Super Multi Coating reduces flare and ghosting that tends to occur when using digital SLR cameras.

When used with a 35mm or full-frame digital SLR camera, this ultra wide angle zoom lens offers 122 degree super wide angle of view along the diagonal axis.

Sigma will always be guaranteed a place in the history books as pioneers of the wide-angle zoom lens. Our advanced super wide angle technology was developed far earlier than any of our competitors.
Sigma designed and produced the first wide-angle zoom lens, the «zoom gamma 21-35mm F3.5-4.2», in 1979. The wide-angle zoom category didn’t even exist before this date. The market comprised only standard and telephoto zoom lenses with most people believing that wide angle zooms were impossible to develop. However Sigma’s advanced design and pioneering technology went on to prove them wrong and strongly influence subsequent product development.

Optimized for Digital SLR Cameras
Four Special Low Dispersion (SLD) glass elements are provided for effective compensation of color aberration, which is a common problem with super-wide angle lenses. Three Aspherical lenses, including two molded glass aspherical lens elements, offer excellent correction for linear distortion as well as all types of aberration. It is an ideal lens for Digital SLR Cameras as well as film SLR cameras.

HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor)
Equipped with Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) for Sigma, Nikon and Canon.
It is easy to revert to Manual Focus by simply turning the focusing ring and overriding the AF. An inner focus system provides high performance and convenience. The non-rotating lens barrel perfectly suits the matched petal shaped lens hood.

Minimum focusing distance of 28cm/11in. at all focal lengths.
12-24mm F4.5-5.6 EX DG lens offers a minimum focusing distance of 28cm/11in. at all focal lengths.
The super-wide angle’s useful range of view offers the photographer greater freedom of expression.

Fixed Petal-type hood is incorporated
This lens is equipped with a fixed Petal-type hood to obtain a superior extraneous light-blocking effect.

12-24mm F4.5-5.6 EX DG ASPHERICAL HSM LENS RECEIVES EISA EUROPEAN LENS OF THE YEAR 2004-2005 AWARD.
The 12-24mm F4.5-5.6 EX DG ASPHRICAL HSM ultra-wide zoom lens, with an incredible 122-degree angle of view, wins EISA EUROPEAN LENS OF THE YEAR 2004-2005 award. EISA is the largest editorial multimedia organisation in Europe, with a membership of fifty Audio, Mobile Electronics, Video and Photo magazines drawn from twenty European countries. Every year, the EISA Awards celebrate new photographic products such as interchangeable lenses, digital and film compact and SLR cameras. The Awards applaud the products that combine the most advanced technology with the most desirable features. The lens was awarded this prestigious title because of its incredible 12mm focal length, its suitability for both digital and traditional film SLRs and its excellent correction of distortion and flare and last but not least, its reasonable price.

12-24mm F4.5-5.6 EX DG ASPHERICAL HSM won “Camera Grand Prix 2004″ award fro m Camera Press Club (Japan)
12-24mm F4.5-5.6 EX DG ASPHERICAL HSM awarded Camera Grand Prix 2004 Special Prize by Camera Press Club. Except fish-eye lenses, this super-wide angle lens is the only lens that has 12mm focal length and can be used with Digital SLR cameras as well as film SLR cameras. Special Low Dispersion (SLD) glass elements are provided for effective compensation of color aberration, which is a common problem with super-wide angle lenses.

Read more at Sigma

Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the new Sigma 10-20mm F3.5 EX DC HSM. This super-wide angle lens has a maximum aperture of F3.5 throughout the entire zoom range.

With its wide angle view from 102.4 degrees it can produce striking images with exaggerated perspective. The maximum aperture of F3.5 is ideal for indoor shooting and it enables photographers to emphasize the subject. Two ELD (Extraordinary Low Dispersion) glass elements and a SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass element provide excellent correction of color aberration. Four aspherical lenses provide correction for distortion and allow compact and lightweight construction. The Super Multi-Layer coating reduces flare and ghosting. High image quality is assured throughout the entire zoom range. The incorporation of HSM (Hyper-Sonic Motor) ensures a quiet and high-speed auto focus as well as full-time manual focusing capability. This lens has a minimum focusing distance of 9.4 inches (24cm) throughout the entire zoom range and a maximum magnification ratio of 1:6.6. The lens design incorporates an inner focusing system which eliminates front lens rotation, making the lens particularly suitable for using the Petal-type hood and polarizing filter. The Petal-type hood blocks extraneous light and reduces internal reflection.

Read more at Sigma

Super wide-angle zoom lens designed exclusively for digital SLR cameras.

