Sigma 10-20mm vs. Sigma 12-24mm

[Lyndon So]

Any opinions?

I've never touched either, but i'm in desperate need for a wide lens in the near future.

Width is basically what i'm looking for, which both have, but if the quality between the two is worth the price difference, I'll probaly make the jump.

Also, i'll be using flash with it for the most part. Will the short length have issues witha 430ex flash?


Thanks.

[Michael Chu]

I know that the Sigma 10-20 is meant for DSLR's only....while the 12-24 can also be mounted on a full-frame. So if you plan on upgrading to a full-frame body, then the 12-24 is your widest option. But 12 on full-frame is extremely wide.

I have a Tokina 12-24 that works absolutely great on my 20D. I have never needed anything wider than 12...I just take a step back if I do :). It's about the same price as the Sigma 10-20 but one real advantage (to me) is the constant f/4 aperture as opposed to Sigma's f/4-5.6.

As for flash, at 12mm, the flash isn't PERFECTLY even as most flash only zoom to 24mm at widest. But I think it looks perfectly fine.

Hope this helps!

[Daniel Buck]

I have the sigma 12-24, the only zoom I own. I only use it on the rare occasion I need to go super wide for a dramatic effect.

It's not the sharpest lens in the world, but even on a 1Ds2 it still holds detail, though it's a bit soft. It's the sharpest around F11-F16, from what I have seen (this is at 12mm, that I'm speaking of, I pretty much use it as a 12mm prime most of the time), you'll get decent results down to f4.5, but they will be pretty soft. I think wide open I notice a bit of 'off center' softness, like possibly mine has a missaligned lens piece inside or something, but it goes away as I stop down.

I'd go for the 12-24, in case you ever switch to a body that isn't cropped.

One thing I really love about the sigma 12-24, is the build quality, it's well built in my opinion. Everything has good resistance to it (focus and zoom) but it's still smooth, not skippy, gritty, or cheap feeling. I just wish all lenses had build quality like this, it's a real solid lens. Thats something I value in a lens, construction.

[Lyndon So]

i doubt i'll be making the transition to FF anytime soon. lol. i don't make that much through photography.

The flash issue doesn't really bother me too much. Most everything I'll be shooting with that lens will be dead in the middle, or at least i'll try to.

thanks.

[Lyndon So]

One thing I really love about the sigma 12-24, is the build quality, it's well built in my opinion. Everything has good resistance to it (focus and zoom) but it's still smooth, not skippy, gritty, or cheap feeling. I just wish all lenses had build quality like this, it's a real solid lens. Thats something I value in a lens, construction.
Is the build quality of the 12-24 that much better than the 10-20?

[Lyndon So]

excuse me, I should say which does AP think has better image quality. is the 200$ difference worth it?

[Jeremy Alan Glover]

I have the 10-20 and I really love it.. Ive shot two covers with it . Ive also put it on a film body..and it works except you get vignetting from 10 to about 12mm wich could be cool if your going for that look..lol

[Michael Chu]

I have the 10-20 and I really love it.. Ive shot two covers with it . Ive also put it on a film body..and it works except you get vignetting from 10 to about 12mm wich could be cool if your going for that look..lol

Did you have any clearance issues with the camera mirror and the rear lens element? Or is everything fine except the vignetting?

[Jeremy Alan Glover]

I just checked now to see..and as far as I can tell there is no issue with the mirro and element..Plus since its film you can crop out the vignetting while in the darkroom..

[Erik Anderson]

If you are looking at a 12-24, look into the Tokina. It's constant aperature is nice (f/4) and it's a very well built lense. You can check out the reviews on places like FM and it gets very high marks. As I recall its $500 new but you might be able to pick it up used (although I don't often find them used).

For the record, I have the Tokina version and am very happy with it.