Customer Reviews

Sigma 10mm f/2.8 EX DC HSM Fisheye Lens for Canon Digital SLR Cameras

5 star:		(19)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

First off, bear in mind that I purchased this Sigma fisheye to replace Nikon's 10.5mm f/2.8 fisheye. While I was happy with the Nikon's optical performance, I was disappointed with the AF design. Nikon's lens relies on the AF motor in the camera, which makes for noisy AF. In addition, this design precludes full-time manual focus touch-up. And finally, the lack of an in-lens focus motor precludes AF on the existing D40/D40x and new D60, as well as future Nikon DSLRs lacking an in-camera focus motor.

In any event, when Sigma announced their fisheye lens a few months ago, I decided that I would purchase one. And I am very happy with it! The HSM provides autofocus performance as fast as the Nikon (at least on my Nikon D300 DSLR), while being eerily quiet.

As for the optical quality, it appears to be virtually identical to Nikon's, which is to say excellent. Both lenses are slightly soft wide-open (i.e. at f/2.8), but sharpen considerably when close down one f-stop. Indeed, both lenses are almost as sharp at f/4 as they are at f/5.6.

Besides the built-in autofocus motor, another difference between Nikon and Sigma's fisheye lenses is the field-of-view (FOV). Sigma's lens is 0.5mm wider, and provides a small -- but definitely noticeable -- increase in the angle of view.

So, it all comes down to this:

* Do you currently own a D40/D40x/D60, or plan to purchase one?

* Do you prefer super-quiet AF to the noisy mechanical variety?

* Do you prefer a better-built lens?

The one advantage that Nikon's lens has is size/weight. While arguably not as durable and well-built as the Sigma, it is lighter and more compact. If this is important to you, then you may prefer the Nikon. (See the comparison photos I posted to see what I mean.)

As for Cons, there is one. Sigma's lens is, unfortunately, not weather-sealed. I was hoping that Sigma would at least utilize a gasket around the lens mount, but that is not the case. As such, I recommend against using this lens in rain/drizzle -- or in a super-humid environment. (It is important to note that Nikon's fisheye lens is not weather-sealed either, and also lacks a lens mount gasket.)

Apart from the one aforementioned complaint, I highly recommend the Sigma 10mm fisheye lens. It provides all of the performance/quality of Nikon's fisheye lens, while providing fast and quiet autofocus to owners of ALL Nikon DSLR's, including the D40/D40x/D60. You will not be disappointed!

I did a great deal of research before I bought this lens for my Canon Xsi (450D). It is my first Sigma lens (most others are Canon kit lenses - 18-55 mm; 55-250 mm along with a Lensbaby 2.0 and a Canon "Nifty Fifty" 50 mm 1.8 ) and I love it! I've already nicknamed it "The Tank" because it is hefty and well built(remember I am accustomed to kit lenses). It isn't the type of lens you keep on the camera all the time but it is definitely one that will go where ever the camera goes! I received it at 8 PM (dusk) and the street lights were already on but I got some acceptable shots with ambient light - it is fast and sharp, even at 100% crop and the focusing is decisive with no "hunting". If you enjoy images with non-traditional points of view this lens is worth it! I also like that it came with its own fitted, padded case - a must for a lens this expensive!

Build Quality and Optics are superb compared to that of the Nikon Lens. I wouldn't normally recommend a Sigma lens over a Nikon, but for this Lens I'll have to make an exception. Also autofocuses on the D40/x/60 which is a major plus for people using those cameras. You won't be disappointed with this lens!

I bought this Sigma 10mm f/2.8 full frame fisheye lens for use with my Canon 30D. I really like the lens image quality, build quality and overall operation. I've already taken some fun pictures with it. I use it to complement my Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6 wide angle zoom. If you like take unique photos with an unusual perspective, you'll enjoy the Sigma 10mm fisheye and it's amazing depth of field. The lens also comes with a nice fitted case.

I shopped around to get a fisheye that was exactly what I wanted. This is the one that I decided on. On an APS-C sized sensor, this will have the widest angle of view that I could find for sale. If you want that, get this lens. The problem is that there aren't too many uses for a near-180 degree field of view. I've used it for some candid, cheeky portraits but never for serious portraiture.

If you want to get a really wide angle lens, this is the one. Be prepared to crop way down into the center of the picture to minimize the distortion around the edges. Before dropping 700 bones, be sure that you WANT a fisheye. If you don't want a fisheye, you'll waste 700 bucks and a lot of space in your camera bag.

That said, this lens is so sharp. Even wide open (F/2.8) the depth of field is huge. From the front of the image to the very back the whole thing is sharp. If you expect some bokeh, you won't find it. I have a Sony Alpha and the HSM motor is the quietest AF I have ever heard. It is faster and quieter than my Sony kit lens. --And with the depth of field, you can afford to be a little off with the focus.

The Sigma 10mm Fisheye for the Canon EOS is a great lens that has a 167° viewing angle. It's a little disappointing that the same lens with a Nikon mount gets 180°, however, that's the choice that Sigma have made.

The one big drawback is that there is quite a bit of Chromatic aberration. However, a small amount of skill in Photoshop (or Gimp) will allow you to eliminate that.

That said, the Sigma 10mm Fisheye for the Canon is a great buy for the non-professional and will give you amazing wide-angle shots.

Note! This lens is for APS-C sensors - so buying it for any of the following cameras is probably a bad idea:

* EOS 1Ds MkIII (full-frame)

* 1D MkIV (APS-H)

* 5D MkII (Full Frame)

I was looking for a fisheye lens for my Canon XSi digital camera that would give me a lot distortion and interesting effects, like the 16mm lens I had used on my film camera. I first ordered the Canon EF 15mm f/2.8 Fisheye Lens for Canon SLR Cameras, but (I'm not much of a techno, so who knew?) it seems that the format of the camera influences these characteristics, and it was not extreme enough, so I returned it and got this Sigma lens. Love it! I've posted some photos here from my first outing, since that's what I wanted to see when I was making my decision. The lens seems well-made and sturdy, and comes with a nice case and dandy lens cap. Very happy with this lens!

I was going to purchase the Canon Fisheye but this seemed like it was wider and I was right. It's more dramatic than a typical digital fisheye i've tested out. You add the round border to it if you'd like. What I like best from it is the lens is really interchangeable, and I can quickly change it out if I want to shoot fisheye. I'm not an expert in photography, but I do love the hobby and this makes photography so much more fun.

If you are looking for a REALLY wide lens that's vert well built, then this is the lens for you. You can get as close as a few inches from your subject and still capture a wide field of vision. For videography, even a small pan gives a large visual scene change. And since it's soooo wide, everything remains in focus.

Built like a tank, fast and quiet autofocus, awesome optics. Beefier than the Nikon, the Sigma 10mm fish eye is an amazingly flexible lens. Well worth the investment!