This ultra-wide zoom lens has a wide angle of view from 102.4 – 63.8 degrees (when Sigma mount is used) and it is exclusive to digital SLR cameras. SLD glass elements effectively compensate color aberration. Aspherical lenses provide maximum correction for distortion and various aberrations; high image quality is displayed throughout the entire zoom range. The HSM equipped models makes fast AF speeds and quiet shooting a reality, and it is also capable of full-time manual focus. It has a minimum focusing distance of 9.4″ (24cm) at all focal lengths. It is also equipped with an integral Petal-type hood to block out extraneous light.

Ultra-wide zoom lens
10-20mm F4-5.6 EX DC HSM lens allows enjoyment of super wide-angle photography and it is a very powerful tool for indoor shooting and landscape photography with APS-C size image sensors of digital SLR cameras. Wide angle of view 102.4-63.8 degrees (for Sigma mount) offers the photographer greater freedom of expression.

Most Appropriate Coating for Digital SLR Cameras
The new multi layer lens coating and lens design reduce flare and ghost, which is a common problem with digital cameras and also creates an optimum color balance through the entire zoom range.

The best possible correction of aberrations
Three SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass elements are employed for effective compensation of color aberration, which is a common problem with super-wide angle lenses. One piece of glass mold and two hybrid aspherical lenses, offer excellent correction for distortion, as well as all types of aberration.

Inner focus system
This lens incorporates an internal focusing system, which eliminates front lens rotation allowing the use of a Petal-type Hood and also minimize fluctuation of aberration caused by focusing system.

HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor)
The HSM equipped models ensure a silent, high-speed AF function as well as full-time manual focusing capability for Sigma, Canon, and Nikon-D mount lenses.

Minimum focusing distance of 9.4″ (24cm) at all focal lengths
This lens has a minimum focusing distance of 9.4″ (24cm) throughout the entire zoom range.

Read more at Sigma

Reviews

Sigma 10-20mm 1:4-5.6 EX DC HSM review by Andy Westlake, March 2009 (DPReview.com)

The Sigma 10-20mm F4-5.6 EX DC HSM is, on paper at least, a very attractive option for APS-C users looking for an ultra-wideangle zoom. The standout selling points are undoubtedly that 10mm wideangle view and the HSM focusing motor, which when coupled with Sigma’s traditionally keen pricing, makes for a compelling overall package. In the flesh that promise is to a great extent realized; optically the lens is a solid if not outstanding performer, build quality is up to Sigma’s usual standards, and the focusing is indeed fast, silent and accurate. So far, so good.

Delve a little deeper, though, and problems start to appear. Distortion at wideangle, with its hefty barrel effect localized towards the corners of the frame, can be highly detrimental for architectural shots, and to compound the issue it’s difficult to correct in software. But the bigger question mark hangs over the lens’s sharpness, and in particular its inconsistency through the zoom range and across the frame. It’s fine at 10mm and between 17 and 20mm, where stopped down to F8 or F11 results are firmly within the ‘green zone’ on our widget (corresponding to a critically sharp print of at least 12″ x 8″ / 30 x 20 cm). But in the intermediate range it’s simply soft across much of the frame, even at F11. This is compounded by curvature of field effects which can lead to some odd real-world results, as objects which would be expected to fall within the depth of field can sometimes be rendered unexpectedly soft. As a result, extra care in focusing is advisable, especially when shooting at relatively close distances – in such instances it’s best to use off-centre focus points (or even better, manual focus in live view) to make sure the subject is properly sharp.

Comparison to other wideangle zooms we’ve tested recently suggests the Sigma’s class-leading days may be numbered. On APS-C, it simply can’t match the biting central sharpness of the Tamron 10-24mm F3.5-4.5 Di-II in the 10-18mm range (for which, we suspect, users will mainly be buying this type of lens), and has more problematic distortion characteristics. However in a typical case of swings and roundabouts, the Sigma shows superior sharpness when shot wide open, and is better in the corners of the frame at all settings; it also has lower chromatic aberration, is better built and uses a superior focusing system. On Four Thirds, the new Olympus Zuiko Digital ED 9-18mm F4-5.6 offers a wider angle of view and markedly superior optics in a lighter and more compact package; so while it’s more highly priced, on balance it’s a better buy for most users.

So overall the Sigma 10-20mm F4-5.6 EX DC HSM is a solid, well-built lens with good operational characteristics, which justifies its popularity with generally decent imaging results. While its long-running unique selling point of being the only third-party 10mm zoom has now disappeared, and it faces strong competition from Tamron’s 10-24mm, the different characteristics of the two lenses means it’s still a good option for APS-C users looking for the widest of ultra-wideangle zooms. It may no longer necessarily be the leader of the pack, but it’s still well worth considering.

Conclusion – Pros

• Equal widest angle in its class.
• Very low chromatic aberration.
• Fast and silent HSM autofocus.
• Good build quality.

