this zoom ,because I hesitated with the famous 10-20 sigma.
I prefered buy this zoom for it's compatibility with film cameras or FF digital cameras ...

sharpness: 4.5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 4 

user: Roger Rex   review date: June-26-08  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

KM 28-75

positive:

rugged
sharpness

negative:

can't use filters

comment:

This lens is one of my workhorses and renders very good IQ with modest distortion even at 12mm for this type of lens. The flare control, even at 12mm is very good but is to be expected (this is a very bulbous lens) - after shooting hundreds of images at 12mm I have only had this problem on a handful of shots. I am a bit nervous using it because of the inability to give it protection via a filter coupled with its shape which is conducive to attracting dust and debris.

sharpness: 4.5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 4 

user: kaisal0   review date: March-02-08  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

28-70 G

price paid:

600 EURO (new)

positive:

Minimal distortion for this kind of lens

negative:

Sharpness is not the level i like
Can´t use Filters

comment:

The quality of this lens is good, but not very good. After talking to many photographers I think this lens is at present the best wide angle zoom for Minolta/Sony.

I hope Zeiss will built a Lens which is realy a great wide angle lens.

Addendum:
Today I tested the Tamron 14 mm F 2,8 VS the Sigma 12-24. What a surprise. I thought the Tarmon would be better. But no way!!! The Sigma is definitely the better lens. The sharpness is 1 or 2 classes better, particularly with regard to the edges of the pictures.

sharpness: 4 

color: 5 

build: 3 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 4 

user: mroctopus   review date: September-05-07  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Sigma 10-20

price paid:

750

positive:

Excellent distortion control
Above average sharpness
Full Frame readiness

negative:

Can't use UV filter (Vignetting)
Bad hood design,
Slow aperture, F4.5-F5.6.

comment:

One of the reason i paid extra for this lens is the well distortion control as compared to other ultra wide, and the bonus is able to use on future full frame body.

Sharpness is good at wide open but not excellent. Give it two stop and it give you excellent sharpness. The true strength of this lens come with a very well distortion control, something you can't really get from other lens, no replacement at this moment of writing.

There are some corner softness at wide open but center region remain good sharpness. at F5.6 or beyond, Corner sharpness improve significantly.

The color is very well controlled, excellent saturation and color is more neutral (18-50EX is a bit warm). Contrast is excellent.

Need to be extra careful when walkaround with this lens, better use protective hood to protect the front element as it doesn't allow any UV filter. I can only give 3 for the build due to this reason.

sharpness: 4 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 4 

user: artuk   review date: July-07-07  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Sigma 20-40 EX DG f2.8
Minolta 17-35 f2.8-4

price paid:

75000 Yen

positive:

The widest full frame zoom lens ever made.
Extremely well corrected.
Very good resolution for width.

negative:

Large front element needs care.
Extreme width makes it flare prone.
A little slow.

comment:

On full frame there is no other zoom lens, or even a Minolta mount prime lens, that goes as wide. Resoltion at centre is very good. It is extremely well corrected at field edge even at 12mm.

Some people criticise this lens for its corner / edge resolution. They clearly do not understand what is possible for a full frame 12mm lens. No lens of that width, even a prime, could ever deliver the same edge resoltion as at centre frame. The problem is far greater when the lens is a zoom. "Soft" corners are a by-product of extreme wide-angle lens design. Wide open, central resolution is good, corners less so. Stopped down, the performance across the full frame is more consistent. I would regard the resolution of this lens as very good for its class. It's not realistic to compare a 50mm prime to a 12-24mm zoom.

I have also seen this lens criticised for being very prone to flare. Again, this is rather overlooking the fact that this is a 12mm full frame lens. All extreme wide angle lenses are prone to flare due to the size and curvature of their front elements. Although this lens is prone to the problem of flare, it is reasonably well controlled and tends to give localised flare somewhere in the image, often characterised by a geometric shape in the pattern of the aperture blades. This is far preferable to the type of flare that dramatically reduces overall image contrast and therefore often renders phoographs useless. Therefore, I would regard the performance of this lens to control flare as very good.

The lens has an overall medium to high contrast (surprisingly so for its width), and colour appears neutral and is well saturated.

The build is good. It is finished in Sigma matt black. I personally find this finish is easy to scuff and mark. However, my copy is well made, and the metal lens cap and hard fabric carrying case are both nice touches.

