Sigma 12-24mm f/4.5-5.6 EX DG HSM
Sigma 12-24mm f/4.5-5.6 EX DG HSM is the world’s widest rectilinear lens for a 35mm SLR. The previous widest lens was Nikon’s 13mm f/5.6 AI-s manual focus lens which would cost you at about $15,000. The Sigma 12-24mm f/4.5-5.6 has Four Special Low Dispersion (SLD) glass elements for effective compensation of color aberration, which is a common problem with super-wide angle lenses. Two pieces of molded glass and three aspherical lenses, including two molded glass aspherical lens elements, offer excellent correction for linear distortion as well as all types of aberration.
This lens is quite big, but amazingly it is not heavy at all. With Canon EOS 5D, the Sigma 12-24mm f/4.5-5.6 EX DG is perfectly well-balanced. It’s also sturdy and cosmetically good in crackle-gray finish with heavily ribbed, rubberized, smooth-turning zoom and focus rings.
Real world photos of Sigma 12-24mm f/4.5-5.6 EX DG with Canon EOS 5D
Sunrise at Kintamani, Bali – Indonesia
Canon EOS 5D with Sigma 12-24mm @ 17mm f/16
Sunrise at Kintamani, Bali – Indonesia
Canon EOS 5D with Sigma 12-24mm @ 12mm f/16
More real world samples are available at the end of this post..
Test Photos of Sigma 12-24mm f/4.5-5.6 EX DG with Canon EOS 5D
Photos below are shot in RAW with daylight WB, Neutral picture style with 0 saturation, 0 sharpness. No post processing or Unsharp Mask filter applied.
Sigma 12-24mm f/4.5-5.6 EX DG @12mm
Sigma 12-24mm f/4.5-5.6 EX DG @12mm: 100% Center Crop at f/4.5
Sigma 12-24mm f/4.5-5.6 EX DG @12mm: 100% Corner Crop at f/4.5
Sigma 12-24mm f/4.5-5.6 EX DG @12mm: 100% Center Crop at f/5.6
Sigma 12-24mm f/4.5-5.6 EX DG @12mm: 100% Corner Crop at f/5.6
Sigma 12-24mm f/4.5-5.6 EX DG @12mm: 100% Center Crop at f/8.0
Sigma 12-24mm f/4.5-5.6 EX DG @12mm: 100% Corner Crop at f/8.0
Sigma 12-24mm f/4.5-5.6 EX DG @12mm: 100% Center Crop at f/11
Sigma 12-24mm f/4.5-5.6 EX DG @12mm: 100% Corner Crop at f/11
Sigma 12-24mm f/4.5-5.6 EX DG @12mm: 100% Center Crop at f/16
Sigma 12-24mm f/4.5-5.6 EX DG @12mm: 100% Corner Crop at f/16
Sigma 12-24mm f/4.5-5.6 EX DG @12mm: 100% Center Crop at f/22
Sigma 12-24mm f/4.5-5.6 EX DG @12mm: 100% Corner Crop at f/22
Sigma 12-24mm f/4.5-5.6 EX DG @17mm
Popularity: 6%
See also: Canon | Digital Camera | Lens Reviews | Sigma Lenses
I have more real world samples using the Sigma lens at these two links:
http://www.thkimdesigns.com/wordpress/2007/07/04/4th-of-july-2007/
http://www.thkimdesigns.com/wordpress/2007/07/03/pike-place-market-seattle/
I think its a cool lens!
Todd.. Thanks for the links, some good photos you’ve got there!
What camera do u use?
thanks! i use a canon 5d .. glad i found your site
Excellent review – I’m really thrilled with your landscape shots – your B&W versions are splendid.
I was looking for a wide angle for my 5d to cover weddings – considered the 17-40L before finding this review. Choices…
I have just received this lens two days ago and I’ve got to say that it’s heaps better than the results posted here. First thing I did within 30 minutes was some test shots at 12mm and F4.5 and F11 – I was relieved that I clearly have a good sample. I get some vignetting wide open at 12mm on FF, but sharpness does not fall off anything like what’s published above. Also vignetting is pretty much gone by F11 and good sharpness in the corner. Either I have a super sample or above is a particular bad one. Mine is a Nikon and mounted on D700. Early days, but I know that I am going to have fun and also be pleased by the results. This lens will create perspectives that I crave for. What isn’t mentioned much is the amazing low distortion this lens had, even at 12mm. BTW, as a comparison I also have a Nikkor 17-35mm F2.8 and Nikkor 16mm F2.8 Fishy.
I have posted the results of test pics I took within 30 minutes of receiving it. Even going 100% pixel view on D700 right away, and I knew this was a goodie.
http://www.customanalogue.com/joes_photos/sigma_12-24.htm