Sigma EX 10-20mm F3.5 DC HSM Review

General information

This is a zoom lens manufactured by Sigma and the lens was released 2008.
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 2008 Sigma wrote this regarding Sigma EX 10-20mm F3.5 DC HSM:

"f3.5 aperture throughout the entire zoom range and is perfect for low light photography. Sigma wide angle lenses accentuate the relationship of subjects within a photo and thus become an important creative tool. This Sigma fast fixed aperture makes photography easier for the photographer who wishes to precisely control their depth of field and also for working with non TTL Flash systems. Super Multi-layer coating reduces flare and ghosting, four aspherical lenses provide correction for distortion and inner focusing System eliminates front lens rotation and suitable for use of polarizing filters Perfect for shooting landscape photography, architecture, building interiors, photojournalism, wedding photography, group pictures and more.

A DC series lens designed exclusively for use with smaller chip APS-c cameras

Produces images with exaggerated perspective with its wide angle view from 102.4º

HSM (Hyper-Sonic Motor) ensures a quiet & high-speed auto focus

Two ELD (Extraordinary Low Dispersion) glass elements and one SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass element provides excellent color correction of aberrations

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/3,5.

The lens is to considered fairly bright.  This will make it so much easier shooting in darker environments where you do not want or can use flash lighting, for example in churches or at different sports venues.

A feature worth commenting, which is also related to lens brightness, is that the brightness and maximum aperture-value remains constant regardless of focal length used. This makes it easier for you as a photographer. No matter if you are have the focus ring and focal length at 10 mm or at 20 mm the aperture value can be f/3,5.

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 82 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 "LH873-01 202".

Images of Sigma EX 10-20mm F3.5 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.

  • Constant maximum aperture value regardless of focal length
  • Has a built-in autofocus motor
  • A lens hood is included
  • Works only on cameras with APS-C sensor
  • The lens is not sealed against moisture and dust
  • Heavy (520 gr)

Our Review Ratings

Time to grade Sigma EX 10-20mm F3.5 DC HSM.

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

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