Overall, an extraordinary lens offering very good performance on full frame.

sharpness: 4.5 

color: 4 

build: 5 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 4 

user: ldk62   review date: June-07-07  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

-17-35 Minolta
-20mm Minolta

price paid:

USD 320 used

positive:

-build
-price I bought it
-solid wide angle
-weight

negative:

-small distortion (but can be corrected)

comment:

My copy is very sharp. Bought to maintain compatibility with FF.
Im very happy withthis lens.

sharpness: 4 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 5 

user: RobY   review date: May-09-07  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

18-70 kit lens at wide end (a bit unfair)

price paid:

L420 (new)

positive:

Colour, lack of distortion when used carefully, fabulous on a film body.

negative:

Large protruding front element - be VERY careful. Extreme variable quality, test lens thoroughly and do not hesitate to return.

comment:

The rating I've given is for my 3rd example of this lens. The 1st was soft on the right side and sharp on the left - to a significant amount that was easily visible when viewed on a monitor without any "pixel peeping". After returning this lens I was sent another; and this was the exact opposite - soft on the left, but very sharp on the right.

At this point I contacted Sigma GB and under their instruction sent images and the lens back to them.

The 3rd lens I'm relieved to say is fine and is good to handle, even though the zoom ring is stiff and the CA is slightly worse than the others, you can't win 'em all!

My message is simple; if you get a good example it's great - but as it's designed for full frame it should be on APS-C! Make sure where you buy it from has an excellent reputation for returns!! You hopefully won't need it but I also thought that!

Having now used the lens on a A900 it has come into it's own - just mind not to get your feet in the frame. The softness at the edges can be a problem, but stop down and it improves; and like all W/A lens, you need to work at it to get decent shots - this will deliver like no other!

sharpness: 4 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 4 

user: maxfarphoto   review date: March-31-07  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

- KM 17-35 f2.8/4 (D)

price paid:

€ 480 (new)

positive:

- wide
- build
- low distorsion

negative:

- flare control sometimes

comment:

Much wider than KM 17-35 and much better on distorsion, I would say.
Excellent for street photo and city landscapes (I did good night shots in Hong Kong available at www.pbase.com/maxfar/asia)
Some flare problems easy to avoid anyway
Tested on film: incredible!
I recommend this lens

Edit 18/8/09
On A700 it is even better

Edit 01/05/11
On A850 is really superb, looking in its viewfinder at 12mm is a real experience I missed since the good times of Dynax 700si

sharpness: 4 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 3 

user: Reto   review date: March-26-07  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Minolta 20/2.8
Minolta 28/2

positive:

negative:

The lack of filter and the big protruding front lens element prevent the user from protecting the front glass.

comment:

The big protruding front element needs to be looked after carefully so it doesn't get any scratches or bump into things. It also is nearly impossible to avoid flaring to at least some unless extent, unless the sun is truly shining from your back.

sharpness: 4 

color: 4 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 4 

user: steen5   review date: March-06-07  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

price paid:

400

positive:

Quality product
Price

negative:

OK, but not as good as 24-60 regarding color and sharpness.

comment:

This lens is very usefull in indoor situation and landscapes. After having tried it, it can't leave your lens bag, as so many picturers need wider lenses than say 24mm.

Picture quality is OK in my opinion, but not on par with my 24-60mm 2.8, also Sigma. On the other hand, I do not use this lens nearly as much, and some good things re color and sharpnes can be done in Photoshop.
Recommended if you do not want to spend significantly more on a wide zoom.

sharpness: 4 

color: 4 

build: 5 

distortion: 3 

flare control: 3 

user: hotwire   review date: February-07-07  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Sigma 10-20
KM/Sony 11-18

price paid:

700 CAD (used)

positive:

Wide wide wide!
This lens is very well balanced on an a100 body, believe it or not.

negative:

Maybe a little slow.

comment:

Not as wide as the APS-C specific ultrawides at effective focal lengths, but if, or rather when there's a sony full frame... I don't even need to say anything further. For the here and now though, there's always film.

When shooting APS-C, you may think you can leave the slide-off stage of the hood/cap on. Even on APS-C it will vignette a little at 12mm, but the a100's LCD suggests it doesn't.

sharpness: 4.5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 4 

user: Dirk   review date: July-11-06  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

KM17-35//2.8-4(D)
KM 18-70 DT

positive:

Solid built and feel
Color rendition
Sharp from 12-24
No distortion
Compatible to 35mm and full frame

negative:

Hood + cap
No front filter possible

comment:

The main reason buying this lens for my 7D is both it's backward compatibility to 35mm and thus future FF joint.

On 35mm the results are stunning, 12 mm without noticeable distortion ! On the 7D it's still impressive with the 1.5 crop taken into account.

Already mentioned it's negleciable distortion. CA is very acceptable for this class of wide angle, and after some practice also predictable.

All shots done with it are tack sharp, both in 12 and 24. Best results are when stopped down to 7-8. Softness is no worse or better than KM 17-35. AF works very well, not the fastest I've experienced, but sure not slow, very acceptable for this lenses goal.

The color rendition compensates partly the lack of front filter adaption. This lens has character, sure ! compared to the 17-35, colors are much more vivid and intense.