Conclusion – Cons

• Rather inconsistent sharpness (partially due to curvature of field).
• Pronounced, complex distortion at 10mm.

Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6 EX DC Interchangeable Lens Review by ephotozone.com

With the wide field of view that this lens gives the digital SLR owners that require panoramic style angles, this lens is an answer to their prayers. The performance is excellent and the size and weight is little more than a standard zoom. Aimed at an area where there are no contenders stepping down from the 35mm arena and fulfilling a definite need, Sigma should be onto a winner here.

In summary the main positive points of the Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6 EX DC are:
Good performance, nudging excellent at the wide end.

• Ability to use standard filters
• Weight, size and handling
• Price

Negative points are:

• Softish edges in middle of range.
• Slight pincushion at 20mm end.

With a host of brand new features designed to enhance every facet of the photographic process, from still images to video, the new EOS 7D represents a whole new class of camera.

Made to be the tool of choice for serious photographers and semi-professionals, the EOS 7D features an all-new 18.0 Megapixel APS-C size CMOS sensor and Dual DIGIC 4 Image Processors, capturing tremendous images at up to ISO 12800 and speeds of up to 8 fps. The EOS 7D has a new all cross-type 19-point AF system with improved AI Servo II AF subject tracking and user-selectable AF area selection modes for sharp focus no matter the situation. The EOS 7D’s Intelligent Viewfinder, an entirely newly-designed technology, provides 100% coverage and displays user-selected AF modes as well as a spot metering circle and on demand grid lines. New iFCL Metering with 63-zone dual-layer metering system uses both focus and color information to provide accurate exposure even in difficult lighting. The EOS 7D also captures Full HD video at 30p (29.97 fps), 24p (23.976 fps) and 25p with an array of manual controls, including manual exposure during movie shooting and ISO speed selection. The EOS 7D features a magnesium alloy body that is dust- and weather-resistant and shutter durability of up to 150,000 cycles. Compatible with over 60 EF and EF-S lenses as well as with EOS System accessories, the creative opportunities – not just with stills but also with video – are beyond amazement.

Read more at Canon USA
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Canon’s update to the wildly popular full frame EOS 5D is here, and it’s better than ever. The EOS 5D Mark II has a stunning 21.1-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor with DIGIC 4 Image Processor, a vast ISO Range of 100-6400 (expandable to ISO L: 50, H1: 12800 and H2: 25600), plus EOS technologies like Auto Lighting Optimizer and Peripheral Illumination Correction. It supports Live View shooting, Live View HD videos, and more. It can shoot up to 3.9 fps, has 9 AF points plus 6 AF assist points, a new 98% coverage viewfinder, a 3.0-inch Clear View LCD (920,000 dots/VGA) and a rugged build. Full-frame shooters rejoice!

• 21.1 Megapixel Full-frame CMOS sensor, 14-bit A/D conversion (16,384 colors/each of 3 primary color), wide range ISO setting of 100-6400 (expandable L: 50, H1: 12800 and H2: 25600).
• Full HD Video capture at 1920 x 1080 resolution for up to 4GB per clip with HDMI output for HD viewing of stills and video.
• Next generation DIGIC 4 Image Processor for faster processing of fine detail and color reproduction as well as reduced image noise.
• High performance with 3.9 fps continuous shooting, new shutter with a durability of 150,000 cycles and improved weather-resistant body.
• Live View Function for stills (Quick, Live and Face Detection AF modes) and video.
• 3.0-inch Clear View LCD (920,000 dots/VGA) monitor with anti-reflective and scratch-resistant coatings for improved viewing and smudge protection.
• Updated EOS Integrated Cleaning System specifically designed to work with a full-frame sensor.
• Compatible with over 60 Canon EF Lenses and most EOS System accessories.
• Highest ISO Range to Date.
• 21.1 Megapixel Full-frame CMOS sensor, 14-bit A/D conversion (16,384 colors/each of 3 primary color), wide range ISO setting of 100-6400 (expandable L: 50, H1: 12800 and H2: 25600).

The EOS 5D Mark II features a huge, full-frame sensor. A 21.1-megapixel CMOS sensor delivers images of up to 5616 x 3744 pixels. And since it is full-frame, all lenses will deliver the angle of view they would on a 35mm camera without a conversion factor. This comes in handy especially when shooting with wide-angle lenses. For the flexibility to shoot in even the most dimly lit situations, the EOS 5D Mark II offers Canon’s highest ISO sensitivity to date, ranging from 100-6400 (expandable to ISO L: 50, H1: 12800 and H2: 25600). Thanks to improved noise reduction technologies, images shot even at highest sensitivity will be remarkably smooth.

Read more at Canon USA
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