First we consider one thing, this light is already true only for the fact that with a little more or a little less than 500 euros, we are with a digital focal length 10mm (equivalent in size to a 135 mm 15), very good. Everything else is more or less.
Having need of a true wide angle after the transition to digital had translated my old 20mm in a 30mm, the solutions (for Nikon) were not many. Between expensive original Nikon 12-24, Sigma in the question and …… more or less empty, I chose the Sigma.
Certainly not the focal bright high (20mm 5.6 instead of 24 4) but less “demanding” from an economic standpoint, we talk about a difference of about 700. Among the ‘other colleague I had not mentioned anything good of Nikon.
The Sigma has a massive appearance, the slightly oversized barrel, the gold trim, the matte black paint with little clear points, the well made and robust a petal hood, give it a professional appearance.
The cap back I ‘ve been replaced with a cap Nikon not used because the’ original is very hard, imprecise and inconvenient to assemble and disassemble, the stopper front lacks in the fact that unlock the side, if we consider unsuitable always mounted hood, it was better to release a central (some may not be all nonsense ‘look at the design stage?).
The auto focus HSM (with engine internal) is extremely quiet and fast, very good. E ‘invece un po’ difficult manually to 10mm (mounted on a D200 with 11 focus points), in this case probably because of the depth and breadth of ‘framed area that makes small, therefore difficult to assess immediately if a fire or perfectly maybe slightly off. It takes a little ‘practice and training, or leave the autofocus that can be corrected manually.
Unfortunately there is not an end in the ring to focus manually so sometimes it happens to try to blur (or to focus on before) and nothing happens because you run the wrong direction (a matter of practice and habit).
L ‘Autofocus works as normal lightly pressing the shutter of the camera, the D200 does not work instead of the default’ auto button via the rear of ‘apparatus (AF-AL), but’ s service will ensure that it is a simple firmware update few minutes (but need assistance.) If they can do without.
Optically, we have a great goal that 10mm is not so “closed”, f 4 is acceptable to a wide angle all the more that Nikon would not have the best and I believe anyone else. Of course then the diaphragm closes inexorably while salt teleconverter to a 5.6 to 20mm. This is not a problem for many applications, it can become a little ‘in low light environments when we need a pair of diaphragms “security” for a better depth of field, so we should work at 8-11. Certain is that the focus could also mount a ‘different and more optical devices such as my old 20 2.8 or a zomm 17-55 2.8 or even a more “human and amateur” 18-70 f 3.5 ( sufficiently bright).
Attention to the sides and on the ground under their feet.
It can happen the first few times not to pay attention to the depth of field up to very peripheral zone and below. Being a wide angle spintissimo what is in focus from ‘infinity to 3 meters …… may not be in focus at 0.30!
Do not confuse this for a lack of definition.
Another precaution to use the flash (especially those built above the viewfinder the room but not only) could (certainly the one embedded) do not cover as wide focal length, and then give annoying although sometimes artistic areas’ shadow.
Sigma also provides a soft case but well made, attachable to a belt.
The Council for a good value for money. Of course a few minor defects but is perhaps more due to focal defects at large thrust faults that the ‘real object.
translated from ciao.it customer review.