This is a great lens for landscapes, architecture, city trips (did NYC with it!) and interiors. It's also usefull for group photo or funny portraits and stuff, exploiting it's wide angle behaviour.

sharpness: 3.5 

color: 3 

build: 4 

distortion: 4 

flare control: 4 

user: Kiklop   review date: May-24-06  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

- Minolta 17-35D
- Canon 10-20
- Nikon 14-24

price paid:

450 € (used)

positive:

Full frame glass
Excellent build
Sharp enough

negative:

Hood
Cap
Does not take filter
AF on the wide side

comment:

First the bad side .. I wonder who was the person who has decided about the way the hood, front filter and cap will be implemented? Stupid !! Stupid !!
With just a little bit of imagination and efforts Sigma may provided an option to use front filters with this lens. A pity.

As with some other sigma lenses there are (too) many lemons on the market and one should really be careful when purchasing. This is most probably the main reason I wouldn't recommend this lens to everyone: get it only if you have a good exchange policy.
Mine sample is pretty good except for the AF performance on the wide side: it is very unreliable. For me this isn't a big deal because I can either use MF or focus at 24mm and then zoom out (yes this lens is acting as a real parfocal lens)

It's a great lens. Build is excellent .. and a really great sample of EX line of lenses. Focus and zoom rings are stiff enough to provide a nice feel when using them.
Flare and CA is well controlled for such a wide end lens.
Sharpness is very good (especially stopped a bit down) but then again we can't expect the clarity of a 35/1.4 here.

I was considering other wide angle lenses too but have decided to go for this one because two reasons: I hope I will be able to use it on a FF DSLR one day; the range covered is enough to leave my 17-35 lens at home when needed.
**Full frame**
I didn't liked it on a900. Since i have invested in nikon equipment with Nikon 14-24 lens i do have higher expectation on what is possible to expect in this range and this lens wasn't near my expectations.

sharpness: 3.5 

color: 5 

build: 4 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 4 

user: Panito   review date: January-24-06  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

17-35/3.5 G
17-35/2.8-4 (D)
24/2.8
24-50/4

price paid:

617€

positive:

+ No distorsion
+ Very nice color
+ Full frame lens (the only one for extreme wide angle)

negative:

- Front filter
- Front caps (badly designed)

comment:

This lens is perfect for landscape and urban architecture, and give new perspectives for atypical portrait or group pictures. Sharpnes is OK but not excellent. In spite of this little weakness, I love this lens for its 12mm and its very well controlled distorsion.

sharpness: 4 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 3 

user: gm4jjj   review date: November-18-05  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

positive:

Low distortion

negative:

Prone to flare, Cannot use conventional filters

comment:

I am impressed by this lens. Distortion is very small even at wide angle of 12mm. Not anything like a fisheye! It is rectilinear.
Protuding front element means that a filter cannot be used at the front although a gelatin filter can be mounted on the rear (have not tried this). I would mostly want a protective filter on the front. Lens cap fits onto a collar that slips around the built in petal lens hood.

sharpness: 4 

color: 4 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 3 

user: aleksandr   review date: November-04-05  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

Sigma 14mm

positive:

WIDE rectilear with very little distortion

negative:

Little on the slow side and prone to flaring, though not more than the 14mm, say.

comment:

This is a great, BIG, lens which I highly recommend. Did I mention it's BIG? I've not had it for long but chose it over the 14mm sigma for the slight advantage is Wide-ness. It's a very sharp zoom, sharpest between f/11-16 but I usually want to get the most DoF with a wide-angle (this is also why the relative slow-ness of the 12-24 doesn't bother me). Wide open, there's softness at the edges due to shallower DoF, IMHO.

On a digital it gives the equivalent of 18mm with is very nice for interiors and architecture. I haven't run any slide film through my film-body but at 12mm it's probably amazing!
As far as flaring is concerned, listen: it's a wide-angle FF with a softball-sized spherical piece of glass bulging out the front!!! It does flare. A lot when pointed RIGHT AT THE SUN . . . Once you get the hang of it I'm sure that one can begin to predict when flaring will occur (I'm still trying because it's not as strait-forward as one may think!).
I haven't tried either the KM or Tamron 11-18 because the sigma's FF capability is essential to me. For those who don't still shoot film on occasion, or aren't waiting for a FF dSLR the KM/Tamron may be an alright choice as they are marginally smaller.

sharpness: 5 

color: 5 

build: 5 

distortion: 5 

flare control: 5 

user: hendric   review date: December-07-04  

tested on film camera:

tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP:

tested on full frame:24MP

compared to:

positive:

negative:

comment:

This lens is probably the best wideangle lens for its quality and price, that is on the market. Unfortunately minolta has nothing comparable. I bought this lens especially for my new dynax d7 camera and it produces outstanding results.