Sigma EX 10-20mm F4-5.6 DC HSM Review

General information

This is a zoom lens manufactured by Sigma and the lens was released 2005.
The lens belongs to the category wide angle zoom lenses, a wide angle lens where you have the possibility to zoom in and out.

Product description from Sigma

At launch 2005 Sigma wrote this regarding Sigma EX 10-20mm F4-5.6 DC HSM:

"It’s important to have a high quality ultra-wide angle zoom in a lens kit. Sigma´s 10-20mm F4-5.6 EX DC ultra-wide zoom lens for digital SLR cameras is ideal for landscape photography, building interiors, group and party pictures and so much more. Great for working with close foreground subjects as this lens features a minimum focusing distance of 9.4” at all focal lengths ensuring great creative potential. The wide angle view of up to 102º also offers greater freedom of expression.

A DC series lens designed exclusively for use with smaller chip APS-c or 4/3 cameras

HSM (Hyper-Sonic Motor) allows for fast autofocus speeds & quiet shooting and is capable of full-time manual operation

Three aspherical lens elements offer excellent correction for distortion and Three SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass elements employed for effective compensation of color aberration

Internal Focusing System allows the convenient use of a polarizing filter for creative effects & improves the optical performance of the lens at various distances

Awarded the TIPA award, best consumer lens in Europe 2006

A lens hood, front/rear lens cap and carrying case are included with the lens."


Compatibility, autofocus and focal length

The lens is available for both Canon and Nikon cameras, but there are two different versions of this lens (one for each brand and mount) so it is important that you ask for and choose the right version when bying the lens.

This lens is designed and meant for Canon and Nikon cameras with a smaller sensor (often referred to as 'APS-C') which means that the lens does not fit all camera models. By clicking on the link below you can make sure that the lens works with your camera model and you should do an additional check with your local dealer as well, before you buy the lens just to be sure.

The ability to use autofocus is available for all cameras.

The lens has a focal length of 10-20 mm. Since the lens is designed to be used on a camera with smaller sensor ('APS-C') the focal length will be equivalent to 16-32 mm if you have a Canon camera or 15-30 mm if you have a Niko camera.

Lens brightness and image stabilizer

The lens brightness and aperture value is f/4-5,6.

This lens is not considered to have a good aperture value and brightness. It is something to consider before you purchase the lens. To compensate for this you might, while photographing in less favorable light conditions, be forced to either use higher ISO settings (which generates more noise in the image), slower shutter speeds (which may give some motion blur) or flash lightning. Read more at the link below what lens brightness means to you as a photographer.

One thing to consider is that the lens has a variable brightness, which means that depending on how much you are zooming the lens will have a different maximum aperture value. At 10 mm the lens brightness is f/4 and at 20 mm the brightness is f/5,6. Through the link below you can read more about what this could mean for you as a photographer.

The lens lacks image stabilization, which otherwise os good for avoiding the blur that can occur when using slow shutter speeds. 

Filter and Lens Hood

The lens has a traditional filter thread on the front and its measuring 77 mm which also the filter you will use must have. If you use for example an UV filter can be a cheap insurance against scratches and dust.

If you buy this lens it will come with a lens hood, whose model name is "LH825-04".

Images of Sigma EX 10-20mm F4-5.6 DC HSM

In order to see larger product images of the lens, click the link below.

Things to consider before buying

Below you will find some summarized points and facts that can be considered as the 'pros and cons' of this lens. These are based entirely on the facts and values that are accessible through the lens specification, so we highly recommend that you also read the reported reviews available (see tab 'Reviews'); this in order to get a more complete view of the lens and its capabilities. Reviewer opinions reflect the lens, its use and its optical performance in a more accurate way, but any way - here a few different points to consider before buying this lens.

  • The price (more info)
  • Has a built-in autofocus motor
  • A lens hood is included
  • Light weight (470 gr)
  • Works only on cameras with APS-C sensor
  • No built-in image stabilizer
  • Poor aperture value with its f/5,6
  • A variable lens brightness at different focal lengths
  • The lens is not sealed against moisture and dust

Our Review Ratings

Time to grade Sigma EX 10-20mm F4-5.6 DC HSM.

Build Quality     
Image Quality     
Autofocus     
Sharpness     
Versatility     
Value     
Overall rating 3 of 5

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